5 Essential Kitchen Remodel Features

Remodeling your kitchen is an undertaking that can cause you lots of stress. Planning for what you want and/or need is the first step, but how do you narrow it down?

What’s most important? What’s least important?

Consider these essential features that most homeowners list as absolute must-haves.

5 Features Most Homeowners Want for their Kitchen Remodel

These are by far the most popular features when remodeling kitchens.

1. An Island

Hands-down, an island is the number one item on most homeowners’ kitchen remodel wish list.

It’s easy to see why. Kitchen islands provide lots of flexible use. They offer extra counter space, a place to sit and eat, and extra storage.

Even in small kitchens, a rolling island on wheels can make life easier. There are large and small islands for every purpose, no matter how much space you’re working with.

2. An Eat-In Dining Space

People love informal, eat-in dining space in their kitchens. This could mean a breakfast bar, kitchen island seating, or a small table tucked under a window. Family breakfast and quick dinners can still take place around this gathering space instead of everyone grabbing food and leaving.

Again, this design feature is all about the flexibility it offers for daily living. If you have extra space in your kitchen, consider setting some aside for informal dining.

3. A Big, Single Sink

A surprising request of many homeowners is a large, single sink as opposed to the standard double sink. The main complaint about double sinks is that they’re rarely large enough to accommodate large pots and pans.

Today, you can get a cool and modern sink that suits your needs perfectly. Look at your options, and don’t settle for the double sink if it’s not going to work hard for you.

4. More Storage

Obviously, everybody wants more storage in their kitchen. The dedicated cook or baker’s dream is a separate pantry where everything is organized and laid out like a gourmet food store.

Unfortunately, for most of us, that dream will stay a dream. However, there are storage options for your remodel that can help contain your kitchen overflow. Consider adding a lazy Susan, custom cabinetry (like pull-out spice racks and special drawers for dish storage), or roll-out shelves to get a pantry feel.

5. Extra Prep Space

Who doesn’t want more prep space? It makes cooking more enjoyable if you’re not bumping elbows with the person helping you, or colliding with the edge of the stove every time you turn around.

A kitchen island can easily fulfill this want, especially if your kitchen is small. If you have more room, think about adding a kitchen peninsula with additional counter space.

Remodeling your kitchen can be an undertaking, to say the least. To help you figure out what’s essential, consider these must-haves above, then decide which ones are truly essential for you and your lifestyle.