There is so much to think about when planning a kitchen renovation. Most people get caught up in the look and feel of their dream kitchen. Cabinet style and finish, countertops, appliances, flooring, hardware etc... all are essentials for your new kitchen. I’m going to give you a few ideas that you may not have considered. Whether you are building a new kitchen or renovating an existing one, you have the opportunity to work in some clever solutions that will take your kitchen to the next level.

It’s hard enough to keep a clean kitchen, much less an uncluttered countertop. The following two ideas will keep you organized and your countertops clean.

Integrated Paper Towel Holder

One of my all time favorite ticks is an integrated paper towel holder. It is most efficient, placed over the trash pull-out to the right or left of your sink. It can be made with a hidden drawer to hold extra rolls so it can easily be refilled. No more clunky paper towel holder on your counter or losing track of where you put the roll of paper towels.

Drawers with Integrated Canisters

It seems obvious, but putting drawers with built in knife blocks and open utensil canisters are an excellent way to keep utensils organized, close at hand and off of the countertop.

Clever Outlet Placement

I find it so frustrating to spend a fortune on a beautiful slab or tile backsplash, only to have holes for outlets cut right at eye level. Installing an under cabinet lighting and electric outlet system is a real game changer. We used the Adorne system in a recent project. This system is really amazing. It provides beautiful under cabinet lighting and plugs that are placed under the cabinet and completely hidden by light rail trim.

In the project below, we used the same quartzite slab on the countertops and backsplash. I did not want any holes cut in this gorgeous stone, this system was the perfect solution.

We also had an appliance “garage” in the plan for things that were to be on the counter all the time. Keeping essentials like a toaster oven or a large mixer close at hand is practical. Hiding them behind a cabinet with built-in outlets is in my opinion essential.

An uninterrupted backsplash is so beautiful, clean and uncluttered.

The trim piece at the base of the cabinet covers the plugs and under cabinet lighting.

The arrow shows what it looks like before the “light rail” trim is added.

Consider having outlets installed in a “garage” for appliances that you use every day, and want on the counter for easy access, but don’t want to see all of the time.

Tip: If you have enough room for a walk in pantry, be sure to have outlets installed for appliances or a dust buster etc in there.

Pet/Baby Pocket Gate

They make beautiful pet/baby gates these days. Have one installed as a pocket door. Not only will they be prettier than the store bought alternative, they will function much better too.

Pull Out Pet Bowls

Most dogs love to eat around their people. Having a place built in to the base boards is just convenient and tidy.

The most successful kitchens look beautiful, but also function beautifully. Hopefully this post has given you a few ideas that you may not have considered.

If you are considering a kitchen renovation, please feel free to contact me. Whether you are building a new kitchen, renovating an existing one or are just interested in a quick refresh, I offer a variety of design services to meet your needs.

Thanks so much for reading,

XO,

Anne