Kitchen Views' Blog

One of the most important questions to ask when redesigning your kitchen is what sorts of features you will want to include in your remodeled kitchen. Many times it’s a matter of necessity as much as it is a matter of affordability. You also want to make sure that your new space is being used most efficiently and that you won’t regret leaving something out.

To help with this, here is a quick design checklist that includes many common features that go into a wide variety of kitchens, broken down into several categories:

Lighting & Electrical

This Mockett Kitchen Power Grommet is one example of a feature you may want.

• Electrical Outlets (more or less)
• Lighting Style (recessed, pendant, chandelier)
• Specialty Lights (inside cabinet, under cabinet, toe kick)
• Ceiling Fans
• Specialty Charging Stations (cell phones, Mp3 players, laptops)

Appliances

Part of many kitchen wish lists: an under-counter Microwave Drawer

• The Basics: Refrigerator, Freezer, Range, Oven, Dishwasher, Vent Hood
• Small Appliances: Microwave, Coffeemaker, Wine Chiller
• Upgrades: Ice Maker, Garbage Disposal, Wall Oven, Warming Drawer, Second Dishwasher, Second Refrigerator, Second Freezer, Refrigerated Washer and Dryer

Storage & Cabinets:

• Shelving: Roll Out Shelving, Adjustable Shelving
• Specialty Racks: Wine Rack, Spice Rack, Cutting Board
• Additional storage: Lazy Susan, Silverware Dividers, Bread Box
• Wish list storage: Tilt Down Sponge Holder, Bookshelf, Cook Book Stand, Pull-Up Mixer Shelf, Appliance Garage

Plumbing:

• Basics: Water Filter, Water Dispenser, Sprayer for Faucet
• Wish List: Prep Bar, Extra Sink, Faucet Adjacent to Cook Top

Miscellaneous Design Elements:

Schrock Mini Message Center

• Work Area (desk, bill sorter, shelving)
• Computer Space
• Radio and/or Television
• Telephone
• Message Center

Hopefully, having this checklist will help you decide what you simply must-have, might need, might want, or be able to live without. In the future, we will have more in-depth sections for each of the categories listed above. For more kitchen design guides and checklists, visit kitchenviews.com.