The kitchen is central in the home; we enjoy food and conversation. Designing this space involves multiple things, including what features to include, like pull-outs and utensil drawers. Specific design features turn an ordinary kitchen into the heart of the home, such as certain woods for the cabinets or countertop material. Personalizing your space with the features you love transforms your kitchen into a favorite gathering place for everyone. There are numerous ways to achieve the look you love, but we thought we would focus on some of the more popular features in the kitchen. Let’s see what they are and how they might be used in your upcoming renovation.
Pull-out drawers
This feature remains a popular one, along with roll-outs, since it provides the perfect solution to storage needs for any age. The younger members of your family can quickly pull out a snack plus see all their options in one easy movement, and for the more mature, it lets them know what they need without having to get down on the floor to pull out every item to get to what they wanted. Pull-outs are suitable for lower cabinets and pantries and can accommodate various needs, including food items, pots and pans, dishes, etc. A favorite is, the pull-out spice rack, which lets them quickly reach any spice. Traditionally, they are located near the stove since that is where they will be used most. These pull-outs are not limited to spices, baking materials, and large utensils such as spatulas and spoons. Some homeowners and designers have gotten creative by using a pull-out to store all their cleaning supplies, which solves the messy kitchen sink cabinet. Our designers have completed multiple projects using pull-outs, and our clients love them.
Larder cabinet
Food storage is a priority in the kitchen; after all, where would we keep all the ingredients for those fantastic meals? Traditional cabinets are great for storing dishes, pots, pans, platters, and the always essential food containers, but not necessarily cans, flour, sugar, and boxed pasta. This is where a larder cabinet matters. It is a cabinet, typically full-height, that is dedicated solely to various food items. It can be free-standing or incorporated into the cabinet design, a favorite choice for our clients. Because they are shielded from the sun’s rays, they are placed to store items in an excellent, dry space. A larder cabinet can also be fitted with roll-outs, making it super simple to keep track of everything you have, which reduces food waste. Even if you have a pantry, having a larder cabinet allows you to separate your items, such as canned goods and dry ingredients, from others, like snacks and bagged items. Our experienced team at Greenbrook Design can help you create just the right size and style for your kitchen.
Drop in front of the apron sink
The kitchen sink is a staple for your design as it is where food is rinsed, hands are washed, and dishes are cleaned. For many years, there were limited options for the sink, but now companies offer various styles and sizes. The farmhouse design has remained a beautiful choice for many homeowners who love the calm and charm vibes it provides. This brought back the classic drop-in front apron sink style, but it is not limited to white. Stainless steel, porcelain, natural stone, and even copper. They are a beautiful touch to your home and bring unique character to the space. Plus, they add a little hint of fixer-upper to your home!
Quarter-sawn white oak cabinets
These are not your mom’s oak cabinets. Quarter-sawn white oak is a trending material for kitchen cabinet design. It is a stunning choice with elegant green lines that add texture and visual interest to the kitchen. The soft color scheme is another plus; it immediately lightens and brightens a space. It can also go with a wide variety of design styles like farmhouse and traditional, as well as materials such as glass and metal. Quarter-sawn white oak is a good choice for two-toned kitchens, which are still trending. Opting for painted perimeter cabinets and a quarter-sawn white oak island makes a dramatic statement everyone will love. Browse places like Pinterest and Houzz for inspiration.
Under cabinet lighting
Lighting is critical in places like the kitchen, which is usually task-oriented. Under cabinet lighting, often called task lighting, makes it easier and even safer to complete chores like cutting foods and cooking meals because those concealing shadows are pushed away. Homeowners are realizing the value of including these in their kitchen renovation projects. Under cabinet lighting works well in the evening, , as a soft light option,, meaning you can find what you need and move around quickly without having those bright lights turned on. Talk to your designer about including them in your upcoming project.
Gentle spray kitchen faucet
We know the kitchen sink matters, but so does the faucet. More homeowners opt for a gentle spray kitchen faucet option that minimizes splashes and works well when rinsing dishes and food. As it is used throughout the day for various tasks, having a gentle spray option is excellent for kids and those who enjoy cooking. Manufacturers have created multiple styles and finishes to accommodate customers’ demands, so you should have no problem finding one you like. There are also several that come equipped with intelligent features like touch buttons and even different faucet widths. Find the one you love for your kitchen sink.
Nature-inspired quartz surfacing and veined
Countertops are considered the kitchen’s workhorse as everything from food prep to family gatherings is done on and around it. Nature-inspired design is a big trend this year, and its influence is reaching countertop choices as homeowners look for beautiful, natural, or organic veins. Quartz is currently one of the top options, especially since it is durable and low maintenance. Neutral colors inspired by nature and texture, such as matte surfaces, are also trending. These options also work well with multiple design styles and layouts, making them versatile pieces for the outcome. Your designer will know where to look and what to recommend for your personal preference and layout.
Which is your favorite feature?
The kitchen is one of the most functional areas in the home because it serves so many needs. It is where we cook for our family, host special gatherings, and celebrate the wins. This is why including these features matters: creating a kitchen that works for and with you, leaving you more time for the things that matter. Take time to evaluate your space and the things you do every day so that when you come to your design meeting, you can share exactly what you need with your design, and they can tailor your space for you. We invite you to visit our showroom in Shelby, NC, and browse our numerous displays.