Kitchen remodel ideas to enhance your space

Many homeowners love the idea of renovating their kitchens, but it can be overwhelming to commit to a design and decide on features that will serve you well over time. To help you shape your vision, we have a few kitchen remodel ideas that will ensure your space leaves you feeling satisfied for years to come.

The first step to finding a kitchen design that works for you is discovering how to draw inspiration from your personal experiences, lifestyle, and even design preferences. Check out our recommendations to get inspired, then use the Rebode Kitchen Jumpstarter tool to visualize your dream kitchen. Once you’re ready to move forward, we can match you with a local kitchen designer who can help bring your vision to life.

Starting with function

No matter the size or layout of your space, starting with functionality is crucial when coming up with ideas for your kitchen remodel. Your kitchen makeover should be accessible to and usable by everyone in your family. Remodelers who skimp on functional kitchen enhancements—or make rushed decisions—tend to wish they hadn’t.

Open shelving is a great option for storing everyday use dishes. For many of us, most of these dishes go through the sink or dishwasher a couple times a week, and having to constantly open and close the same cabinet doors can become tedious. Open shelving or cabinets, meanwhile, give you and your family immediate and quick access to common dishes, and the best part is that no one has to remember to close the doors! Open shelving is also a great way to show off your favorite personal décor. 

Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

Designating areas for your most-used appliances

Many of us love starting our days with a hot morning coffee or tea, but too many appliances on counters make your kitchen look cluttered and take up valuable space. When remodeling a kitchen, consider having a designated area where coffee machines, tea kettles, or other daily necessities can stay out, stay organized, and be highly functional. Beverage centers and other designated appliance zones can keep your days—and your counters—feeling uncluttered.

Another idea for keeping your kitchen neat is having a pantry or appliance garage cabinet that holds the microwave, toaster, and other small appliances. Additionally, universal knife blocks, pull out cabinets, and utensil holders free up space and store your knives, cooking utensils, and measuring tools in an organized place that is close at hand when you need it.

Using kitchen islands for dining

Islands are another widely popular addition to kitchen remodels for a variety of reasons. If you have a small kitchen that lacks the room to install both an island and a dining table, your island can become the perfect multipurpose surface. Using your island for both meal prep and dining invites your friends and family to gather around your kitchen to chat and help out, and it maximizes your space while fulfilling your functional needs. Kitchen islands can also function as the ideal working station if you work from home!

Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

Don’t forget: islands are another place where you can let your personal style shine. Door panels or other decorations can highlight the island as a feature point, and you can also add deep cabinets to your kitchen island to maximize storage while adding stylish flair.

Getting creative with seating

If you have a narrow kitchen, seating space can come at a premium. One idea when considering your kitchen remodel is to add swing out bar stools, which can tuck in toward the wall or kitchen island when not in use but serve as a fun and unique design element. Swing out seating can keep chairs out of high traffic walkways while providing extra seating—a perfect match of form and function. Another option for kitchen seating takes advantage of any low windows you may have: add a window seat to create a cozy nook in your kitchen that maximizes space and flow. 

Maximizing storage

Ample and functional storage is a crucial component of kitchen design, and installing storage cabinets above your refrigerator, a pantry with roll trays, or drawer organization are all great and high demand options. 

If you have cats, dogs, or other animals in the home, you can also use kitchen storage to organize their accessories! Drawer dividers can keep toys, treats, and leashes straight, and pull-out roll trays can store food or bowls.

Incorporating nature in the kitchen

You can bring the peace and comfort of the outdoors into your kitchen renovation with decorative touches and cabinet finishes. Green kitchen cabinets create a calming, garden-like atmosphere, and maximizing natural light with skylights or windows can keep you feeling connected to nature. Optimizing base cabinet storage can free up wall space to highlight the view and light from your windows.

Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

Starting the kitchen remodel process

Planning a functional and elegant kitchen renovation takes time and effort, but with the right preparation and collaboration, it can be extremely rewarding and pay off for years to come. After considering these ideas for your kitchen remodel, get started by using Rebode Kitchen Jumpstarter to start envisioning your dream kitchen at a budget that suits you. Jumpstarter can then match you with a local kitchen designer who can work with you to get the renovation process moving.