It’s true what they say – kitchens sell homes, as evidenced by the fact that the second we entered the kitchen of our current home while touring it in 2013, I turned to Ben and said, “I MUST HAVE THIS.” I was also 8 months pregnant with Lincoln at the time and we’d already sold our house, so we literally needed to have this, but coming from a once-orange kitchen with bathroom tiles for countertops, the tall cabinets, sleek appliances, and stone countertops of the new place gave me immediate goo-goo eyes.
While I do love our current kitchen, the thought of designing my dream kitchen from the ground up sends me into an emotional tailspin. Oh, the possibilities! Truly I couldn’t care less about having the biggest house with the fanciest finishes – but a tricked out kitchen? Yes, please!
When I think about my dream kitchen, I think design and convenience. Beautiful cabinetry, a big island, wide-plank wood floors, white stone, and fabulous hardware – plus functional features like the 5 must-haves I’m sharing below. This “Just 5 Things” post idea came from a reader and it was a blast to curate. I’ve already pitched 10 kitchen upgrade ideas to Ben as a result of my “research”, which will all undoubtedly be knocked into the atmosphere (?,) but ah, a girl can dream. ?
Tell me – have you ever had the chance to design your dream kitchen? What did you include? If not (hi! ??) what would you include in yours?
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1. Appliance Garage
Clutter in any area of the house drives me nuts, but clutter in the kitchen makes me insane. Probably because I spend so much time in there for my job – and who doesn’t like a zen, organized work space?
That said, I would adore cupboards at counter height set up as an appliance garage to hide any of the cough FIVE appliances currently residing on our counter: toaster, KitchenAid Mixer, Keurig, Nespresso, plus the air fryer Ben got me for our anniversary earlier this week (can’t wait to try that bad boy out.)
Isn’t this solution just so sleek?
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Here’s another fun option with a top sliding door. Must have for my dream kitchen – totally obsessed.
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2. Walk-In/Butler’s Pantry
Forget walk-in closets, I’m ALLÂ about the walk-in/butler’s pantry. CAN YOU EVEN with this space?!
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My dream kitchen would have a separate, walk-in pantry loaded with shelves, pull out shelves, and counter space for ALL THE STORAGE. I’ve seen some really cool pantries a couple stairs away from the main kitchen space, but have always liked the idea of tucking it behind a kitchen wall like the photo below.
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The only pantry we have in our kitchen is a skinny pull out shelf next to the fridge, so I use the cupboards in the laundry room for overflow and it’s really inconvenient. Our current kitchen layout would lend itself well to installing the kind of pantry in the photo above and below, so who knows, maybe someday my dream pantry could become a reality!
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3. Sliding Pull Out Drawers and Shelves
One thing I love about our current kitchen is that it’s loaded with pull out shelves making it really convenient to store and retrieve items in deep cabinets. Our garbage/recycling is even on a track and I don’t think I could ever go back.
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Another feature I’ve always wanted to include in my dream kitchen is drawers under the sink. How many bottles of cleaner, plastic bags, and dishwasher detergent boxes have you lost in the dark recesses of your under-sink cabinet?! Hate that space!
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4. Command Center
A command center is something we lack in our current kitchen and I’m desperate for a space like this. Probably because I have to use up a big corner of the kitchen to organize bills, etc, and it’s really unsightly (again, hate clutter!) We could use the office/guest room upstairs for that stuff but for me, if it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind. I have the memory of a goldfish.
I love the space in this dream kitchen below. From the traditional desk design that matches the rest of the kitchen cabinetry, to the cork board backsplash and shelving above (which I’d cover with doors in my dream kitchen,) it’s the perfect size and design.
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This command center is dreamy too. The chalk board backsplash +Â under cabinet lighting is a fun touch.
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5. Built-In Wine Refrigerator
No explanation needed for why I’d want to include a built-in wine refrigerator in my dream kitchen! That said, I love the location of this wine fridge – tucked into the end of the island vs taking up cabinet space in the main kitchen area.
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Just like the microwave, I am also obsessed with the idea of stashing the wine fridge in a walk in pantry. I don’t care if people SEE my wine, I just don’t want to have to go down to my spider-infested basement – where we currently keep our wine fridge – every time I want a glass.
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5 More Features I’d Love!
- Cabinet lighting. We currently have under and over cabinet lighting and the ambience it creates at night is totally dreamy.
- Farmhouse sink. Timeless and functional – got to have it in my dream kitchen!
- Hands free faucet. A must!
- Pot filler. Would love to hear from people who have one – love it or hate it? I would love the convenience but what if there’s an issue with the pipes? Do you have to bust open the wall?
- Waterfall edge. Adore this look.
What are your must-haves for your dream kitchen?Â
Wendy 04.08.2017
Great ideas! I showed the drawers under the sink idea to my contractor husband and his comment “no more disposal”. I do like how they look, however. My must haves include seating for kitchen chats and noshing. Was at a friend’s new home and they had pull out shelves in upper cabinets as well – brilliant!! Great article, Kristen!
Bill 11.08.2020
@ Wendy: I’ve seen U shaped drawers so the middle of the sink (where the disposal is located) is open.
PhyllisY 04.07.2017
I’d really love pull-out shelves and drawers in my lower cabinets. Even though I try to keep most-used items in front, I still sometimes have to get on the floor to go rooting around for the ones at the back. Maybe I just need a cushioned floor . . .
Delia 04.07.2017
Whee – great list! We are in the final stretch of a kitchen remodel; I am very anxious to be cooking again & eating food that doesn’t come from a toaster. We installed a 36”, stainless farm sink – it is massive! I actually gave up a pantry area for a much more expanded kitchen space but it was all so outdated, it made sense to reconfigure everything; we added a 24” wall pantry with roll out shelves in its place. I really like glass front cabinets, we did wide-plank “luxury” wood-look vinyl tile to save some dough, and installed an exposed chimney hood vent surrounded by white subway (kinda basic but clean looking) on a huge wall as a statement when you walk in. I’m a Fixer Upper fanatic so now I’m on the hunt for some character in the form of a cool pot/tool rack, possibly wrought iron, to hang on a blank wall. I agree on the lighting – recessed, pendants, and under cab lighting make such a difference. I read an article on Houzz this week, “How to Make a Small Kitchen Appear Larger”, and was pleased we had integrated 4/5 suggestions to our space. We went with a soapstone countertop as I can’t stand shiny rocks and we have a craftsman/farm house; everyone is telling me to be scared but I can’t wait for it to have a lived in look!
Beth 10.28.2018
Magnolia homes has a wrought iron coffee mug holder that I use for my pots and pans. It’s really strong. I hung it on the wall next to my range and it runs vertically from just above the counter to just under the ceiling. I love it and it’s very handy to grab my pots from and rustic looking.
Jon M 04.07.2017
Beverage center is the new wine fridge
Anne 04.07.2017
I currently have a kitchen I’m happy with. In my previous house, we had a kitchen with a poor layout for 30+ years. I made sure this kitchen has a good work flow pattern.) However the following items would make it even better.
1) An induction stove. I love the glass top stove we have but it gets very hot to the touch. An induction stove would give me piece of mind.
2) More cupboard storage space – you can never have too much. As well, slide out drawers in these cupboards.
3) More space and an island so more people could work in the kitchen at the same time
4) a walk in pantry
5) a walk in root cellar for cold storage of root vegetables, home canned goods
6) a second stove (gas?) for canning. An All-American pressure canner to so canning on this stove. (There is only one pressure canner Presto that you can use on some glass topped stoves and you have to go with the smaller pressure canner because of weight). As well, a tomato press to make homemade tomato sauces/passata.
7) second sink (to add more people to work in kitchen at same time)
8) free standing freezer
9) a fridge with a bottom freezer drawer, they are so much more efficient
Anne 04.07.2017
Forgot the add, my kitchen in our house (we moved a year ago) looks very much like the first picture – airy, light with white cupboards & light grey and white quartz counters It also has a ton of natural light. After being trapped in a very dark kitchen for many years, I love it. (The kitchen was one of the most important points who looked when we bought this house a year ago.
Anne 04.07.2017
Forgot the add, my kitchen in our house (we moved a year ago) looks very much like the first picture – airy, light with white cupboards & light grey and white quartz counters It also has a ton of natural light. It also has undercabinet lighting. After being trapped in a very dark kitchen for many years, I love it. (The kitchen was one of the most important points who looked when we bought this house a year ago.)
Sara @ Last Night's Feast 04.07.2017
The huge walk in pantry is a must! My kitchen is tiny right now, especially compared to the rest of my house. I think the builder/original owner must not have liked to cook. I use drawers and shelves in other downstairs rooms to store all the overflow, and it would be nice to have one huge pantry!
Tamara 01.31.2019
Your comment reminded me of a house we looked at once. We loved everything about it, but there was literally no kitchen. There was a refrigerator and maybe a tiny (I would guess 5’ x 5’ sort of kitchen area. Weirdest thing I ever saw. Needless to say, we did t buy the house. :)
donna 04.07.2017
A cook and someone to clean up the kitchen
Greg 04.07.2017
We designed a new home 8 years ago, and the kitchen is the center of the great room. The kitchen is very traditional, being 11×12 with a half wall on the public side and a peninsula open to the dining side. We have very few wall cabinets each side of the stove, one for baking supplies the other for cups/glasses. All of the undercounter storage is a combination of shallow and deep drawers – where we store everyday dishes, plastic ware, spices, bread items, utensils, etc. Because of the lack of wall cabinets, we have a 6×6 walking pantry for all of the pot/pans, baking dishes, cooking devices, and food items. We even put the microwave in there. The pantry is the crowning touch of the entire house –
Tracy 04.07.2017
We designed our kitchen about 5 years ago and now I will never ever move! I have all the things you mentioned above except the hands-free faucet, appliance garage the wine fridge. My command center is behind a wall with a sliding pocket door that I can close so no one (including me) can see my mess! I don’t need an appliance garage because my butler’s pantry holds all those items. One other item I have and use every single day is a warming drawer! The pot filler? I do like it but could live without.
Laura 04.07.2017
You’ll love your new Air Fryer! I got one as a wedding gift and we love making french fries and sweet potatoes in it. The other most delicious thing you can do is Brussels Sprouts, they roast and char up beautifully and the little outside leaves turn so crispy, they’re to die for.
Natalie 04.07.2017
We were fortunate to design a new home/kitchen and just moved in 6 weeks ago. I incorporated 7 of your 10 items. I’m so pleased with it and was so worried after. The cabinetry people just took photos of the kitchen and I can’t wait to see how they turned out. Favorites include:
*Counter top space in the walk-in pantry with outlets. We use crockpots, toasters, etc and can hide warming things if you have people over!
*I love our mudroom/desk off the kitchen. The clutter is close but enough away you can close it off.
*Lots of natural light
*Hidden trash
*I didn’t want my sink on the island and I wanted it super clean looking. But, practically it needed to be designed that way and I love it because that’s where I always stand.
*Agree with Maggie above. Pot filer not necessary and we didn’t get.
*Someone suggested a self closing trash drawer (just put your foot under to open). Great idea we did not do but may be should have.
*Under cabinet lighting and under cabinet outlets everywhere.
*Separate pantry is so much a favorite and opens up kitchen cabinet space.
Courtney 04.07.2017
We have a large walk in pantry (which I LOVE) and at the end of it, there is a little 2’x2′ (or so) door which connects my pantry to my garage….I can open it, pass my groceries into the pantry and no longer do I have to drag all of them in through the house! It was a genius idea from our builder!
Donna 04.07.2017
I have this too. I call it the “Wizard of Oz Door”. I’m convinced the builder of my home was a woman or a smart man that listened to a woman.
KC 04.07.2017
We just moved into a new house last summer and the kitchen is great. I have a command center that is counter height instead of desk height and I love it. I had a desk height center at my old house and it was fine, but I never actually sat down there in the chair and worked on anything, so the counter height one is perfect for me. If you ever get to design your dream kitchen…consider it as an option.
Emily @ Robust Recipes 04.07.2017
I LOVE This post! I want ALL of the tings you listed! My current kitchen is small and out dated, these kitchens literally make me weak at the knees.
In my dream kitchen I would love a second small sink for rinsing dishes or washing veggies/fruits so you’re not in the way of someone who might be working at the main sink washing dishes. One day. :)
JK 04.07.2017
I did get to design my dream kitchen and 2 things I LOVE are a drawer for my garbage can and shelves that either rotate or move in and out. The hidden garbage is awesome – it is between my stove and chopping counter area, so you just open it up and drop stug\ff in – easy. The rotating/movable shelves make getting my pots and pans out super easy.
April 04.07.2017
We just gutted our kitchen and took down 2 walls. I worked with the cabinet people who redesigned my entire kitchen. I LOVE it. 12 foot island, grey cabinets, white quartz countertops, and a farm sink. Also took floors, double ovens, pull out drawers, and wine fridge/beverage center. I just wish my pantry was bigger. I think no matter the situation, the pantry will never be big enough. My kitchen looks a lot like the first pic in your post today.
Lacey Jones 04.07.2017
I love ALL. THE. THINGS. in this post! Perfection ;)
Maggie 04.07.2017
We just had the privilege/first world headache of building a home last year and I got to make my dream kitchen – you hit many of my same must haves! I wanted to chime in about the pot filler because that’s something we opted NOT to have. My logic was that it only saves one trip from the sink with a big heavy pot… You still have to drain the water when you’re done. The way we did the layout, our cook top is right across from the sink so it’s no big deal to fill a pot, lift it up, and turn around to set it down on the stove. I know people love the idea of them it just didn’t seem like that much of a time or effort-saver to me, personally :)
Jennifer 04.14.2017
We also built a new home last year and I really loved the idea of the pot filler. However, when it came down to the additional cost versus benefit I couldn’t justify it. We solved the problem the same way that you did – the sink is on the island right behind the cooktop so it’s only a step away to carry a pot full of water. I also have a small prep sink to one side of the cooktop so if it’s easier to use the water there and move the pot along the counter top to the cooktop, that’s an option also.
Carrie this fit chick 04.07.2017
Ive never had the opportunity to design my own kitchen.. one day though! However, a walk in pantry is 100% what I want!
Tori//Gringalicious.com 04.07.2017
Omg, these are some perfect things that I hope to have in my dream kitchen at some point! Thanks for sharing!