Pros Share 5 Top Tips for Customizing Your Kitchen

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Arguably the most hardworking room in the house, the kitchen should be not only functional but beautiful too. If your hub of the home feels a little outdated or doesn’t have an efficient layout, or you’ve been inspired by some of the latest trends, then it’s a great time to consider a remodel. Get it right and you can achieve a kitchen that’s a joy to spend time in and is beautifully tailored to your taste and lifestyle. But where to start? We spoke with three design professionals to get their top tips for successfully renovating a kitchen. Read on for their ideas.

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1. Tailor Your Layout

Determining a functional layout is the essential first step in any kitchen remodel. Think about how you use the space and let this drive layout decisions. A well-designed layout will ensure that everything is within easy reach and will suit both your cooking and eating styles. “Anchoring the four main areas in your layout — prep, dishwashing, cooking and refrigeration — and setting them up with cabinetry immediately around them will promote high functionality,” says interior designer Betsey Mosby, owner and principal designer of Betsey Mosby Interiors in Jacksonville, Mississippi.

Although there are loose rules for laying out a kitchen, you can of course customize your design. For example, you may want to keep everyday appliances close at hand, such as including a dishwasher in the kitchen island or investing in a microwave drawer. Or, if having a space where the family can eat together casually is a priority, you might make room for counter seats. “Customization is popular right now,” says Lisa Russell, principal designer of LM.Designs in Memphis, Tennessee. “Designing the kitchen to fit your needs, your personal style and your lifestyle is key. Having a kitchen that works smarter and makes you smile can relieve stress as you begin or end a busy day.”

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2. Have Fun With Statement Lighting

From sparkling chandeliers to gaze-grabbing pendants, statement lights can be an easy way to show off your style and illuminate your workspace. “Lighting plays a major factor in creating ambiance in a kitchen,” Mosby says. “I’ve hung antique chandeliers over islands and old reworked lanterns over sinks. Pendant lighting provides great directional illumination for spaces like kitchen islands.”

Using multiple lights can make a statement too, such as the white-and-gold pendants hung symmetrically over the island in the kitchen seen here. “When choosing decorative light fixtures, go big,” Russell says. “Don’t be afraid to mix finishes or styles to show off your personality either. Lighting is an easy thing to change out as your style evolves, so go for it!”

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3. Create a Stylish Sink Area

There’s so much more to choosing a sink than you might think. Do you want a double or single bowl, for example? Would you prefer a round or square design? “Sinks can be tricky,” Mosby says. “I personally prefer one large open trough, which I think makes washing and prep work easier. That being said, many of my clients prefer a double bowl so that they can use one area to stack dirty dishes, and the other for cleaning and prep.”

Once you’ve decided on an overall sink style, you can consider accessories. An integrated cutting board, drying rack, colander and more can help improve efficiency in your cooking and washing-up process. “A heavy-duty stainless steel sink with a rack to protect the bottom is a very popular choice,” says Dave Jackson, owner of Jackson Design Build, based south of Denver, Colorado. “However, there are also many new composite products that wear well if you are looking for something different.”

Faucets also come in many options to your taste and usage. “Some people love the ease of one faucet with a pull-down sprayer. My personal preference is a bridge design because of the height it allows at the sink, with a separate side sprayer,” Mosby says.

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4. Invest in Appealing Appliances

Deciding on appliances can be overwhelming, as there are so many to choose from — not just the basics, like the oven and fridge, but fancy coffee machines, warming drawers, cooking griddles and more. However, with a wide range of choices comes an advantage: You’re more likely to find the right option for your cooking needs and personal style. More finishes than ever, changeable handles and knobs, panel-ready options and a myriad of features for added functionality ensure that the latest appliances can add style as well as help you cook delicious meals.

“I think anything panel-ready that can be counter depth or fully integrated is something that’s very sought after when it comes to appliances,” Mosby says. “They can help make smaller spaces look much cleaner.” For larger appliances not hidden by cabinetry, consider choosing a color and finish that match the rest of your kitchen for an integrated look. For example, the double refrigerator seen here blends in thanks to custom two-tone panels and chrome hardware.

If space is tight, Russell recommends investing in multifunctional appliances. “Options that serve multiple duties can maximize space, such as a microwave-and-oven combination, an oven with a steam cooking option or a five-in-one oven,” she says. “A counter-depth refrigerator is another appliance that can have a huge visual impact for compact spaces.”

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5. Get Clever With Storage

Storage is one of the most important kitchen elements to plan thoughtfully. First think about how you cook and what you’ll need to stash away. “As they say, form follows function, and I think that’s especially true here,” Mosby says. “If you’re into cooking, lots of room for pots and pans is paramount. If baking is your thing, smart storage for sheets and pullout storage for mixers are desirable.”

Built-in organizers are especially helpful inside refrigerators and cabinetry. For the former, you can find options with specific temperature zones and drawers for different foods. For the latter, “customized cabinet storage, such as tray dividers, roll-out shelves and spice racks are invaluable,” Russell says. “Items like these can help your kitchen stay organized. Another idea to consider in order to gain more storage space is to remove the soffits and extend your cabinetry up to the ceiling. This not only visually enlarges the space, but it’s also a great place for storing infrequently used items.”

More: Shop the latest kitchen and lighting products, get expert advice and schedule a personalized virtual or in-person consultation at one of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery’s showrooms, on Ferguson’s website.

This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.