Beautiful Kitchens

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is where we gather with family and friends to cook, eat, celebrate, and socialize. But spending so much time here also means it can quickly become messy and disorganized.

Open-plan living is exceptionally popular, and I even have one in my own home. I love how everyone naturally gravitates toward our oversized island! However, there is one key catch: an open kitchen is visible from every surrounding living area.

If you are planning a remodel or building from scratch, thoughtful storage and layout planning are essential to keep your space looking serene. Here are seven practical tips to ensure your dream kitchen is as functional as it is stunning.

1. Plan Ahead for Lost Wall Storage

Removing walls creates that airy, spacious open-concept feel everyone loves—but it also eliminates valuable vertical storage. Before taking down walls, take inventory of your cookware and pantry items. Ensure your new design incorporates adequate cabinetry elsewhere to offset the lost wall space.

2. Design Island Storage Around Seating

Generous kitchen islands with bar seating are a top request for clients who love entertaining while prepping food. However, if your design places cabinets directly behind bar stools, accessing those items requires moving furniture every time.

• The Fix: Store infrequently used items behind the seating area, or keep your primary storage on the working side of the island.

• Pro Tip: Make sure your room’s total square footage comfortably supports a large island. If it’s too big, it will pinch traffic flow.

3. Swap Lower Cabinets for Deep Drawers

Instead of standard lower cabinets with shelves, opt for large pull-out drawers beneath your countertops. Drawers make access effortless—no more getting on your hands and knees to hunt for pot lids hiding in the back. While drawer hardware makes them a bit pricier than standard cabinets, the extra functionality and organization are well worth the splurge.

4. Think Twice Before Going All-In on Open Shelving

While open shelves look gorgeous in magazine photos, traditional upper cabinets with doors are far more practical for everyday life. Unless your household is obsessively organized, open shelves can quickly look cluttered. Plus, they act as magnets for dust, grime, and grease. If you love the look, keep it to a small accent shelf for displaying a few favorite pieces.

5. Be Selective with Glass-Front Cabinets

Glass-front cabinets offer a lovely, light look for displaying beautiful glassware and dinnerware. However, like open shelving, they expose internal clutter if everything isn't neatly arranged. Consider limiting glass fronts to just one or two accent cabinets for standout decor or special-occasion items.

6. Position Your Dishwasher for Effortless Unloading

Dishwashers are almost always placed next to the sink for easy loading, but don't forget to map out how you’ll unload it:

• Check Clearance: Ensure an open dishwasher door doesn't block key storage drawers or isolate you from standard walkway zones.

• Minimize Steps: Avoid layouts that require you to walk across the entire room carrying stacks of plates.

• Ergonomic Upgrade: Whenever I remodel a kitchen, I love raising the dishwasher slightly off the floor. Elevating it reduces constant bending—a total game-changer for your back as the years go on!

7. Create a Dedicated "Drop Zone"

Incoming mail, homework, receipts, and paperwork are among the biggest contributors to kitchen clutter. If space allows, incorporate a designated "drop zone" near the entryway or off to the side to sort and store incoming paper before it takes over your countertops.

Partner with the Right Pros

Remodeling involves countless decisions. Working with an experienced design and build team that actively listens and collaborates ensures every detail meets your lifestyle needs.

Your turn: What kitchen features or clever storage tricks help keep your space organized?