Are you thinking about a kitchen remodel? If so, you might want to take some time to really think about how you use your kitchen. What kitchen features could really help make your kitchen more convenient, efficient, and enjoyable?
Here are some must-have kitchen features you do not want to skip.
1. Custom Cabinets
Why choose custom cabinets over big box store pre-built cabinets? Cabinets are the foundation of your entire kitchen. Custom cabinets are designed for your specific kitchen and how you use your space, which is crucial for a successful kitchen remodel. Pre-built cabinets do not offer the same flexibility.
Your cabinets should meet your specific kitchen needs. Are your new custom cabinets easy to use and access from every corner and angle? Do they have the space you need for your kitchen supplies? What about the placement of your new cabinets? Do they have the proper flow for how you work in your kitchen?
An architect or designer will know exactly how to look at your specific needs and make sure your new kitchen fits you perfectly in every way.
2. Specialty Countertops
There are several popular kitchen countertop materials. Quartz is a trending engineered man-made stone that is produced to look like other popular materials such as concrete, granite, or marble. Quartz countertops will give your kitchen an upscale look and it requires little to no maintenance.
Natural stone countertops such as granite, marble, soapstone, or quartzite are still in-demand for those who prefer the genuine article and don't mind the maintenance. Slab costs vary greatly so it is important to have a discussion with your designer about your options and finding a countertop you love that fits your vision and budget.
3. Functional and Cosmetically Appealing Appliances
Kitchen appliances are something you use every day. So, you want to make sure they are all well-placed and that they look good as well.
Here are some must-have ideas to consider.
Double Oven
If you have the space in your kitchen, a double oven provides greater flexibility for baking, as well as preparing more food at a time when entertaining.
Dishwasher in a Drawer
A dishwasher drawer can be used instead of a traditional dishwasher or in addition to one. A dishwasher drawer can be a smaller appliance that is designed to wash small loads so there is less waste, or it can be a full-size dishwasher.
Another great feature of the dishwasher in a drawer is that the front panel can be designed to match the look of your new kitchen cabinets making it virtually invisible and significantly more appealing.
Built-In Refrigerator
Your Corvallis kitchen designer will be able to help you develop a kitchen that will accommodate a built-in refrigerator. These are great because the customized panels blend in and look like a part of your kitchen versus having an obvious appliance look.
Additionally, a built-in refrigerator can be made with articulating hinges that lineup perfectly with the lower cabinets. This is important because if everything doesn't line up perfectly, it will prevent you from being able to fully open your refrigerator doors.
Coffee Bar
There is nothing like having a coffee bar installed in your new kitchen. This sure beats having your coffee maker shoved in a corner where it's hard to get to and hard to use. Additionally, a coffee bar can be custom designed to hold all your coffee accessories such as creamer, sugar, spoons, cups, etc. No more racing around to different cabinets and cubbies in your kitchen just to make and enjoy a cup of coffee.
4. Specialized Storage
Specialized storage is what will make working in your kitchen a dream. There will be no more digging and searching for things that are just shoved into a cabinet. These are also specifically built with dividers and inserts that enable you to organize your entire kitchen. These are great for handy storage of your pots, pans, spices, plastic ware, utensils, etc.
5. Walk-In Pantry
If you really want to make your life easier, ask your Corvallis kitchen remodeler to include a walk-in pantry in the design. A walk-in pantry will provide you with a place for all your food and where everything can be seen at a glance. This means you won't be overbuying because you couldn't see what food you actually have.
It will also allow you to access anything you need quickly and easily. All your food and supplies will be at an arm's length. No more having to bend over, stoop, or do contortions trying to reach something that is shoved into the back, bottom, or corner cabinet or in a place you can't easily reach.
A walk-in pantry can also double as extra storage for things like pet food, small appliances you don't use every day, emergency food and toiletries, mops, brooms, ironing boards, or anything else you need it for.
The Importance of a Professional Kitchen Design & Build Remodeling Team
Many Corvallis kitchen remodelers are not structured as a design and build company. That means the homeowner has to hire an architect or independent designer to create a vision for their new kitchen. Then, the homeowner has to send those drawings to the general contractor who doesn't usually have any connections with the architect or designer who created that vision.
The general contractor then has to take this vision, decipher it, and turn it into a reality. That means it's up to the homeowner to make sure everything they envisioned is being properly conveyed and carried out between all parties. Sound a little stressful?
It's always best to find a design and build Corvallis kitchen remodeler to streamline the design and construction of your project. All aspects of design, planning, construction, and communications are handled under one roof. There is peace of mind in knowing that your vision, investment parameters, and concerns about the process are understood by your design and build remodeling team from the very beginning and carry it through to completion.
What's Next?
Are you ready to get started on your kitchen remodel? Or perhaps you have a few questions first. Either way, contact Corvallis Custom Kitchens & Baths today. We are here to help.
