Committing to a kosher kitchen is quite a daunting undertaking and when you are also taking on a complete remodel, it can be overwhelming. It does not, however, have to be insurmountable. There are many resources to help guide you through the experience. Check out the internet and magazines to guide you. Once you have done the initial research, contact your Rabi with questions and for clarification on a kosher kitchen. Kosher requirements can vary differently between Orthodox, Conservatism, Ultra Orthodox and Reform Judaism. Your Rabi most likely will have a list of rules and guidelines. Also, hire a professional kitchen designer. They will not only be able to design the needs of a kosher kitchen but also make it personal to your needs and beautiful too. If the space and the budget allow, two distinct kitchens within one space is a possibility. A kosher kitchen requires stringent separation of meat and dairy items. Depending on the sect of Judaism you practice ------ Storage: The Storage areas need space for two sets of dishes, pots and pans, flatware, cups and utensils. You can combine the storage areas as long as there is a separation and that you do not mix service ware. A good recommendation is to color code your plates, flatware, table linen, pots. For example, red plates, gold-colored flatware, copper pots for meat items while dairy items have white plates, stainless flatware, stainless pots. You may want to label each area so when you have your new sister-in-law help in the kitchen; everything stays in the correct place. Appliances: When selecting appliances look for the STAR-K logo. This will help you determine to what extent an appliance is Kosher. Some ovens will have Sabbath modes where they will turn on automatically at a predetermined time. Once the oven is open, the oven turns off. Some refrigerators also have Sabbath modes where the ice maker turns off on the Sabbath and back on the following day. One refrigerator is usually sufficient provided all foods stay on the proper container in the proper section of the refrigerator. Having an immaculately clean refrigerator is a must if this is the case. You do not want spills from one food source contaminating food from the other. If you decide on two refrigerators, one can be full size while the other is smaller. A good kitchen designer can help assess your family’s needs to determine which is best for you. Dishwashers cannot be Kosher in most cases. You either need two dishwashers, separate compartment dishwashers as in dishwasher drawers or wash by hand. Look at Fisher Pikel or Kitchen Aid for dishwasher drawers. Each drawer is on separate controls. You can dedicate the top drawer for dairy while the bottom drawer is for meat service ware. If you have space and decide to have two dishwashers, you can get two 24” wide dishwashers. Another option is to have one full size dishwasher and supplement it with a small 18” wide dishwasher. Miele makes an 18” wide dishwasher that is super quiet and cleans dishes very well. You may also opt for a single dishwasher drawer in addition to a full sized dishwasher. A single Microwave oven can be used for milk and meat provided that a complete cover is used around the food. You will also need separate plastic plate’s places on the bottom or glass turn table. Keeping the unit clean is very important. Counter tops: Counter tops may or may not be able to be koshered depending on your sect. Simply having sets of trivets for dairy, meat and pareve (not meat or dairy) will provide adequate separation of foods. Sinks: If you can’t have two separate sinks, include three separate tubs to be places in the sink. Color code the tubs for meat, dairy and pareve. If you have one sink or a single divided sink, you will need to be cautious about splashing, to keep the meat and dairy particulates apart. You will also need space for separate dish cloths or sponges and dish towels. Again, color coding is extremely helpful and highly suggested. Must Haves: ~Storage space for two sets of dishes, flatware, pans bowls ~Color Code and label where appropriate ~Separate burners dedicate for either meat or dairy ~Separate clean up areas ~Clean environment to avoid contamination between meat and dairy ~A space that functions for how you cook ~A space that reflects you Design and remodel by Design Studio West Brady Architectural Photography

Large tuscan l-shaped kitchen photo in Kansas City with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Credit: Ron Rosenzweig
Inspiration for a large timeless galley ceramic tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Miami with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, medium tone wood cabinets, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, an island and brown countertops

Small eclectic l-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in Milwaukee with shaker cabinets, green cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash and no island

Set upon an oversized and highly sought-after creekside lot in Brentwood, this ​two story home and full guest home exude a casual, contemporary farmhouse style and vibe. The main residence boasts 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, each ensuite with thoughtful touches that accentuate the home’s overall classic finishes. The master retreat opens to a large balcony overlooking the yard accented by mature bamboo and palms. Other features of the main house include European white oak floors, recessed lighting, built in speaker system, attached 2-car garage and a laundry room with 2 sets of state-of-the-art Samsung washers and dryers. The bedroom suite on the first floor enjoys its own entrance, making it ideal for guests. The open concept kitchen features Calacatta marble countertops, Wolf appliances, wine storage, dual sinks and dishwashers and a walk-in butler’s pantry. The loggia is accessed via La Cantina bi-fold doors that fully open for year-round alfresco dining on the terrace, complete with an outdoor fireplace. The wonderfully imagined yard contains a sparkling pool and spa and a crisp green lawn and lovely deck and patio areas. Step down further to find the detached guest home, which was recognized with a Decade Honor Award by the Los Angeles Chapter of the AIA in 2006, and, in fact, was a frequent haunt of Frank Gehry who inspired its cubist design. The guest house has a bedroom and bathroom, living area, a newly updated kitchen and is surrounded by lush landscaping that maximizes its creekside setting, creating a truly serene oasis.

This contemporary kitchen boasts beautiful dark wood cabinets, matching ceramic tile, a stone accent wall, and a stained concrete floor. The contemporary pendants are icing on the cake in this warm kitchen. Photo by Johnny Stevens

Photo: Vicki Bodine
Eat-in kitchen - large cottage u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in New York with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Elegant eat-in kitchen photo in Charlotte with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash and stainless steel appliances

This home was a sweet 30's bungalow in the West Hollywood area. We flipped the kitchen and the dining room to allow access to the ample backyard. The design of the space was inspired by Manhattan's pre war apartments, refined and elegant.

This home was a sweet 30's bungalow in the West Hollywood area. We flipped the kitchen and the dining room to allow access to the ample backyard. The design of the space was inspired by Manhattan's pre war apartments, refined and elegant. The back splash is a striped marble tile and the rounded open shelving softens the edge and is what you would find in a 30's style home.

This unique home, and it's use of historic cabins that were dismantled, and then reassembled on-site, was custom designed by MossCreek. As the mountain residence for an accomplished artist, the home features abundant natural light, antique timbers and logs, and numerous spaces designed to highlight the artist's work and to serve as studios for creativity. Photos by John MacLean.

Scavolini modern kitchen. Beautiful Italy made cabinetry lending itself beautifully to an open concept living area. Lots of storage and hidden spaces for all those commonly used kitchen items.

Studio 27 Architecture Photographer: Anice Hoachlander
Inspiration for a large contemporary medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Diego with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, wood countertops, paneled appliances and two islands

Example of a mid-sized 1950s l-shaped cement tile floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen design in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, cement tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island, black countertops and dark wood cabinets

Francisco Aguila
Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped white floor kitchen remodel in Miami with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and two islands

Inspiration for a coastal medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash and an island

Large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, shaker cabinets, marble countertops and marble backsplash

Inspiration for a large rustic u-shaped enclosed kitchen remodel in Denver with a farmhouse sink, dark wood cabinets, paneled appliances, shaker cabinets and an island

Alex McGregor, Montreal Canada
Large elegant single-wall porcelain tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen photo in Tampa with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island