Your New Kitchen Design Must Have List….Bonus Wish List!

See more of this Willow Bend Plano project HERE!

Well it’s here again….another “must have” list but this time for kitchen design! I’ll give you the same spill….Of course, we recommend that our clients make a wish list to start and then cut out what isn’t a priority. Because let’s face it…there’s always a budget that should be taken into consideration. This list has been compiled by staying on top of the industry trends and listening to what clients are asking for in their homes. (If you missed the MUST HAVE LIST for PRIMARY BATHROOMS check it out HERE!)

Take a look below and see what you think of our kitchen design must have list and wish list. Let us know if there’s anything else you would add! We would love to hear it!

KITCHEN DESIGN MUST HAVE LIST

  • LARGE ISLAND for ample work & serving surface. Seating of course is important here as well!
  • TRIANGLE RULE: Having the sink, cooktop and refrigerator located diagonally as fundamental tasks to minimize the distance and effort required for efficient work to be performed in the kitchen. Bonus if the dishwasher is located next to the sink! This is becoming increasingly difficult the larger the kitchens are getting! Having skilled and seasoned professionals that can help layout your kitchen is always helpful. This is something we love to figure out for our clients.
  • We prefer to have the SINK CENTRALLY LOCATED in the island so the user can communicate with guests and interact within the environment and not feel stuck on dish duty away from the excitement.
  • DESIGNATED COFFEE BAR, preferably located by the refrigerator! This can be constructed with doors that can recess into the cabinet. That way you have the flexibility to leave it open or have the ability to conceal the mess.
  • Avoid HARDWARE with extended ends! We’ve found that pant loops, pockets, sweaters, etc. get caught in the extended cabinet pulls during quick cooking situations & disrupts the flow of things. It’s hard enough to convince yourself to cook after a long day, don’t add another stressor to the list! Functionality trumps form this time. Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice style for this look.
  • Conceal trash/recycling within a PULL-OUT TRASH CABINET located in the island or by major prep zones.
  • Under-cabinets and toe kick LED LIGHTING.
  • ISLAND ACCENT LIGHTING – Statement pendants or linear pendant over island. This also helps illuminate the preparation area.
  • SPICE ROLL-OUTS, located by range or cooktop
  • UTENSIL ROLL-OUTS, located by range or cooktop
  • COOKIE SHEET STORAGE, located by ovens
  • POTS AND PANS STORAGE: Deep drawers for pots and pans, located by stove
  • CLEAN CABINET DOOR DESIGN: Shaker style cabinets with maximum 2” bead/trim or perhaps much smaller for a nice modern look. Many of our clients are growing tired of seeing thick shaker style so we are opting for something much like the kitchen in this post! Or slab doors without any detail for a modern look.
  • SOFT CLOSE CABINETRY in the kitchen is a must! We may not specify it in other areas but the kitchen being a high use area is highly preferred!
  • CONTRASTING MATERIALS on island and perimeter cabinetry: consider wood on the island (bonus for fluted insets) and painted perimeters.
  • Consider GLASS INSERTS on upper cabinetry to display items. BUT, we are doing away with the display uppers that become useless! Glass that is not transparent is preferred.
  • RANGE as opposed to just a cooktop and separate wall oven
  • DRAWERS over doors! They’re just more functional.

KITCHEN DESIGN WISH LIST

  • PREP KITCHEN or WORKING KITCHEN In the event that you have a prep kitchen in addition to the main kitchen, the triangle rule isn’t always necessary in the show kitchen as most of the preparation and will be performed in the prep kitchen. The triangle rule is especially great to use in a prep kitchen as the space tends to be a bit smaller and it works with circulation restraints. This room is becoming more and more important in homes that are 8,000 square feet and more.
  • SLAB BACKSPLASH for a more luxurious look and easier maintenance
  • PULL DOWN MECHANICS on upper cabinetry that is otherwise unaccessible. This is especially becoming important in kitchens with tall ceilings and cabinetry!
  • Incorporate a variety of materials: glass door fronts (reeded or smokey glass), fluted accents
  • PANEL READY APPLIANCES
  • ROLL OUT SHELVES: These are typically behind doors so that you do not have to reach into cabinets.
  • ICE MAKER
  • WARMING DRAWER
  • CHARGING STATION: Hidden is preferred! This is something our clients truly appreciate given the amount of cords we all deal with now a days.
  • A SECOND ISLAND: If there’s room!
  • MIXER LIFT: It’s always nice when you don’t have to move this heavy small appliance around.
  • WINE ROOM nearby that is becoming a show piece like the show kitchen. We are incorporating special features into this space so they are becoming important to those that entertain and do not necessarily drink themselves!

 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

  • PULL OPEN DOORS: We have had clients opt for this and then go back to adding hardware due to the easier operation and less fingerprints!
  • CONTRAST ISLAND MATERIAL FROM PERIMETER. Consider hierarchy of materials. Busier one on island, quieter one on perimeter. Can continue the quieter one into the prep kitchen for a seamless transition?
  • SMALL APPLIANCE STORAGE: Consider where the ideal location for your small appliances would be and if concealed storage is an option.

Now if this seems like a long list, that’s because it is! A new kitchen design can be overwhelming and many of our clients come to us because they are just that: overwhelmed! Our clients want every detail to be considered and for their kitchen to work for them. That’s where BGI comes in! If you want to talk to us about your potential project check out the discovery call link below to speak to Amy and see if we can help.


To see more design inspiration & refreshing trends, visit our Instagram at @bgidesigner , our Facebook page here or Pinterest at @BGIDesigner13. We would look forward to you stopping by to say hi in the comments on our social platforms! Let us know how this article helped you revitalize your home. Or, if you want help with your project fill out the short and sweet form HERE and Amy will be in touch. You can also schedule a discovery call with her directly HERE!

I’ll look for you there,