If you’ve ever had the experience of cooking in an evening without sufficient light on your countertops, you aren’t alone. Homeowner Kelsie has a stellar recommendation for your next remodel, and that is under cabinet lighting. She claims that she loves hers in her kitchen, and we at Soul and Lane can confirm that this will save you a lot of squinty nights and mornings while working on your counter space, whether just to make a cup of coffee or prepare a meal.
Crafting Your Dream Kitchen Wishlist: Expert Tips for a Remodel That Wows
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Published: February 12, 2024
Updated: January 2, 2024
Come on, go ahead and admit it. You have spent hours scrolling through social media, staring at charming, stylish, and cohesive kitchens that sparkle through their layouts, clean countertops, and perfect designs. This practice, when repeated over and over again, has caused you to create a wishlist in your head for the next time you tear down your kitchen or move into a new home.
It’s okay because we’ve been there, too, and many of our readers and interior designers have made these dream worlds a reality. We want to share with you their incredible tips, hacks, and ideas that have made their kitchens a true scene of paradise that make hosting and providing family meals so much more enjoyable and fun. Shamelessly pull out that pen and jot down all of the trendy, functional finds that are sure to spark your renovating itch!
02 of Large Kitchen Window
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Kitchens with ample natural light are refreshing and fulfilling, but occasionally, that light is taken for granted. Morgan explains that in her kitchen update, she regretted not putting in “a larger window and a light over the kitchen sink.” You will never regret more light, whether it be from fixtures or from windows in a kitchen that is frequently used. If you have the luxury of planning out the entire kitchen, consider something even bigger.
“I would prioritize having a bay window near the kitchen sink, offering an airy and light ambiance that exudes warmth and a farmhouse feel,” shares interior designer Neha Kaimal. While it may be hard to do in your current house, for those working on their new build, this could be a great option.
03 of Waterfall Kitchen Island
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A modern trend we’re seeing repeated in new builds and social media posts is waterfall kitchen islands. Essentially, the countertop material, typically marble or quartz, extends down the sides to the floor. This creates an upscale, custom look that is sure to make you the envy of the block. Reader Felicia agrees that this is one feature she wishes she had incorporated into her kitchen upgrade.
04 of Drawers as Lower Cabinets
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Contributor Bobbi made a quick and confident statement about her kitchen remodel wishlist, stating, “Lower cabinets 100% drawers.” We have heard repeatedly from our readers and designers that lower cabinet drawers are a coveted feature due to their ease of use and the amount of items they can store. Not only are they highly functional, but their hardware design adds a unique element to the overall kitchen design.
05 of Smaller Island
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Oversized islands are quite popular, but they aren’t always the easiest to clean. If you’re on the shorter side or don’t have long limbs, you may have an issue covering the surface necessary to give a deep clean or even decorate. Francis explains her experience with this coveted feature, sharing she wishes she had a smaller island. “Mine was so big I had to lean over quite a bit to clean the middle.” We understand the struggle, Francis!
06 of Induction Cooktop
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Gas ranges and stoves are certainly superior when it comes to cooking ability, but they aren’t the easiest to clean. Between the pot and pan supports and the cooktop, anytime you have a spill, it can feel like a full-time job taking everything apart for a deep clean. Francis had an incredible wishlist for her remodel, a few of those items including her smaller island, as stated above. Another one was an “induction cooktop on the countertop stone.”
07 of Pot Filler
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I am all about anything that makes cooking easier, and pot fillers do just that. These fixtures alleviate a fair share of unnecessary walking around the kitchen by providing water instantly for cooking or cleaning. Tiffany did not build one into the wall during her kitchen remodel, and unfortunately, she shares, “I wish we had done the pot filler.” Don’t make the same mistake, and add this fun little feature to your wish list!
08 of Double Ovens
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Homemaker Nikki happily gives a pro tip for all those homemakers out there, explaining, “If you like to bake or host- go for double ovens. You won’t regret it.” This one hack will save you for big holidays that require a great deal of cooking and food preparation. Bonus points if there is an additional warming drawer for food that isn’t ready to be set out on the island for serving.
09 of Range With Warming Drawers
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Similar to Nikki’s recommendation of double ovens is a freestanding double convection oven range. They come in a myriad of bright and trendy colors, though the one shown is a pristine stainless steel. Although on the more expensive side, they are a culinary lover’s dream due to their multi-functionality including double ovens, double warming drawers, and multiple burners.
10 of Double Dishwasher
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Modern kitchens are all about convenience, no matter the cost. One of those specialty items that you can include if you have the budget and the space is a second dishwasher. The beverage station shown is equipped with an additional beverage fridge alongside a petite dishwasher that can be used specifically for glasses and mugs. It is undoubtedly an upscale feature, but if you appreciate your drinks of all varieties, it is an idyllic wishlist item.
11 of Free Island Space
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Various island features include bar top seating, sinks, pull-out trash cans, induction cooktops, and even microwaves. Depending on your goal, frequent hostess Ann shares her perspective on the matter indicating, “I have nothing on my island which makes it great for serving food when we have company.” She also explains further that she’s a grandma, so for all of those grandparents out there who enjoy cooking and feeding your beloved little ones, this functional tip is especially for you.
Interior designer Ellen Matthews agrees saying, “A kitchen island adds valuable prep space and can double as a casual dining area, facilitating both entertaining and everyday meals.”
12 of Hidden Appliance Cabinets
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One design tip that can transform the aesthetic of a kitchen is having open and decorative countertops free from small appliances like mixers, coffee pots, and toasters. Reader Lisa has added secret cabinet compartments with hidden outlets and cabinets to her fancy kitchen wishlist to allow for the appreciation of countertop florals, artwork, and other miscellaneous decor. It also allows guests to truly appreciate the countertop and backsplash design, especially if you have a specialty stone.
13 of Dry Bar
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Can you say party house?! This adorable dry bar is equipped with a beverage fridge, a pebble ice maker, wine openers, and a clear-lit cabinet with drinkware. Contributor Jamie completed a similar remodel in her home and “replaced a planning desk with a little cocktail area including a beverage fridge.” Even after the update was finished, she wished “we would have added a sink.” Don’t make the same mistake, and go ahead and include this element on your dream list.
14 of Hidden Electrical Outlets
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Backsplash is a specialty design feature chosen with strict guidelines and specifications. As such, it should be represented fully without mistakes or design flaws. It may be considered a specialty request, but as we are discussing wishlist items, designer Nicole shares how much she loves her hidden upper outlets. Requiring the professional help of an electrician, you can hide your wall outlets in the cabinets to keep the backsplash looking fresh and uninterrupted. How incredibly genius, as are many of these carefully curated design ideas that are suited for every lifestyle. With the help of the right contractors, any of these idyllic wish list items can be yours.
