Top 5 Must Haves for the Kitchen

One thing is for sure -- kitchen trends are always changing. It seems like on Pinterest alone, there are multiple lists of Top 5 Must Haves for the Kitchen. But, finding what is most important to you in your kitchen is the key.

Let's simplify it a bit. For our list, let's start with the basics. Functionalityis of highest priority when designing your kitchen. Above all the décor choices, you want the space to work for you and your family. A smart layout based on your cooking style is a good place to start. Using the “kitchen triangle” below is an effective guide. For larger kitchens, workstations centered around a particular appliance are also becoming a relevant choice. Soft close drawers and hydraulic cabinet doors that fold up and out of the way are quickly becoming popular for ease of use. 

When it comes to floor plan design, a transitional kitchen space creates ease of movement between spaces in which to eat and relax. Take for instance Sater Design’s “Carlton” home plan kitchen and dining areas. 

In this open concept home plan, the main living spaces combine easily into one another. A wall of sliding glass doors separates the dining area from the courtyard and outdoor kitchen, creating ideal flow for both indoor and outdoor entertaining space. Another wall of cantilever doors open the Florida Room to the great room, allowing for extra space when needed.

Another choice in our Top 5 Must Haves for the Kitchen is bold light fixtures. Gone are the days of harsh lighting in the heart of the home. Incorporating the overall style of your home into your kitchen by using pendant lights gives an otherwise stark space a cozy feel. Under-counter fixtures provide subtle backlighting, and a well-lit kitchen prep space.

No matter how large your home is, great storage options are usually on the top of homeowners’ lists of must haves. Multi-tiered drawers, pantry inserts, and shelving are just a few of the popular storage solutions you can find on our Pinterest board, For the Home – Storage Ideas. One of our most pinned photos below shows a clever and stylish way to get more counter space.

And last but not least, what is the best color for your kitchen? As far as cabinets are concerned, leading manufacturers say you can’t go wrong with white, but gray is a close second. Want a pop of color? Try a bright shade for your sink or appliances. And some paint companies are now saying when it comes to wall color, you can now choose shades based on not just your style, but your personality!

Stay in tune with all of the latest tips and trends for your home by following our Pinterest boards. And as always, look to the Sater Design Collection for the best in luxury home plans.