5 Unique Kitchen Features That Add Purpose & Style
Looking for some unique kitchen inspiration? Check out our timeless, modern, and stylish kitchen transformation.
Being able to visualize the potential of a space is one of my super powers…
When we were house shopping for our current home, I had a list of non-negotiables and I also was empowered with the knowledge that I could transform almost any space and make it beautiful. But…it had to have good bones.
I definitely was NOT looking for move in ready. I wanted a project, something my family could make our own and grow into. I had to walk this home 2x before I could clearly see it. Before purchasing, I also needed to confirm that a few “minor” things could be done order to get the open floor plan we desired, including repositioning the great room fireplace and rearranging the kitchen layout.
We were fortunate to find an architect that saw our vision and was able to re-work the space. Martini Samartino Design Group in Metro-Detroit helped us transform our home. The kitchen was where much of the remodel took place and where much of our budget was used.
Here are 5 Unique Kitchen Features to Add Purpose and Style:
1. Functional Layout
The existing kitchen layout had to be modified to accommodate all of the hidden potential in this space. I wanted to range to be the focal point and to accomplish that, it had to be moved around. Honestly, everything moved around to create a more functional kitchen triangle. Carving out space for a large pantry was also a must have. We achieved that by moving the butlers pantry closer to the opening of the dining room. This created room to behind the Fridge/Freezer. We had to integrate the pantry door with cabinet paneling to make it work. This was one of the biggest obstacles in designing the kitchen and is now one of my favorite features in our home. I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it turned out!
Some factors to consider when you are planning your own renovation/remodel— Think about how you live on a daily basis and how you like to entertain. Where do you plan on serving guests? Where is your family going to sit down for dinner? Do you need a designated beverage area for parties? Is there an area to store small appliances when you are not using them? Can you utilize one of your cabinets for a hidden trash can/recycling bin?
The list goes on and on, but just a few things to get your brain going!
2. Commercial and Panel-Ready Appliances
I absolutely LOVE to cook, I hate cleaning up afterwards, but creating beautiful and healthy meals is my love language! After all of the countless hours of research I did when building our previous home home, I knew I wanted a 48” Duel-Fuel Range with Griddle option. We selected Thermador Brand Appliances and are really happy with our decision.
In addition to the range, we have the Thermador 30” Panel-Ready Fridge & Freezer Columns, as well as the panel-ready dishwasher. My fridge/freezer and integrated pantry wall looks like statement furniture and I absolutely love it.
We also have the Kitchen Aid Beverage Center. I liked that it had 2 different temperature controlled sections…wine storage on the bottom and than the rest of the small fridge can be used for other drinks. Thermador didn’t make a beverage center, so this was perfect. Because it was also panel-ready, it blended right in!
The last appliance we purchased was a microwave drawer and placed it in the island. I try to keep my countertops clutter free and this was the perfect selection.
3. Statement Hood
There are so many different directions you can go with your Range Hood, but in this space the vision was to have bright white kitchen with a huge stainless steel hood. Being a boy mom, I wanted a bit more of an industrial feel, but still giving me the formal style I love.
We custom ordered our Vent-a-Hood from Witbeck Home Appliance Mart in West Bloomfield. They have so many options for customization, it was incredible and a little overwhelming at the same time. Because I wanted the hood to look oversized, I chose a 56” hood over a 48” range.
Also, functionally speaking, its better to have your hood be slightly wider than your range to better capture the smoke.
4. Waterfall Island
This was definitely not a “need” to have, but just an extra special feature that I wanted to round out the clean look we were trying to achieve.
If this is a feature you would like to incorporate, just be aware that not only do you have to purchase extra material for the island, but the labor costs a bit more because the edges of the waterfall need to be mitered. I believe labor costs to do that are around $100/linear foot (prices may vary depending on your fabricator).
5. Butler’s Pantry/ Bar Area
Our home is the gathering house, we love to host our family and friends and have a little fun once in a while! Creating a functional and open Bar Area that also serves as a Butler’s Pantry for our (rarely used) dining room was a great compromise and efficient use space that otherwise wouldn’t have been utilized much.
Glass front cabinets with the same design as the Fridge Wall tied this little space in with the kitchen. Lower cabinets have deeper pull out drawers to accommodate the liquor/wine. This was such a simple thing to do, but so practical!
If I had room, I would’ve added an ice maker… next house!
Remember to plan ahead and be flexible, unexpected issues during the renovation process are inevitable. Just know and trust it will all be worth it in the end. Good luck with your kitchen renovation!
