Tiles, countertops, backsplash, and cabinetry may give a kitchen its aesthetic appeal. But when it comes to the dreamiest kitchens, it’s the gourmet features that elevate a design to the next level. We’re talking about those chef-worthy additions that can inspire you to whip up restaurant-worthy meals at home every day of the week.
Ellen Marie Bennett gets it, which is why she implements many of those coveted upgrades into her designs on Kitchen Glow Up. If you’re planning out your own dream kitchen, here are seven features every home cook will love.
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Tons of Counter Space
Mise-en-place, which is basically a fancy French term for prep, is crucial for a seamless cooking experience. Have you ever tried to whip up a dish only to throw your timing off because you forgot to slice up an onion? Having everything ready to go is the trick, but that’s hard to do without a ton of counter space.
Ample counter space allows for easier preparation. Plus, features like an island and bar stools provide friends and family a space to hang out while you cook. Because, while cooking yummy dishes may be your love language, it’s way more fun when you’re doing it in good company.
Storage Galore
Organization is another must-have in any functional kitchen, whether that means a pantry or extra shelves. Being able to access the tools you need when you need them allows for a more seamless cooking experience, reduces stress when you’re trying to access something quickly, and enables you to see and use all of your ingredients before they spoil.
Have a tiny kitchen? No problem. Pull-out shelves, organizers, rolling racks, vertical shelves, and wall racks can be lifesavers in smaller spaces.
A Pot Filler
Have you ever tried carrying a large pot filled with water across your kitchen to the range? It’s possible, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Those pots can get heavy, especially if you’re canning or making broth in a large stockpot. Pot fillers solve that problem, while leaving your sink free for other tasks. Plus, they add a pretty design element to your kitchen. Are they necessary? Well, no. But they’re nice to have, especially if you love puttering around in your cooking space.
Related: 10 Kitchen Island Decor Tips to Level Up Your Kitchen
Multiple Sinks
Kitchen sinks do a lot of heavy lifting, especially when you’re making multiple courses or baking up a storm. Having a deep sink is almost necessary, but having a deep, double-basin sink or a secondary island sink is a chef-worthy upgrade. With them, you can better multitask, minimize splashing, and handle food more safely by keeping raw meat and vegetables separate.
A Pro Range
If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking, you don’t want to waste extra minutes waiting for water to boil or oil to heat up for the perfect sear. Investing in a higher-end range can help avoid that, thanks to the higher BTU (British Thermal Unit) powered burners. These units offer more precise heating for the perfect cook, plus they’re often made of more durable materials designed to last a long time.
Double Ovens
Have you ever pulled out two packages of frozen apps only to realize they each require different cooking times and temperatures? Or what about when you’re baking protein and need to do the potatoes or veggies at a different heat? There are all kinds of uses for double or dual ovens, but the most valuable is preparing multiple dishes at once. Aside from the practicality of it, it’s kind of delicious to think about how you could be baking a pie, cake, or other dessert at the same time as you’re roasting up something yummy for dinner.
Upgraded Ventilation
Part of enjoying food is taking in the delicious smells. But everyone knows that lingering smells after you’re done eating isn’t exactly desirable. That’s just one reason why a proper, upgraded ventilation system is key. It can help your kitchen by removing cooking byproducts and improving the air quality. It also maintains a regulated and comfortable temperature and protects your beautiful space by reducing excess moisture and preventing mold and mildew.
Watch the full season of Kitchen Glow Up on STACKTV. Try it free today!
