When you hire us to renovate a kitchen for you, we first get to know you and what you want your dream kitchen to include. Although not everyone wants the same kitchen experience, there are often similarities, such as easy access to storage and a natural flow to the room.

For your more personalized requests, we also have the opportunity to find creative solutions. In the past, this has included crafting creative layouts, adding a wine refrigerator, or finding enough space to create a central island. These are big design solutions, but even the small ones will impact how you live and enjoy your kitchen everyday. 

Today I’m sharing 7 kitchen amenities and features that I’m confident will change the way you experience the best room in the house. Let’s get cooking!

1. Brilliant Corner Cabinet Feature

The Pull-Out Magic Corner allows you to take advantage of the corner cabinet’s dead space. When you open the cabinet door, the whole mechanism slides forward and out, allowing easy access to the items at the back. No need to get on your hands and knees anymore, thank goodness.

Pro Tip: Before ordering the Pull-Out Magic Corner, decide what you will store in the unit, because they can come with a solid or wired bottom. Solid bottoms are better for storing small appliances, such as a toaster, coffee grinder, or anything with a cord. This is so the cords won’t fall through the wires and get trapped when trying to remove them from the cupboards.

This feature is an excellent replacement for a lazy susan, although you may want to check out our next feature as well...

2. The Super Susan

The super susan has arrived and is ready to take over its predecessor, the lazy susan. This is another feature that helps with back corner dead space. I know you’re wondering, “What’s the difference between the lazy susan and the super susan?”

The lazy susan has a center pole that the shelves rotate around, while the super susan has no center pole. Instead, the rotating base sits on a shelf like a turntable. Without the pole, the super susan allows you to access items more easily, and it can accommodate those bulky heavier items. 

Pro Tip: The super susan is a more cost-effective option than the Blind Corner Pullout.

3. The Tall Utensil Pull-Out Shelf

This utensil pullout feature brings serious organization into the kitchen. It eliminates the need for unsightly countertop utensil bins, freeing up counter space and reducing clutter. The optional knife block allows easy storage of your knives while protecting the blade edges from damage.

This feature comes in three different widths, making them easily adaptable to the amount of space you have available. The larger sizes have multiple utensil bins and more than one knife block. You can choose whichever size and combination matches your commitment to cooking.

Pro Tip: If you have young children around, you may want to opt for the version without the knife block.

4. Waste Storage Systems

A waste storage system is a perfect way to find space in your kitchen layout for trash and/or recycling. It’s a game-changer, because it frees up the usual space (under the sink) for other items. Plus, the bins are easy to remove and empty. 

Depending on the amount of space you have available, you can have up to 4 bins in one cabinet, perfect for trash and sorting all of those recyclables. You may also want to include covers for these bins to prevent any unseemly odors. 

5. Workstation Sinks

This is my favorite gadget! Workstation sinks do it all, and they can include loads of features like colanders, cutting boards, drying mats, racks for dirty dishes, bowl holders, and more. The features will vary based on manufacturers.

You should consider including a workstation sink if you…

• Have limited counter space

• Want to wash and prep fresh food all in one place

• Entertain often

• Want to have a beverage center

Workstation sinks also come in various sizes, so consider the purpose of your workstation sink first. For example, larger models allow you to lay out a buffet-style spread while you are prepping, while some smaller models are specialized just for drink prep. 

Although workstation sinks started with the luxury brands, they are now available at all price points through many different manufacturers. We can help you pick the right brand and combination of features to fit your needs.

6. Refrigerator Drawers

Refrigerator drawers are a home chef’s dream. Having regularly used ingredients at-hand makes for easy meal preparation, especially if your refrigerator drawers are installed next to the main prep space. I also suggest refrigerator drawers for people who prepare most of their meals at home or for people who entertain a lot. It’s a great alternative to a second fridge in your garage, and you can store beverages and snacks for your kids in here, too. 

The drawer design allows you to access items from above, and you don’t have to remove everything from the front to get to what’s located at the back. Because they aren’t as difficult to open and are below counter height, these drawers are also great for those with wheelchairs or mobility aids, or children. (You could put fruit and yogurt at the front to create healthy habits!)

Admittedly, the biggest disadvantage to refrigerator drawers is the cost, so consider how often you will use them and if you really need the additional fridge space. Again, we can work with you to address your budget and goals and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Pro Tip: Because of the heat generated by this appliance, be sure to install it away from cabinets that store food items. 

7. Fixed Tray Dividers

Fixed tray dividers are an easy and organized solution for storing cookie trays, muffins tins, and cutting boards. The cabinetry above the refrigerator or the wall oven is usually hard to reach, making only the front few inches accessible. These fixed tray dividers solve the problem, making access easy. Simply grab the edge and you’re good to go. This is now the perfect spot for those less often used items.

Which was your favourite? Honestly, I have a hard time choosing. I have used many of these features repeatedly in clients’ kitchen designs, and they are always useful and well-loved. (In the Lakefront Kitchen Renovation, for example, my clients were amazed at the amount of built-in organization we were able to include!)

If you’re planning to renovate your kitchen and want to ensure you have all the features and gadgets for an excellent kitchen design, reach out and book a 15-minute consultation with me here. I’d love to talk about your kitchen dreams, share how I can help, and see if we are a good fit.

Warmly,

Adrienne