5 Design Choices That Will Make Your Kitchen Stand Out

Kitchens aren’t just for cooking these days. They’re seen as the centerpiece of the home, a room that combines beautiful showmanship and warm hospitality. That means they need to both look great and be functional. How can you achieve both those goals? Here are five design trends that combine those two factors:

1. Floor-to-Ceiling Storage

   Custom cabinetry is an integral part of any high-end kitchen, and you can make the most of your custom made cabinets by having them installed floor to ceiling along at least one wall, incorporating a pantry or even some appliances (you can have your refrigerator, dishwasher and other small appliances paneled so that they’re seamlessly integrated). Custom wood cabinets cost quite a bit, but you’ll end up with a stunning look that can’t be reproduced using stock cabinetry.

2. Clear Glass Door Fronts

   The best custom cabinets can be made with mixed-and-matched door styles. If you have some pretty china or other dishes, consider having the cabinets in one part of your kitchen feature glass-front doors. You can paint the insides of the cabinets or even use old-fashioned contact paper for some extra visual punch — and you’ll always know where things are! Just don’t opt for frosted or textured glass in your custom cabinetry, as that can look very dated.

3. An Apron-Front Sink

   Big farmhouse sinks with apron fronts — meaning the ceramic or enameled basin of the sink is visible even when the sink is set into the countertop — are making a major comeback. These large, deep sinks can handle whatever you need, from the dishes for a 12-person dinner to a baby’s nighttime bath.

4. Full-Height Backsplash

   In builder-basic homes, you’ll often see that the wall between the bottom of the cabinets and the countertop is either just painted or has a half-height backsplash. For a more elegant look, make sure the backsplash reaches all the way to the bottom of the cabinets. This doesn’t have to be an expensive project, as even plain white subway tile can look quite nice, and it’ll make cleaning up splashes and splatters a breeze.

5. Furniture-Style Feet

   Instead of a bulky, fixed kitchen island, consider a more furniture-like piece. You can even build your island onto an antique buffet or dresser. And if you’re updating a kitchen with an old island, there are a few tricks your builders can use to make it appear as if the island has feet like a real piece of furniture.

Do you have any tips on making a kitchen design stand out, from custom cabinetry to accessories? Join the discussion in the comments.