Written By Megin Potter | Photos provided
One size no longer fits all. Customization and personalization turn the modern kitchen into a place for more than just cooking. Clever kitchen design makes the heart of the home into a hub for communication and wellness.
It is no accident that today’s kitchens are expansive, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing.
Building or renovating a kitchen is something many people will only do a few times in their lifetimes but it’s something
Sara Bovee Hines has been doing everyday for more than 22 years. A designer at Kitchen and Bath World since 2003, she purchased the company in 2018. As president, Sara has combined their unique history in the marketplace with her design expertise and filled the Kitchen and Bath World retail showroom with products that homeowners can’t live without.
Here's her advice on the 10 must-haves for today’s kitchens.
1 Hire a Professional Designer
In the ever-evolving world of custom kitchen design, there’s no substitute for experience. Consumer preferences shape modern kitchens beyond the basics. To get the most space, easiest flow, and best storage solutions while maximizing your budget, hiring a trusted pro is the way to go.
2 Secure the Perfect Installation Team
For a smooth install, don’t trust just anyone. Kitchen and Bath World’s seven crews work closely with their designers to ensure every detail is attended to. Rather than relying on a subcontractor, these professionals work hand-in-hand with one another to provide you with a seamless culinary experience.
3 Properly Placed Lighting
Avoid casting a dark mood on your food with lighting that is placed in front of you. Eliminate shadows while cooking by combining mood and task lighting in neutral to warm tones. With recessed LED lights in 2700 – 3000K and pendant lights that hang 30 – 36” above the countertops, you’ll have a clear view.
4 Oversized Single Bowl Sink
With the advent of dishwashers, the popularity of split sinks has sunk. A supersized single bowl sink gives you plenty of room for those large pots and pans without the worry that water will splash over the bowl and build up grime over time.
5 Carefree Countertops
Minimize maintenance with Cambria Quartz countertops that resist stains and heat. Not all quartz is created equal, cautions Sara, so chose a product that is composed of more than 90% natural stone, American-made, and comes with a guarantee that makes these surfaces worth standing behind.
6 Integrate Entertainment & Lifestyle Features
The kitchen is not just for cooking. Modern kitchen designs create spaces that encourage dialogue and shared experiences. Pull out the desk that’s been collecting clutter since the ‘90s to make room for a coffee bar, beverage center, or wine storage racks.
7 Drawers, Drawers, Drawers
Pulling out all the stops, drawers are the best storage system for kitchens, said Sara. Large drawers with dividers at floor level keep everything organized and within easy reach. With a one-step motion to open and close, the simplicity of drawers can’t be beat.
8 Built-in Universal Utensil Holders
The same technology that had us pressing our faces against Pin screen toys as kids has been adapted for kitchen utensil storage. Just drop your knives, spoons, and spatulas into this innovative pull-out storage solution and they will always be within easy reach.
9 Pull-out Waste Bins
Improve food safety and cleanliness while optimizing efficiency in the kitchen with pull-out bins for garbage, recycling, and composting. Convenient and hassle-free, keeping these containers tucked away out-of-sight keeps your kitchen looking stylish and makes disposal effortless.
Open Shelving
More than just an arrangement of appliances, modern kitchens are an extension of the living space. Open shelving is an opportunity to add decorative lighting, and put artwork or family heirlooms on display.
Bonus Tip: Ventilation Nation
Consumer demands shape modern kitchens but good ventilation will never go out of style. No matter what fuel source you’re using, cooking produces fumes that need to be excised from the home. Beautiful and functional, custom hearths add warmth and style to the space.
Meet the diverse demands of your menu and reimagine what’s possible by going to kitchenandbathdesign.com
