So, you’ve decided that your kitchen no longer looks or functions the way you want, and it’s finally time to do something about it. This resolution in itself is an important step, considering that kitchen renos are not exactly easy to tackle as they require quite the investment, and we’re not referring only to the financial aspect, but also the time, energy, and planning they typically involve, which add to the complexity of the endeavour.
Now you need to decide how you’re going to approach the project, and most importantly, you need to make up your mind about the changes you think are necessary. Upgrades can range from small but impactful improvements to major overhauls, depending on each specific situation.
It’s easy to get swept away by the endless design possibilities and focus only on the fun parts, which usually involve choosing decorations and colour schemes, but you need to snap out of your reverie and remember that functionality should come first. That means you have to think carefully about the choices that will directly impact your daily routine and will make the biggest difference in the long run. And while the ideal kitchen looks different for everyone, as people’s needs and lifestyles vary, there are certain features that will most likely benefit all, so let’s see what these are and why you should consider them.
Clever storage solutions
Storage is a typical problem in almost all kitchens, even the ones that appear to be quite spacious, because people have a way to accumulate all sorts of tools, devices, and items, way more than they have room for. And so, the struggle begins. But even the most cramped kitchens can accommodate a relatively large number of items if you know how to make good use of the space. That’s where smart storage solutions come into the picture.
There are many clever ways to store all your kitchen paraphernalia, with dedicated solutions for every area and nook. If you are lucky enough to have a pantry, roll-out drawers can make items easier to store and reach, and help you use the entire space, all the way to the back. Corner lazy Susans and narrow pull-out drawers in between cabinets or in tight places ensure you don’t waste any square inch because of unusually shaped spaces. Deep drawers are perfect for housing large cookware. Hanging racks keep frequently used pots and pans out of the way, and the list could go on.
Drawer dividers and cabinet organizers
Things can get pretty messy behind closed doors, and we’re obviously referring to kitchen drawers and cabinets. If you want to make sure your storage spaces don’t get cluttered, and you’ll never again have to deal with a needle-in-the-haystack kind of situation, we highly recommend using drawer dividers and cabinet organisers. These inconspicuous accessories will help you keep the chaos in check by making sure items stay where they belong, and the contents of your drawers and cabinets don’t become a tangled mess as it so often happens.
Handless cabinets
The first thing you notice about handleless oak kitchens is their sleekness and modern look, as there are no knobs and handles to interrupt the aesthetic. But beyond their smooth appearance, which definitely appeals to many, handless cabinets are also incredibly practical. The lack of protruding hardware makes them child-friendly, which is important for people with small kids, and also maximises floor space. On top of that, without the details and crevices that trap dirt and grime, cleaning becomes much easier, and you can keep surfaces spotless with just a few wipes.
Pull-down faucets
Pull-down or touchless faucets prove that sometimes the smallest details can make the biggest difference. These features might not seem exactly life-changing until you start using them, and then you wonder how you ever lived without them. They quickly become indispensable by making ordinary tasks a tad more convenient. The simple fact that you don’t have to touch the faucet with sticky fingers to use it can feel like such an improvement that you’ll never want to go back to normal faucets again.
Large kitchen sink
If you’re investing in a smart faucet, it only makes sense to pair it with a generous sink. The larger the better. And don’t think for a second that a bigger sink means there will be more dirty dishes piling up on top of each other. It just means that you can leave dishes to sit in the sink until you get around to washing them, without them looking like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and without you feeling guilty that you don’t have the time or the disposition to clean all the time.
Appliance garage
Having all sorts of appliances lying all over the place is probably not what you have in mind when you envision your dream kitchen, but it’s often the reality you face because kitchen gadgets and equipment have a tendency to take up a lot of real estate on the counter until there’s no more room left to throw a needle. The easy fix is to create a so-called appliance garage, which is basically a place where you can store small appliances, so they don’t get in the way anymore.
Charging station
We live in a tech-driven era, and kitchens, like all other areas of the house, have to keep up with the digital transformation. This doesn’t mean you need to turn your kitchen into a space inspired by Sci-Fi movies. Integrating a charging station, or even creating a tech drawer, is a good first step in this direction, and a smart way to keep devices out of sight and the counters clear and tidy.
Hidden trash and recycling area
Keeping your trash bins in plain sight doesn’t make for a pretty view, especially when they’re overflowing. So, consider creating separate containers to sort out waste and integrate them in a pull-out cabinet, so you don’t have to keep them out in the open.
Now that you know what features have the biggest impact, you can kick off your kitchen reno.
