Discover top kitchen remodeling ideas to consider for your home. From storage and organization to countertop zones and appliances, find inspiration here.
Have you ever used a kitchen that frustrated you? The cabinet organization was all wrong, the countertop space wasn’t thought out, and don’t get you started on the appliances …
I have lived with many kitchen variations, some requiring a bit of creativity. While I have been thankful for each space, it would have been nice if a few different decisions had been made during their construction.
When thinking about kitchen remodeling ideas, it’s easy to get swept up in beautiful cabinetry moldings and mosaic tile backsplashes; that’s the fun part! But before diving into style, let’s take a moment to focus on the backbone of any great kitchen: its functionality. By identifying and prioritizing your kitchen needs, you can create a space that’s visually appealing and a joy to use daily.
Do you know your kitchen needs?
The answers to this question tend to pop up when something goes wrong. So, let’s get ahead of that and think about you and your family’s lifestyle with some questions.
How often do you use your kitchen for cooking and baking?
How many people use your kitchen?
What type of meals do you cook?
Do you entertain often?
How would you like your family to be able to use your kitchen daily?
If you mostly spend mornings using your kitchen for quick breakfasts, then high-end appliances might not be high on your priority list. Two or more cooks in a kitchen at one time can cramp countertop space
From meal prep to entertaining, every kitchen serves a different purpose based on its user’s lifestyle. Let’s explore three key aspects to consider when collecting kitchen remodeling ideas: storage & organization, countertop zones, and appliances.
Kitchen Remodeling Idea #1 | Storage & Organization
A well-organized kitchen is a game-changer. Every family is different, so think about how much storage you need, where items should be stored for easy access, and what kind of organization features would suit your lifestyle.
Drawer Organization: From cutlery to cooking and baking tools, having a dedicated spot in your drawers can make a big difference. My favorite tool is expandable drawer spacers, which can be used to customize your drawer layout as you see fit.
Cabinet Organization: Consider dividing cabinets by purpose, such as a dedicated zone for pots and pans, your morning routines, and items you don’t use as often. By organizing cabinets based on how you use them, you’ll create a more intuitive flow in your kitchen.
Pantry Organization: A pantry is a must in any kitchen, from regular cabinets, pull-out pantry cabinets, free-standing hutches, and various pantry closet sizes. Not everyone needs a pantry closet, so claiming a few cabinets for pantry items can work well.
Kitchen Remodeling Idea #2 | Countertop Zones
Countertop zones make it easy to navigate between tasks like prepping, cooking, baking, and entertaining. I’m a proponent of the zone method for home cooks and bakers; however, following a simple kitchen triangle layout will work perfectly for you if cooking isn't a daily thing. Each individual’s home should cater to how you work best in the kitchen, making everything from a quick snack to a full meal prep an easier experience.
Beverage Zone: Knowing where you will use your beverage small appliances will de-escalate the speed at which your countertops become cluttered. We have a coffee zone because I use the appliances multiple times daily, so keeping easy access and order makes sense. We also use a large blender for smoothies, and keeping easy access to that appliance makes sense for us as well.
Prep Zone: If your family eats a lot of fresh vegetables and fruit, consider setting aside adequate countertop space and a second small workstation sink next to your trash receptacle. I like a well-thought-out prep zone where I can wash, chop, and discard in a single area.
Cooking Zone: The French mise en place approach to cooking requires countertop space for ingredient placement and access on your favored side of the stove. Additionally, keeping an area designated for your toaster oven, slow cooker, air fryer, electric griddle, etc., makes sense if you use small appliances in your cooking. Pro-tip: to go one step further, consider your outlets and breakers so you aren’t putting too much strain on one kitchen area.
Baking Zone: I keep my baking sheets and utensils on the same side of my kitchen and close to my table, where I can sit for lengthier decorating. A wall oven system near your baking supplies might benefit you if you’re a consistent baker.
Entertaining Zone: If you enjoy entertaining or want a family-friendly space for a quick breakfast, a countertop with an overhang for bar-chair seating will be on your list of priorities. If that’s not your cup of tea, then designating a countertop area that invites guests to hang out by a coffee bar and tray of treats is fun to do instead.
Kitchen Remodeling Idea #3 | Appliances
Choosing large appliances can be one of the most exciting—and daunting—parts of a kitchen remodel. However, considering how you use your kitchen will help you prioritize features and guide you to make the right choices for your home.
Stoves & Ovens: If your family leans to the less-often side of cooking, then a simple quality range makes sense for you. If your family leans homemade, there are plenty of options to consider. What heating method do you prefer? How many burners do you want? Do you want a range, a cooktop with a separate oven, a cooktop with wall ovens, or a range and wall ovens? There isn’t a wrong combination.
Range Hood Vent: Hood vents can blend with your cabinetry or be designed as a focal point in your kitchen. No matter how you lean, you will want a quality vent that meets your kitchen criteria. Various features are available, from removable grease filters to fan speeds and quietness.
Microwaves: The countertop microwaves are a thing of the past, and hood microwaves are quickly following. Microwaves of new builds and remodeled kitchens are typically drawer microwaves or a part of a double wall oven combo. For those who prefer the door-style microwave, homeowners build them into their cabinetry for a seamless fit. Your family’s access requirements will determine which appliance and where it is placed.
Refrigerators: There are three main considerations when choosing a fridge: its size, the style, and the ice and water element. Think about what you use your refrigerator for: Do you eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and need adequate storage? Do you keep many drinks cold, and an easy-access drawer sounds like a good fit? Do you like a bottom freezer, side-by-side, or French doors better? Do you prefer the seamless look of fridge doors and would prefer an interior water dispenser?
Dishwasher: The customizations available for a dishwasher are wonderful! You can find them in various sizes, including single drawers, double drawers, portable, narrow in-cabinet, standard in-cabinet, and wide in-cabinet. So, if you think a standard in-cabinet dishwasher and a drawer dishwasher would help prevent that last bit of dishes from cluttering the side of the sink, it’s an option. Want to sanitize? A third rack? Sound reduction? These are more options you can choose when deciding on a dishwasher.
Are you ready to take notes on your kitchen?
Here's a helpful download to assist you through the important questions about your kitchen. The questions are organized into sections with space for note-taking to get you started on your kitchen remodeling journey. Three bonus downloads are included on the last page!
This is why we plan …
It’s a lot. That’s why you’re gathering kitchen remodeling ideas and planning! That’s exactly what it takes to remodel any space in your home. Whether you’re a person who thrives on thinking through everything before reaching out to a professional or if you prefer to be guided through the process, these are the things you’ll be thinking through.
Homes are personal, and I love and respect that. The way each family uses theirs is unique; it’s proven time and time again by each home we have had the privilege of remodeling. So, patience while you give thought to how you use yours is worth it to create a home your family will love!
Take advantage of the free download to ask yourself the important questions and make notes as you plan. Decision fatigue is real, and the process is best when segmented and organized, especially with a professional.
If you live in the Coeur d’Alene, ID - Spokane, WA area, we’d love to help you achieve your home goals. Start your conversation by filling out our contact form here.
