Known as the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of the most commonly renovated rooms. Whether your design goal is entertaining or just cooking for your family, remodeling a kitchen is always an exciting journey. So, if you’re in the planning stage or just gathering ideas as inspiration, read this post until the end because I’m about to share the must-have remodeling list you need to include in your kitchen project!

Before diving into all the details, check out our Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Roadmap. Think of it as our complete toolkit to start your renovation project. It’s a must-have for every homeowner, as it provides all the information you need to make the proper decisions and avoid costly mistakes. 

1. Drawers Instead of Doors

I love to include drawers because they make it easier to find things. Pullout drawers for spices and utensils are very popular now, and lots of customization is available for better storage and functionality. 

Another great thing about drawers is that they provide a streamlined design, adding a modern touch to your kitchen while maximizing its functionality.

For one of our upcoming projects, "Riding the Blue Wave," we're including a pull-out drawer to store utensils. How awesome is this? It will save tons of space for our clients and provide an optimal organization system.

Here's a sneak peek of our project. We will share all the details soon, so stay tuned.

2. Charging Station or Drawer

Having a spot to charge your technology is a must! I love keeping them all hidden so they don’t display the chargers, especially when you’re entertaining.

One of our client’s favorite things about bringing a designer on board is that we provide the  contractor a specification book, like a manual, for everything they need to install or include. This tool helps reduce potential mistakes and even delays in your project, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy your remodeling adventure.

If you’re ready to delegate your project to an expert who will help you transform your kitchen into a dreamy spot for cooking or entertaining, inquire about our services here.

3. Built-in Trash or Recycling

When planning your kitchen remodel, a built-in trash or recycling unit is one element you must consider. Not only does it hide the smell, but it’s also functional. You can even include a pull-out cutting board over it to make food prep and disposal easier. 

A great tip is to ensure this trash built-in has plenty of ventilation and avoid any closeness to heat surfaces. 

4. Paper Towel Storage

Having a clean and spacious countertop can increase the look and functionality of your kitchen, so another must-have for your dreamy kitchen is adding paper towel storage. They can replace a drawer near the sink with extra storage for daily use.

5. Under the Cabinet Lighting

This element is a must-have for every kitchen! It provides the ultimate task lighting for your kitchen workspace and is ideal when you want a little light on at night. My favorite thing is that they illuminate the countertops  and make it look appealing. Another great thing is that they help create lighting layers, which increase and generate a wow effect in a room.

Our Kitchen and Bath Remodel Roadmap has a complete section about lighting, where we walk you through the process of adding the ideal lighting for your kitchen and bathroom space! So, don’t miss out. Grab your copy today!

6. Large Island

Gone are the days of two-tiered islands. We love making one large countertop piece so you get maximum use of space. It's also seamless and visually cleaner.  Adding a prep sink is also an option here.

In our Revere Pewter and Dreamy Kitchen Project, we transformed this kitchen into a place ideal for entertaining! We added the large island, which, as you can see, has plenty of drawers for extra storage and functionality. The blue color creates an inviting look! The island's shape compliments the custom bar stools we created exactly for my client’s design goal.

It’s a great space with everything my clients need for their parties and daily lives! 

7. Color

Last but not least, color! We love incorporating color into our kitchens. Our favorite is blue, but we love black, green, and natural wood tones. We love the energy it brings and its contrast to an all-white kitchen. Use it anywhere, from your barstools to the color of the kitchen island.

Before working with us, our client’s kitchen was dark and outdated. They wanted a better space for daily use and an updated look. We worked with the contractor and updated the finishes, lighting, and window treatments. The result? A light and bright kitchen ideal for entertaining!  What’s your favorite thing about this kitchen remodel? Comment below!

Ultimately, the small details that go a long way make a kitchen remodel great. So, if you’re planning to remodel your kitchen for entertaining or just to make it more functional for your family, make sure to include these seven elements in your plan. If you need extra hands to help with your project, inquire about our services here. 

Remember to pin this article and look at our portfolio for more inspiration on transforming your kitchen into the heart of your home.