Design Notes
Thinking about remodeling your kitchen? If so, you’re likely wondering what “insider secrets” designers rely on to create beautiful, functional spaces. Our design team has worked on countless projects, and we’re here to share the top ten recommendations we give our clients—tips that can make a big difference in the outcome of your kitchen.
First and foremost, we always recommend investing in high-quality cabinetry. Cabinets form the backbone of any kitchen design, significantly impacting both aesthetics and functionality. While appliances can be upgraded over time, cabinetry is a long-term investment that should be built to last. Choosing well-crafted cabinets now will provide the durability and style that stands the test of time.
Read on for more of our expert tips to help guide your kitchen renovation with confidence.
Define The Work Zones Early:
One of the most critical elements of a successful kitchen design is thoughtful planning around how you use the space. Be sure to have an open conversation with your designer about your cooking habits, cleaning routines, and how you entertain. This dialogue helps create a kitchen layout that works with your lifestyle—not against it.
In particular, consider designating zones for different tasks, such as food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and serving. This is especially important in a two-cook kitchen, where efficient workflow can help avoid congestion and frustration. One design feature we often recommend is adding a prep sink on one end of the island. This small addition creates a dedicated prep area that allows for more workspace and enables seamless, family-style serving during gatherings.
Designing for real-life use, not just appearance, is what turns a good kitchen into a great one.
Plan Storage For Everything!
Once your kitchen layout is finalized, it’s time to think strategically about storage—especially for those hard-to-store items that often get overlooked. Crockpots, griddles, oversized pitchers, cake stands, and mismatched lids can quickly become clutter if not given a designated place.
If you have access to a pantry or utility closet, that can be an ideal solution. However, if space is limited, your designer can help integrate smart storage solutions directly into your cabinetry. Custom pullouts, deep drawers, adjustable shelving, and specialty inserts can be tailored to fit your needs, ensuring that even the most awkward items have a functional and organized place. Proper planning now prevents frustration later and helps keep your kitchen efficient and tidy.
Integrate Deep Cabinets:
Making the most of your cabinetry’s depth and height can significantly increase your kitchen’s storage potential. One way we achieve this is by incorporating refrigerator side panels into our standard design process. These panels not only provide a clean, finished look by concealing the sides of the appliance but also allow for a deeper cabinet above the refrigerator—ideal for storing less frequently used items.
Additionally, we design all tall cabinets and side panels to be at least 26″ deep. This ensures that countertops align flush with cabinetry, rather than protruding past it, resulting in a more cohesive and seamless finish. These thoughtful adjustments may seem minor, but they contribute to a more functional, polished, and customized kitchen.
Use Pantry and Spice Pullouts, One Of Our Favorite Design Tips:
Hide Appliances With Integrated Panels Or Closures, One Of Our Popular Design Tips:
Appliance panels have become a popular design feature in many of our kitchen installations—and for good reason. Covering appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and warming drawers with matching cabinet panels creates a clean, cohesive look throughout the kitchen. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, many homeowners appreciate how panels reduce the appearance of smudges and fingerprints, making everyday maintenance easier.
Another rising trend is the inclusion of hidden storage for small appliances. Planning cabinetry that conceals items like microwaves, coffee makers, blenders, and toasters behind pocket or lift-up doors helps maintain an uncluttered countertop and a more streamlined design. These thoughtful details not only enhance the appearance of your kitchen but also enhance its day-to-day functionality.
Discover how beautiful cabinetry makes a statement with this feature.
Plan Ahead For Optimal Lighting:
Lighting is one of the most overlooked yet essential elements of a well-designed kitchen. Poor lighting can make even simple tasks frustrating, especially in areas where sharp tools and hot surfaces are used on a daily basis. That’s why we always prioritize lighting in our design consultations.
Undercabinet lighting is a must-have for illuminating prep areas, and our cabinetry is designed to accommodate it easily. As lighting technology continues to evolve, there are more options than ever—our designers will help you select fixtures that align with your cabinet style and personal preferences.
If your kitchen includes glass-front display cabinets, lighting those areas is equally important. We always include glass shelving in these cabinets to allow light to pass through each level, creating a soft, elegant glow. Depending on your aesthetic preference, shelves can be finished with a polished edge for a sleek look or a wooden edge to coordinate with your cabinetry.
Thoughtful lighting design enhances both the functionality and atmosphere of your kitchen, making it a space you’ll enjoy using every day.
Create A Hidden Charging Station, One Of Our Smart Design Tips:
In today’s connected world, every family member likely has at least one personal device—and with that comes a constant tangle of cords and chargers cluttering countertops. To maintain a clean and organized space, we recommend incorporating a designated charging station into your kitchen design.
Whether tucked into a drawer, cabinet cubby, or hidden nook, a built-in charging station keeps devices powered and accessible without disrupting the overall aesthetic. It’s a simple addition that offers everyday convenience while helping you maintain a clutter-free kitchen.
For more ideas on this area of your kitchen, see charging up without creating clutter.
Incorporate Double-Decker Silverware and Utensil Dividers:
Double-decker drawers have quickly become a favorite among homeowners—and for good reason. These cleverly designed drawers effectively double your usable space by stacking two layers of storage within a single drawer opening.
They’re especially useful in kitchens where efficiency is key. For example, a top layer can neatly organize cooking utensils, while the lower level holds sauté or frying pans. This setup keeps everything easily accessible and well-organized, streamlining your cooking process and maximizing every inch of storage space.
If you’re looking to elevate your kitchen’s functionality without adding more cabinetry, double-decker drawers are an innovative solution.
Take a look at a historic farmhouse rehabilitation project where we used this technique.
Don’t Forget A Shelf Above Your Tray Storage:
Vertical tray dividers are a smart way to organize baking sheets, platters, and cutting boards—but the space above them often goes unused. At Greenbrook Design, we make a point to utilize every possible inch, including the area above tray dividers, when ceiling height allows.
When placed over the refrigerator or double ovens, tray dividers typically leave a small gap above them. While this space may not be accessed frequently, it can still serve a purpose. We often incorporate a fixed shelf above the dividers to store seasonal items, family keepsakes, or lesser-used kitchen tools. It’s a subtle design detail that contributes to a more efficient and fully customized kitchen.
Find out about our design services and how we help you achieve your dreams.
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