Preparing to Host? Consider These 5 Kitchen Remodel Must-haves
Hosting your friends and family typically involves a lineup of delicious food. From main dishes to sides and desserts, it can be a lot to handle—especially if you don’t have the right space or functionality. An updated kitchen can make gatherings easier and more enjoyable for you and your guests. Getting ready to host soon? Here are some kitchen remodel must-haves that can make a huge difference.
Why to Consider a Kitchen Upgrade
Kitchens are the heart of gatherings—from holiday celebrations to casual get-togethers. It’s often in a central location of your home, and it’s where meal preparation happens. An updated kitchen can improve the functionality, efficiency, and aesthetics of your kitchen, making it a place that you and your guests both will love to be.
Consider these benefits:
- Functionality: A well-designed kitchen can accommodate more guests, making it a more inviting space for socializing. Plus, upgraded features can make cooking easier, giving you more time to enjoy your company.
- Efficiency: During a big gathering, you’ll likely be juggling multiple dishes and preparations. Modern kitchen amenities streamline these tasks, allowing you to cook and entertain with ease.
- Aesthetics: A beautiful, modern kitchen enhances the overall ambiance of your gatherings. It can create a welcoming environment for your family and friends with inviting seating arrangements, warm lighting, and other stylish details.
Incorporate These Kitchen Remodel Must-haves
To make the most of your remodel, consider incorporating these kitchen amenities.
#1. Extra Cabinet Space
Gatherings can bring an influx of ingredients, cookware, serving dishes, and tupperware. Extra cabinet space can help keep everything organized, easily accessible, and most importantly, off your countertops—opening up space for you to cook and serve. Expanding your cabinet space could include adding a pantry, extending your cabinets, or doing a full overhaul on your kitchen cabinets. To further maximize your storage space, add adjustable shelves, cutlery dividers, or pull-out drawers, all options that are available as part of the Merillat Classic collection.
#2. Double Oven
A double oven is invaluable during large gatherings. It allows you to bake and roast multiple dishes simultaneously, saving time and ensuring everything is perfectly cooked—and still hot when ready to be served. For example, you can cook your turkey and sides while baking several pies. The result? No more reheated food at your table.
#3. Hidden Pull-Out Trash Bin
A clean kitchen is essential during busy cooking or baking sessions. A hidden pull-out trash bin keeps waste out of sight and within easy reach—making cleanup more efficient, maintaining a tidy workspace, and contributing to the organized aesthetics of your updated kitchen.
#4. Large Dishwasher
With more food comes more dishes. Take the cleanup stress off your plate with a large dishwasher. With extra capacity, these appliances can save you significant time and effort—giving you more time to spend with loved ones. Look for a model with flexible racks to handle everything, including your largest dishwasher-safe pots and pans.
#5. Spacious Island
One of the biggest kitchen stressors is a lack of space. Before and during gatherings, you need an adequate area for food prep, serving, and cleanup. Plus, adding an island is not only functional, but it can add a stylish element to your kitchen design. Cambria Countertops offers striking quartz countertop options for your island that are low-maintenance, durable, and covered by a lifetime warranty. Alternatively, you could consider a butcher block island, offering built-in cutting board space for ultimate convenience.
Key Considerations Before Your Remodel
A kitchen remodel is no small project. Before implementing these kitchen remodel must-haves, consider:
- Long-term Use: Think about how the upgraded kitchen amenities will fit into your everyday life beyond big gatherings. For example, a double oven is ideal for meals with your extended family, but will you use it regularly throughout the year? Investing in features that offer long-term benefits can make your remodel more worthwhile.
- Budgetary Considerations: Hosting can bring on additional costs—from party favors to decorations to snacks and more. Ensure that your renovation project fits within your budget while considering these other expenses. Prioritize kitchen remodel must-haves that will offer the most significant impact and explore cost-effective options.
- Timeline: Completing a kitchen remodel in a tight timeline can be challenging. If you’re trying to complete it before the holidays, for example, be aware of potential changes in contractor schedules and supply chain issues. Evaluate whether it’s realistic to finish the remodel in time for your gatherings and try to start the process as early as possible.
Your Year-round Resource for Kitchen Remodel Must-haves
Ready to transform your kitchen and your hosting abilities? Whether you need remodeling advice, need high-quality products, or are looking for reputable contractors, the Standard Kitchens team is ready to help. Contact us to make your kitchen remodel must-haves happen.