12 Kitchen Design Ideas that Make Cooking Easier
Updated: Mar. 02, 2023
These chef-friendly features will give you the kitchen of your dreams.
Pot filler
Sick of lugging giant pots of water from the sink to the stove? Consider a wall-mounted pot filler. This upscale kitchen accessory sits above the range and connects directly to your home’s water line. Installation requires opening up the walls, so save this splurge for your next kitchen remodel.
Put that pot filler to work and try one of our 5-star pasta recipes.
Butcher block countertops
Meal prepping just got a lot easier, thanks to butcher block countertops. This stylish material matches almost every kitchen design and doubles as a giant cutting board. Before you rush to the hardware store, keep in mind that butcher block can require substantial upkeep and will likely need to be treated once a year. Considering butcher block? You need to know these 5 things before you buy.
Magnetic knife rack
Knives are a kitchen essential, but they can be tricky to store. Knife blocks are bulky and take up counter space while tossing your sharp tools in a drawer is an accident waiting to happen. Enter the magnetic knife rack. This handy (and budget-friendly!) gadget attaches to your wall or backsplash for safe, easy access.
Double sink
If your kitchen sink makes cooking a chore, consider a double sink. This handy feature makes it easy to multitask. You can rinse fresh produce, wash dirty dishes and fill pots without any interference.
Chalkboard wall
We love design ideas that blend fun with function—and a chalkboard wall is the perfect mix. You’ll be able to write down a grocery list, meal plan (like this easy 5-ingredient meal plan!) or recipe right where you can see it. And if the kids are in the kitchen before dinner? Distract them with a piece of chalk so you can continue cooking.
Kitchen island
A portable island is an easy way to add additional storage and counter space to your kitchen. You’ll reap the same rewards as a remodel but without the high price tag. Islands come in a variety of sizes with various features, so it’s easy to find a piece that fits your kitchen’s style. Here are some kitchen island carts that will give you a ton of working space. Also check out these stylish and functional bar stools for kitchen islands.
Floating storage
There’s nothing more frustrating than endlessly searching for a specific kitchen tool, only to find it hiding in the back of a cupboard. Make any cooking task a little easier by storing bakeware, dishware and more in plain sight. A set of floating shelves is a simple and stylish fix.
Up for the task of installing floating shelves? Buy a set here.
Outlets where you need ’em
Most kitchen appliances require outlets to function, so keep electrical needs in mind when designing your dream kitchen. We recommend placing an outlet near all of your prep spaces—such as along the countertop or on an island—but local electrical code will dictate exact requirements. Consult an electrician before reaching for the toolbox.
Soft-close drawers
Avoid the dreaded sound of slamming drawers by adding soft-close hinges to your cabinets. The hardware is simple to install, and can make your kitchen a much friendlier place to work. Plus, you’ll protect your delicate dishes from shifting around the drawer as it closes.
Bakers rack
This smart storage idea keeps all of your necessities in one place, and can be tailored to fit any cooking needs. Avid canner? Use the rack to store mason jars, utensils, bulky pots and other canning supplies. Big baker? Stash cookie sheets, pie plates, specialty pans and more. No matter what you use it for, your kitchen will benefit from a bakers rack.
Lots of lighting
Quality kitchen lighting is important for many reasons: it helps you read recipes on dreary days, it easily sets the mood for a party or cocktail hour and it makes your kitchen a more enjoyable place to be. When planning your kitchen, consider a blend of natural and artificial lighting. Natural light is determined by what Cardinal direction your kitchen faces, while artificial light comes in the form of fixtures.
Easy-to-clean surfaces
Every chef knows that cleanup is an essential part of the cooking process. Make the task a little easier by installing easy-to-clean kitchen surfaces, such as tile, stainless steel or laminate. When designing a space, pay attention to the materials you choose. After all, a material that looks Pinterest-worthy may end up being really difficult to maintain.
Up Next: This $250 Kitchen Cart Saved Me from Splurging on Cabinets
Originally Published: July 24, 2018
