Remodeling on a budget or building your dream kitchen? You'll want to make sure to read all these tips to designing your new kitchen before you start!
DRAWERS OVER DOORS
Cabinets are so essential for our kitchens, but the wrong layout or the wrong type can render an area completely useless for your needs. Drawers are becoming so much more popular over traditional door cabinets on the lowers for a reason. They provide ample storage and ease! Typically the top drawer is smaller- great for heating pads, utensils etc. The second two drawers are deeper. But its your kitchen and you can design these drawers how you prefer!
Things you can store in your drawers
- heavy pots and pans
- separate draw for pan lids
- tupperware stays so much more organized!
- Store things like water bottles, and even your dinnerware
(this is a deep drawer so bottles can both stand up or lay down. Use little organizers for lids and straws.)
Another great use for deep drawers is keeping your kids dishes accessible.
BUTLERS PANTRY
ok, ok, butlers pantries have been around for centuries right? But right now they are also so very popular. The idea of getting all the small appliances off the counter and placed in a convenient out-of-sight closet sounds amazing. If you have the budget and the space for this in your remodel or build I highly recommend doing it! If you're like me, did not have either (space or budget) Do it in your pantry! It's as simple as adding an outlet, and possibly removing a shelf so there is enough height.
BUILT IN APPLIANCES
I have a post about the appliances I chose and why coming up, but in the mean time it was surprising to find prices for built-in's. Don't immediately rule them out as too fancy and pricy. Our fridge and microwave were about the same as regular appliances, they are larger and fit well with the layout, plus gorgeous. However, I found built- in ovens (wall oven) were much more pricey than the range I ultimately went with. So before you rule out these appliances double check your prices! They are so beautiful when they fit right in.
OTHER CABINETRY MUST HAVES!
I LOVE these slots for my baking sheets. You dont have to have custom built cabinetry for these either. There are kits online and at your hardware store.
HIDDEN TRASH CANS
This has also been life changing. The garbage is hidden and dogs and babies stay out of it! haha Again, you can install your own with a kit from your local hardware store and I HIGHLY recommend it.
WHAT KIND OF SINK AND HOW MANY!
OH the sink question... and I have a more in-depth post on this too coming up. Figure out your needs first. I decided ONE sink (less maintenance) and to keep it in my island. I chose to keep it in my island because it is central. I didnt want my back turned to my kids while doing dishes, or turned from my guests while entertaining.
I love this Elkay sink, without any dividers. I can place my big pans in the sink and scrub away! It's been amazing.
CONSIDER A DRINKING FOUNTAIN?
Think of all the cups you will not have to wash. A drinking fountain has had more use than I ever thought! We placed ours right around the corner of our kitchen where kids can run in and grab a drink from outside or from the island. It's never far away. Elkay has this amazing drinking fountain + water bottle filler that both cools and filters your water. It was a no brainer when we finally decided on what kind of fountain we wanted. Your family will love the addition. You can place it in your pantry, by a laundry room or bathroom- wherever there is a water source fairly close.
Leave Us A Comment!
Find this post helpful? Have a tip for a fellow friend LEAVE A COMMENT below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to see what else we’re getting up to!
Olivia Smart says
Thank you for pointing out that you can have more than one sink in your kitchen. I think that one is enough, but we do may a lot of pasta. So maybe having a faucet over by our stove could be a good investment. https://asherremodeling.com/kitchen/
Elina Brooks says
It's good that you highlighted the importance of cabinets in the kitchen, which is why we need to make sure that we get the right layout and the right type for it if we want to achieve a functional kitchen. I want to slowly work on renovating the house since it's already quite old, so I plan to start with our kitchen first this April. I'll make sure to take note of what you said while I look for remodeling contractors to hire soon. http://premierccm.com/kitchen-remodeling
Elina Brooks says
I'm thinking of giving my kitchen a makeover after the holidays, so I'm currently looking for a remodeling contractor to hire soon so we can discuss my plans and the design I have in mind. I'm grateful that you recommended we opt for drawers rather than traditional door cabinets since they provide ample storage and ease without having to worry about doing the wrong layout. I'll keep this in mind and consider this once I find a remodeling contractor to hire soon.
Kitchen Remodel Austin says
Thanks for sharing such an amazing article. These kitchen remodeling tips are really great and I believe that by following those tips professionals are able to enhance their skills.
Olivia Smart says
I liked your idea to have custom cabinets for baking sheets. I have always struggled with finding places to put my baking sheets, but never considered something quite like this. It seems like it could be the perfect addition to our kitchen remodel.
Caroline Jensen says
These tips are great! I am not much of a designer, so this article helped me figure out what type of feel I want to give! Working with a is best, so I'll use all the advice given to make it a reality!
Luke Smith says
I loved how you talked about having built-in appliances, making your kitchen nice, beautiful and cost-effective. My dream house is on its way to get established, and I'm looking into some of the most gorgeous kitchen designs. That being said, I'll make sure to find a kitchen showroom in the market in order for me to get ideas.
Tex Hooper says
I like the idea of hiding trash cans in compartments. That should make the kitchen look a lot cleaner. I'll have to consider getting a kitchen specialist to help me with a redesign.
Cheryl Lemily says
Great tip!! My kitchen gets so crazy sometimes! I am planning to redecorate my kitchen, so thank you for these tips for designing a new kitchen.
Heidi Doxey says
Currently in remodel mode over here. Love your ideas. Where did you get your trash cans? I need to buy some this week so we can design our pull out that it needs to fit inside.
Desarae says
Heidi, they came with our cabinets from the cabinet maker. These trash can systems come as a set usually with the rollers and the cans!
Queen says
your kitchen turned out beautiful!!
Rosa R says
Love love your kitchen! We’re looking for a bigger house and the first thing I’m redoing is the kitchen. Thanks for giving me ideas and answers to some of my questions.