Top 10 Must-Have’s for Your Kitchen

Posted on 06. May, 2011 by Sesshu Design in Blog

The kitchen is the hub of the home- the space you likely spend most of your time, gathered with family and friends.  It is also the number one space to update.  Whether you are loooking to make major changes or just want to add some little details, these are the things homeowners are loving right now.

This ceramic skillet is non-stick and healthy. Photo courtesy of Ceramcor.

1. Eco-friendly and versatile cookware that can be used on the stove, in the oven, under the broiler, in a microwave or even on the barbeque.  This skillet is made of non-toxic ceramic that is non-stick and doesn’t leach into your food or produce harmful gases during cooking.  The Xtrema collection by Ceramcor includes a variety of items and is also freezer- and dishwasher-safe.


The Pascal Culinary faucet by Brizo in Chrome. Photo courtesy of Brizo.

2. A high-arcing faucet at the sink, like the Pascal Culinary faucet by Brizo, is a stylish and functional option.  Filling large pots and conserving water is made easy thanks to Smart Technology that has a hands-free option and automatic shut-off.  It also features a touch-control function.
3. Ample space to lay out “buffet style” meals calls for a large island, or at least longer expanses of uninterrupted counter surface.  Peninsulas work well if your space is more limited and doesn’t allow for a full island.
   

   Drawers can be great storage in the kitchen. Photo courtesy of St Charles Cabinetry

4. Plenty of storage and innovative storage solutions keeps clutter to a minimum.  A place for everything, and everything in its place is an old adage that certainly holds true in the kitchen.  Drawers with tiered storage, and versatile solutions for storing everything from pots and pans to plates and bowls to spices are nice options available with custom cabinetry.
   

   The Bosch 800 Plus dishwasher is ultra-efficient and quiet. Photo courtesy of Bosch

5. A highly-efficient and ultra-quiet dishwasher like the 800 Plus Dishwasher from Bosch, which uses as little as 2 gallons of water per cycle.  The DCS by Fisher & Paykel has a fully adjustable racking system and is also Energy-Star rated and ultra-quiet.
6. French-door refrigerators allow storing large trays within easy reach.  Liebherr’s 2062 Bio-Fresh model features technology that keeps food fresh up to three times longer than usual.   It also has a Duo Cooling system and double freezer drawers with a self-closing mechanism.
7. A steam oven is the fastest, healthiest way to cook fish or veggies, and keeps other foods moist while cooking as well.  Combination steam/convection ovens offer the ultimate in flexibility.  Check out Thermador’s Masterpiece Steam and Convection oven with 40 EasyCook programs.  Or Gaggenau’s Combi steam/convection oven with a side-opening door that makes loading and unloading food a breeze while allowing for side-by-side as well as stacked installation options.
   

   Seperate bins for trash and recycling items makes it easy to be green. Photo courtesy of St Charles Cabinetry

8. A combination trash and recycling pull-out- hide and sort your garbage in one convenient place to make trash day easy and quick.
   

   LED under-cabinet lighting provides excellent illumination in the kitchen.

9. LED under-cabinet lighting that makes cooking tasks easier as well as creating a nice ambiance in the most-used room of your home.  Super slim and completely cool to the touch, LED strips are easy to add in an existing kitchen or a brand new one.
   

   Eco Domo recycled leather tiles inset in porcelain border. Photo courtesy of Eco Domo

10. A cushioned flooring surface can help alleviate back pain that may be made worse by standing for long periods at the stove.  Cork or recycled leather tiles, like these from EcoDomo, provide enough flexibility to decrease joint pressure – and they are durable and sustainable.  Using an area rug rather than the standard throw rug also provides more cushioning while making an aesthetic statement and is becoming popular.

If you need some extra help with additional options or pulling it all together, give us a call.  We are happy to provide expert recommendations that fit your unique situation and project management for remodels both large and small.