Dream Kitchen Must-Haves
Tricked-out cabinets, clean countertops and convenience top the list
Becky Harris
21 May 2021
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
We had posed a question to you Houzzers, where we asked for your “must-haves/cool ideas” for a new custom home. Today we’ll be looking at all of the features you suggested for the kitchen; some are time-proven standbys, and some are on the cutting edge. Themes include having a place for everything and everything in its place (hiding clutter, from sponges to electric outlets), maximising cabinet storage and including elements that make kitchen activities easier. Here are your ideas. If you think of any that are not listed here, please chime in and put them in the Comments section.
See MelissaL’s original question
See MelissaL’s original question
Pot filler. This handy faucet means no more having to schlep a heavy pasta pot full of water from the sink to the stovetop.
Walk-in pantry. A good spot to store food, appliances, cookbooks, seldom-used platters and fancy china has always been handy to have.
Hidden sponge storage in front of the sink. Sponges are unsightly; why clutter up sink-side space with them? This use of the often wasted space in front of the sink is very clever.
Find a kitchen designer to help design your kitchen
Find a kitchen designer to help design your kitchen
Built-in dishtowel hamper. Sponges aren't the only items you don't want to look at. Today's sleek kitchens have dedicated spots for dishtowels, both dirty and clean.
All kinds of appliances. Double ovens, warming drawers, convection ovens and wine refrigerators are on Houzzers’ wish lists. Creating a wall for these hardworking units is a contemporary and convenient way to arrange the kitchen.
Read more about today’s state-of-the-art kitchens
Read more about today’s state-of-the-art kitchens
Advanced waterworks. Houzz designer suggestions included a second sink in the kitchen as well as a hot faucet at the main sink. This kitchen has both.
Two dishwashers. Sinks were not the only elements you wanted to see two of; Houzzers with two dishwashers could not say enough good things about them. They even take clean dishes straight from dishwasher to table, a luxury that you have when you don't need to empty the dishwasher in order to refill it with dirty dishes.
Hidden outlets. The island in the previous image has a well-placed kitchen outlet. Houzzers are tired of the required outlets breaking up their beautiful backsplashes, and who can blame them? Under-cabinet outlets are one smart solution.
This system helps hide the outlets in such a smart way; the core of outlets pushes down into the counter, leaving only a pull tab visible on the surface.
More ways to hide the outlets
More ways to hide the outlets
Hidden knife storage. These boxes pop up from the counter. Similar systems exist for storing other items, like herbs and even iPod devices.
Big cabinet drawers. Houzzers want to make the most of every square inch of storage space. Big drawers, especially those with dish racks and other inserts, maximise bottom cabinets’ storage potential.
What’s the Best Material for Kitchen Cabinets?
What’s the Best Material for Kitchen Cabinets?
Roll-outs. If you like the look of cabinet doors, you can still get drawer function behind your door fronts.
Upper cabinets for countertop appliances. In the quest for clear counters, Houzzers want cabinets to conceal these smaller applianes.
Ice maker in the pantry. No one wants to schlep to the gas station before a party for leaky bags of ice.
A dumbwaiter. One Houzzer loves quirky touches like a dumbwaiter, invented by Thomas Jefferson.
Induction cooktops. These energy-efficient appliances have finally made their way stateside from Europe.
A cutting board over the garbage disposal. This is a perfect example of a clever design solution that saves time and effort.
Read more:
5 Things to Know Before Installing a Modular Kitchen
Kitchens: 5 Biggest Problems Solved
Tell us:
Are there any must-haves that we have missed. Share yours in Comments.
Read more:
5 Things to Know Before Installing a Modular Kitchen
Kitchens: 5 Biggest Problems Solved
Tell us:
Are there any must-haves that we have missed. Share yours in Comments.
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@casauruguay, I think if you only cook for 1 or 2, there's really no point. But if you're a petite chef (like my wife) cooking for 8-12 (we entertain quite a bit), it starts to make more sense. But a waste sink next to it also makes sense. We do NOT have a waste sink.
@Kitchen Ideas, I do wish my wife were open to having the range on the island, where we could have used the prep sink as the pot filler. I hate one trick ponies.
I used to have a Viking stove - what a pain to clean - the grills, the plates....never again! I now have a Miele induction stovetop and I love it.
We have an under-cabinet tv cabitv ct100 and maybe that's a good feature too. I love the idea of a hidden-knives storage!