How To Choose The Best New Refrigerator For Your Remodel

new refrigeratorAre you planning a kitchen remodel? For many buyers, the kitchen is among the most important areas in the home.

Real estate experts agree that remodeling the kitchen yields a great return on investment. In fact, homeowners that remodel the kitchen recoup more than 80% of the investment cost.

A kitchen remodel typically includes upgrading appliances, including a new refrigerator. A new refrigerator can serve as the focal point of a kitchen upgrade. In addition, a large, energy-efficient unit adds to the resale value of the home.

Read on to learn how to select the best refrigerator for your kitchen remodel.

Size Matters for a New Refrigerator

The first thing you need to do is measure the available space to fit a new refrigerator. This is the most important step in the selection process.

The best refrigerator on the market may not fit into the allotted space, and then you are in trouble. Therefore, take careful three-dimensional measurements of length, width, and height.

Storage Capacity

The required storage capacity within the refrigerator and freezer truly depends on your lifestyle. A family of six is going to need more storage space than a young couple who is rarely home.

If this decision is driven by return on investment, it is wise to err on the side of more capacity. A refrigerator that is too small may diminish the resale value and be a turnoff to prospective buyers.

Energy-Efficiency is a Plus

First of all, the purchase of an energy-efficient appliance may be deductible on your federal taxes. If it meets the criteria, you may be able to recoup some of the investment from Uncle Sam.

There are many other benefits to going green. For starters, an energy-efficient model reduces your electricity bill and is great for the environment. Refrigerators with an Energy Star label could save you $150 per year on the electricity bill.

Cool Features Are an Added Bonus

There are a number of features that are appealing to consumers. One popular feature is an in-line water dispenser with a filter. This generation’s consumers expect an ice maker and temperature controls.

A growing number of refrigerators including electronics features, such as a built-in entertainment system. This means the refrigerator can connect to Wi-Fi and play music or videos.

A word of caution is that you can go overboard with the features. There is a law of diminishing returns when it comes to resale value.

At a certain point, the percentage of cost that you can recoup in a property transaction starts to decline. Only in a high-end market will sellers be able to recoup some of the costs of an extravagant refrigerator.

Wrapping It Up

Upgrading the refrigerator is a crucial part of any kitchen remodel. For many buyers, the refrigerator is the most important appliance in the kitchen.

Size and storage capacity are amongst the top considerations for choosing the perfect unit. Consumers should also look into energy-efficient models, which reduce utility costs in the long-run.

If you are planning a kitchen remodel, check out our blog for other great ideas.

5 Signs It’s Time to Hire a Remodeling Service For Your Kitchen

remodeling serviceFor families of all kinds and sizes, the kitchen is the heart of the home. From a financial perspective, an updated kitchen adds to the property value of your home.

According to a recent survey, the #1 reason people remodel is they simply can’t stand their kitchen anymore.

When it’s time to update your kitchen, one choice is to hire a remodeling service to do the work (as opposed to doing it yourself). Here are some signs that it may be time to hire a professional.

1. Worktop Space

A cluttered workspace undermines the purpose of a kitchen. If your countertops don’t provide space to prepare a meal, you may be in need of a kitchen makeover.

Kitchens need to be functional, and that means more than just working appliances and a kitchen island.

2. It’s All About the Kitchen Sink

If washing your coffee cup in the sink is a clunky experience, the position of your kitchen sink may be an issue. Most older kitchens feature the sink in front of a window. Whenever possible, the window overlooks the property.

Where the sink should be is along a point in the work triangle. The work triangle is a clear path between your stove, refrigerator, and sink. If your work path has obstacles, or there’s too much ground to cover to get from one point to the next.

If you’re bumping into each other or having to reach into an awkward cabinet over the sink, it’s probably time to consider a new layout. Designers at a remodeling service can help you choose a solid layout.

3. Creaking Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are for storage in terms of function. They are also the anchor of your kitchen. If your cabinets are decrepit, the look and tone turn negative. It may require more than a fresh coat of paint and new knobs. It may be time to call in a remodeling service.

4. Lackluster Storage Units

If you’ve taken time to destash your cabinets and still find your kitchen stuffed to the gills, consider renovating. Modern kitchen design is snappy with storage options. You have the option of keeping your utensils and extra gadgets all tucked away neatly.

The important things can remain on the counter without cluttering up your space, like the coffeemaker and smoothie blender.

5. Cruddy Flooring

A clean and modern looking floor is essential to any kitchen. Outdated flooring can dull the look of a kitchen. Old flooring may be uneven. It also may be so worn that it is impossible to keep clean.

Also, if you are updating your cabinets, it may be necessary to replace the floor as well to tie the whole room together.

Time to Call the Remodeling Service?

If spending time in your kitchen is becoming a chore, it may be time to renovate. A kitchen is a place to make memories as well as meals. If you’d rather order takeout than fix a sandwich at your kitchen counter, it may be time to call in the remodeling service.

Have a look at our photo gallery for ideas, and then contact us if you like what you see!

How to Choose Modern Kitchen Curtains That Showcase Your Style

modern kitchen curtainsPlanning to redecorate your kitchen? Want to enhance its visual appeal without spending a fortune? If so, start with the curtains!

These simple accessories can give your kitchen a whole new look. They will turn it into a cozy, welcoming room where cooking is a pleasure.

Modern kitchen curtains come in many different shapes and colors and can fit into any budget. The cheapest models cost as little $7. Silk curtains, which are the most expensive, can exceed $1,000.

The cost depends on the model, fabric, and size. Polyester and cotton have the lowest price tag. Layered curtains and other add-on features range from $70 to $200.

However, don’t make a decision based solely on your price. After all, your kitchen curtains will last for years, so it’s a wise investment. Here are some factors to consider:

Choose a Quality Fabric

Modern kitchen curtains are made from a variety of fabrics. It all comes down to your needs.

If you want privacy, choose blackout linings or heavy fabrics. In case the windows are located near the stove, opt for fabrics treated against fire. Linen and cotton curtains work best for windows near the sink.

For a touch of style, decorate your windows with airy fabrics. Velvet and silk are an excellent choice. Just make sure your curtains match the kitchen wall decor.

Beware that most fabrics fade over time because of sunlight. If your kitchen gets a lot of light, opt for dark or neutral colors so they last longer.

Consider the Length

Next, measure the windows to determine the best length for your new curtains. Hanging the curtains six to eight inches above the window frame will make the room appear larger.

For a more traditional style, choose curtains that slightly touch the floor. To ensure curtain fullness, add up to four inches on both sides.

Keep an Eye on the Latest Trends

Once you pick a fabric and color, check out the latest trends. Look online for modern kitchen curtains to get an idea of what’s in this season.

Japanese shutters and panels are becoming more and more popular. They’re a stylish alternative to basic curtains.

Designers recommend contrasting textures, organic contours, and fabric designs inspired by geological structures. Metallic shades are a perfect choice too.

Micropatterns and geometric shapes have a dramatic effect. Vivid colors will brighten up your kitchen instantly. If you have a traditional home, go for wild floral designs and botanical motifs.

For a contemporary kitchen, choose curtains in deep shades of topaz, amethyst, or amber. Look for heavy blackout blinds, velvet, and other sumptuous fabrics. These are ideal for the cold season.

Types of Modern Kitchen Curtains

Depending on your preferences, you can opt for custom curtains or ready-made models.

Made-to-measure curtains give you more flexibility in terms of size and shape. Basically, you choose a model and specify the exact dimensions when placing your order.

Ready-made curtains are perfect for those who are short on time or have a smaller budget. Your only job is to hang them on the windows. The drawback is that you’ll have fewer options to choose from.

The Right Choice Is One Click Away

Now that you know what to look for in kitchen curtains, go ahead and make a choice! There are thousands of home design blogs and magazines that you can use for inspiration.

Need help? Let our team design your dream kitchen! Call us today or visit our showroom for a free consultation!

How to Choose The Best Kitchen Countertops: 5 Questions

best kitchen countertopsSo you’re looking to get a new kitchen countertop, but you’re not exactly sure how to choose the best one.

Countertops play an important role in your kitchen, both functionally and aesthetically. To find the best kitchen countertops, you need to take your research past the pages of Pinterest.

Don’t worry though, the search isn’t as complicated as you may think. If you begin by asking yourself the right questions, your kitchen countertop search will be much easier.

But just what questions do you need to ask?

Keep reading to learn the five questions you should ask to help choose the best kitchen countertops.

Question #1: How Will I Use Kitchen Countertops?

Assessing what your family will use your countertop for will help you narrow down your decision quite a bit.

If it’s just you and your hubby at home, and you tend to order in more often than not, then you can focus your search on aesthetics more than functionality.

If, however, you cook a lot and you’ve got hungry kiddos who are spending a lot of time in the kitchen between meals, you’ll want to look for a countertop that can withstand a lot of daily activity and clean up.

For example, opting for a kitchen countertop that’s been treated with several coats of sealant will help you avoid food stains.

Question #2: How Much Maintenance Do I Want to Deal With?

Some countertops are extremely resilient, while others come with a long list of maintenance demands.

Be realistic about how much time and money you are willing to put into countertop upkeep.

If maintaining appliances and furniture is a struggle for you, you’ll especially want to avoid porous materials, such as limestone, marble, and granite. These materials require sealing at least once a year.

Think about previous purchases (i.e. outdoor grills, patio furniture, vehicles). If you struggled with maintenance, then be sure to factor that into your final decision.

Question #3: What Dimensions Do I Need?

Having a size estimate for your countertop will be extremely helpful when it comes to selecting materials.

For example, if you host large family gatherings, you may decide that a spacious island countertop is right for you. But, you had your heart set on marble and realize the price of a large slab is out of your budget.

This can lead you to shop for countertops made of two materials. You could perhaps do wood for the island and marble for the smaller countertops.

Question #4: What’s My Budget?

The price of kitchen countertops can vary greatly, so it’s important to not overlook budgetary needs.

However, keep in mind that well-maintained countertops can last indefinitely. Therefore, before you set a strict budget, pick a material first. Then, try to find a version of this material that fits into your budget.

You’re going to be living with this decision for many years to come, so don’t be afraid to spend a little more than planned.

Question #5: What Materials Do I Like?

Of course, we can’t forget about personal preference when it comes to picking the right countertop.

However, aesthetics alone are not enough of a reason to choose a countertop. Try to choose one that’s aesthetically appealing and meets your other criteria.

You can easily end up resenting even the prettiest countertop if it proves difficult to maintain.

Choosing the Best Kitchen Countertops: Wrap Up

We hope this article makes your section process a little easier!

If you are looking for more inspiration beyond the Pinterest boards for your countertops or other remodeling projects, be sure to visit our showroom.

We can serve as your personal guides for picking out the right countertop to suit your needs!

A Simple Guide to Choosing The Best Kitchen Island Lighting

kitchen island lightingAre you looking for a unique way to accent your kitchen island?

Kitchen island lighting is one of the most underrated parts of a kitchen’s design. It can help set the theme and increase the functionality of one of the most frequently used areas in your home.

But when it comes to lighting, there are hundreds of options to choose from.

Read on to learn some ways to help you choose the best kitchen island lighting.

Set the Tone

Your kitchen island is a unique part of your kitchen that gives you more counter and storage space. But how you light your island is what helps set the tone for your kitchen.

When choosing your lighting source, you should consider the style and color scheme in your kitchen. If you have a modern theme, you won’t want island lighting meant for a Mediterranean or French Country kitchen.

Do you want the lights above your island to be where a guest’s eyes are drawn to first? Or do you want your wood cabinets or stainless steel range hood to be the centerpiece?

Thinking of these things will help you narrow your search for lighting.

Increase Functionality

When it comes to functionality, you should consider the primary function of your island and what your lighting needs are.

For some homeowners, a kitchen island is in a small, square shape and meant to help add some functionality and extra storage space to the kitchen. The island is used for little more than food preparation and placing fresh flowers.

Others might choose to the use their kitchen island as the primary place to eat meals and entertain guests. These islands are larger and double as the kitchen table.

If you are in the latter group, you might lean more towards a chandelier or larger light instead of pendant lights or other small light fixtures.

Paying the Price

Kitchen island lighting can vary quite a bit depending on what you want. The price you pay also depends on who makes the lights and their size.

There is perhaps no better example of this than with pendant lights. You can find a set of three satin nickel pendant lights for as little as  $40, but a nicer eight-light set of chrome linear pendants can run you almost $2,000.

Looking for a fancy chandelier to hang over your island as a kitchen table? You can spend thousands of dollars more!

Determine Size & Materials

The size and materials of your kitchen island lighting fixtures are made out of should complement the rest of your kitchen.

If you have a larger island and kitchen, you can likely buy bigger fixtures. But be sure to pay attention to how the other lights in your kitchen ‘fit’ with the lights you want to hang over your island. You want to avoid buying island lighting that is overbearing on the rest of your kitchen.

Light fixtures can be made of materials like brushed aluminum, nickel, wood and cloth, just to name a few. Some of the things to consider include the color scheme in the rest of your kitchen and if you want your island lights to be ones that stick out to your guests.

Aesthetics aside, fixtures with a hard surface are easier to clean than cloth but it’s all a matter of what you want.

Picking Your Kitchen Island Lighting

Choosing your kitchen island’s lighting helps complete the feel of an important room in your home.

At Envision Design, our team of professionals is knowledgeable in the latest kitchen and bathroom remodeling trends. Contact us today or visit our San Diego showroom to find out more about how we can help you with your home improvement project!

The 5 Things To Consider When Designing A Kitchen Island

kitchen island

Fully remodeling a kitchen can cost around $60,000, so you have to make sure you get it right.

If you’re considering a kitchen island as part of your remodel, you’re onto a winner. They’re a great contemporary feature, well-liked for their flexible functionality.

But what are the five things you need to consider when choosing a kitchen island design?

Picking a style

You need to think hard about which design will best fit your kitchen.

As you’re remodeling, this needs to be thought about in conjunction with the other parts of your kitchen. Do you want to go for a rustic farmhouse look with ‘natural’ finished wood?

Or are your tastes more contemporary? A smooth white worktop with sharp lighting can help make the whole room seem brighter.

An island with or without water?

One of the main choices you’ll have to make about your remodel is whether you’d prefer to have a sink on the kitchen island or not.

Bringing the sink to the center of the room can look amazing – especially if you’re willing to invest in beautiful faucets – but there are some practical problems to consider.

You’ll have to get water to the island in the first place, which will involve some plumbing work. And you may be put off by the idea of a pile of washing up standing in the middle of the room (though installing a dishwasher could help to solve that problem).

What about the stove?

The sink is just one-half of the consideration – you might also want to incorporate a stove into the top.

It can be expensive to have gas rerouted, but why not consider induction hobs? You need special cookware to use them properly, but they’re a nifty invention.

Its elements won’t heat up while there’s no pan on top – meaning that it’s much safer than a conventional hob. It’s still possible to burn yourself – but much harder. And they look great in a kitchen with modern flair.

Make sure there’s room for chairs

The kitchen should be a social space for your family. Have you considered where people are going to sit?

You can choose to double-up your kitchen island as a breakfast bar by adding a seating area on one of its sides.

This can act as a casual dining or breakfast space, a ‘chill-out’ area for the family to hang out in and chat while you’re cooking, or a quiet place to sit and relax while waiting for the food to be ready.

How about the rest of the kitchen?

You have to consider how the rest of your kitchen will fit around your island – both in terms of design – and physically. Do the colors match up? What about the materials? Is it the right size for your kitchen?

Do you need to include some storage space in the island, or will you keep enough cupboards to store all your food and plates?

Get advice on these problems and find more home remodeling tips on our blog.

5 Narrow Kitchen Ideas to Maximize Space

narrow kitchen ideas

Do you have a kitchen the size of a postage stamp? Is your long galley kitchen hideous and impractical no matter how you rearrange it?

Perhaps it’s time for a remodel.

Use these five narrow kitchen ideas to transform your kitchen into a functional, livable space.

1: Use Bright Colors

Do you want your tiny kitchen to look big, bold and inviting?

Opt for bright colors. Lighter hues are more inviting than cool, darker ones. Also, the brighter your kitchen, the more open and spacious it will look.

Here are some creative narrow kitchen ideas to brighten your kitchen:

  • Make room for a skylight.
  • Add a window on opposite sides of the kitchen.
  • Use glossy countertops.

The skylight brings natural light in from above, while the windows let the sunlight beam through the kitchen. This creates natural brightness. To complete the transformation, choose bright colors for your walls and cabinets. Check out these bright designs for inspiration.

2. Use Compact Appliances

Just because your kitchen is small doesn’t mean you should sacrifice floor space for food storage. A standard-size fridge looks out of place in a galley kitchen anyway.

Consider a compact fridge and freezer. This is perhaps one of our most straight-forward narrow kitchen ideas, but it’s also the most practical.

If you’re building a custom kitchen, go with a futuristic solution like this stackable fridge. Technology may even allow for a stackable fridge/freezer combo.

For a traditional, compact solution, choose a side-by-side apartment-style fridge/freezer. These appliances aren’t as tall as standard refrigerators, but they’re still roomy.

A cheaper alternative is to purchase a stand-alone mini fridge and mini freezer.

Arrange them side by side beneath a countertop, and suddenly you have ample floor space! You also have plenty of room to store your groceries.

3. Get Rid Of The Dining Table

What’s the clunkiest piece of furniture in your small kitchen?

It’s the traditional dining table. A stand-alone table isn’t functional in a narrow kitchen. Place it in the center of the room, and all your floor space disappears.

Put it along one wall, and you sacrifice one side of the table where your guests could otherwise sit.

Maximize your space by merging the counter with the tabletop. swap both out in favor of an island. Here’s what you can do with an island in a small kitchen:

  • Use it as a food prep area or space to eat.
  • Ditch regular chairs for bar stools that fit under the island.
  • Expand storage space with built-in cabinets under the island.

4. Use Hooks And Cabinets

Are you frustrated with how few cabinets fit into your galley kitchen?

Install hooks for your pots and pans. As long as you keep a clean, dust-free kitchen, there’s no reason why your cooking utensils can’t be exposed.

Also, this suggests that good food is regularly made in your kitchen.

5. Add Counters Around The Perimeter

If you can’t sacrifice the traditional dining table but you’re dying for more counter space, simply put counters around the perimeter of your kitchen.

Opt for narrow surfaces, so that floor space is still available. Small everyday appliances can live at the counter’s corners, leaving ample space for food prep.

It’s time to bring your tiny kitchen to its full potential. Do you need help coming up with more narrow kitchen ideas?
Book a free consultation with us to kickstart your kitchen’s transformation.

9 Creative Kitchen Tile Backsplash Ideas

kitchen tile backsplash ideas

Are you thinking of remodeling your kitchen? Maybe you just want to add more personality with a new backsplash?

You aren’t alone. Kitchens are one of the most popular rooms to get remodeled — and with good reason. They’re a focal room in any home, with tons of time spent cooking and socializing in their space.

Use our handy guide of these nine kitchen tile backsplash ideas to upgrade your kitchen in a unique and fun way.

Let’s dive into this comprehensive list of chic easy ways to add personality to your kitchen with a beautiful backsplash!

9 Trending Kitchen Tile Backsplash Ideas

These ideas are creative ways to add flare to your kitchen without all the fuss. Each distinctive backsplash idea is modern and exciting to give the room a twist.

Reclaimed Wood

Go eco-friendly and warm by bringing the outdoors into your kitchen with a reclaimed wood backsplash. Tiles made from reclaimed wood have a rustic appeal that can soften sterile decor.

Light Tiles and Dark Grout

Take basic light-colored tiles to next level decor by adding dark grout. The contrast can add a funky twist to an otherwise traditional backsplash.

Faux Finish

Use tiles that mock other, more expensive materials for a classy look on the cheap. For example, rough hewn terracotta tiles can mock an industrial brick look for less.

Reflective

Mirrored tiles can reflect light and brighten up an otherwise dark space. They add a glitzy look reminiscent of a disco ball.

Metal Tiles

From embossed tin tiles to sleek stainless steel, metal tiles can add a je ne sais pas to any kitchen backsplash. They can be used to create beautiful mosaics or to establish a refined polished look.

Pop of Color

In a kitchen with mostly neutral colors, a vibrant tile backsplash can add the perfect pop of color. Turquoise, yellow, or orange are some of our favorite picks to add that burst of bright.

Dark Dramatic

In stark contrast to our previous suggestion, a dark tile can add striking drama to a light decor. Cabinets and countertops that are nearer to white in hew can be offset with a moody somber colored tile backsplash.

Groovy Patterns

Add contemporary edge with a funkily patterned tile backsplash. Endless possibilities mean any furnishings can be enhanced by an interesting design. Checkered, striped, chevron… anything goes!

Simply Understated

Sometimes less is more. In a room that has a lot of focal points, a simple basic tile can be the perfect accent. Basic white with a clean grout can be the perfect understated emphasis for other design elements in the kitchen.

Ready, Set, Remodel!

More and more people are investing in remodeling their homes as home improvement spending sets to reach a record high this year.

Are you one of them? If you do it right, remodeling your kitchen with gorgeous decor can help add great value to your home.

Use these kitchen tile backsplash ideas to help you make great design decisions in your kitchen! Better yet, visit our showroom today and get more great remodeling ideas to perfectly suit your tastes.

7 Amazing Ideas for Kitchen Island With Seating

kitchen island with seatingAre you ready to redo your kitchen? Of course, you are! Even minor kitchen renovations can yield up to 83% ROI when you sell your house. In other words, the value of your home increases by $183 for every $100 you spend. And, in the meantime, you can enjoy the comforts of a new kitchen!

If you’re considering adding a kitchen island with seating, you aren’t alone. One look at celebrity kitchens and you can see that this way to add comfort and functionality is here to stay.

7 Amazing Ideas for a Kitchen Island with Seating

Check out these ideas for kitchen islands with seating to help spark your next kitchen remodeling project.

1. Seating On More Than One Side

If you enjoy entertaining or have a large family, a kitchen island with seating on two or three sides might be for you.

Instead of sitting in a line, people can sit at a right angle or across from each other. This doesn’t only make the conversation flow better. It makes it easier to pass food and refill wine glasses!

2. Integrated Table

A recent trend uses the side of the island where you’d commonly put stools to create the back of a table-height bench. You’d then use the bench for seating on one side of a table. The result is a distinct booth-like seating area that is cozy yet integrated with the island.

This design can be used in any size kitchen. But it’s ideal for kitchens with enough space for an island or table but not both.

If you’re fortunate enough to have an L-shaped kitchen island, you can use two sides for bench backrests for booth-like seating.

3. More than a Breakfast Bar

Instead of creating a breakfast bar, why not add deep and versatility to the seating part of your kitchen island?

A “breakfast bar” is a surface deep enough for a cup of coffee and plate of fruit and toast but not a complete place setting and serving dishes.

The deeper you make your kitchen island with seating, the more room and comfort you provide to family and guests.

4. Seating Above Counter Level

If don’t have the room for a deep island, create a well-defined place for people to sit by adding a bar-height surface. An advantage of this design idea is that you can overlap the bar-height and counter-height surfaces by 6-12 inches.

That gives guests more room to eat and drink without using more floor space. And on the food prep side of the counter, you get bonus open storage space under the overhang!

5. Seating Below Counter Level

Another way to create a distinct seating area is to have a surface that is below counter level. This works well with wide islands. For example, By lowering one end of the island, you create table-height seating.

This is a popular design for young families. Everyone can stay connected and help each other when homework, play, and meal prep happen at the same time.

6. Two Zones

Most kitchen islands have seating that puts people across from the food prep area. If you’d rather not have all eyes on your slicing and dicing techniques, create a kitchen island with two zones.

With this design idea, 1/4 of the wall space facing the island is free of appliances and food prep surfaces. At the end away from where food is prepared, there is seating on two adjacent sides. This creates the visual effect of two zones on the island.

7. Storage

If you have room for a deep kitchen island with seating, consider adding cabinets on the side with seats.

Besides giving you more storage, it can make that side of the island more visually interesting when viewed from other parts of the room. The trick is to keep the cabinetry simple and use hardware that won’t snag pant legs.

Wrapping Up

For more great ideas for remodeling your home, check our online gallery or visit us in the San Diego area. We’re here to help you envision your best home!

7 Chic Kitchen Pantry Ideas for the Ultra Stylish

kitchen pantry ideasIf there’s one area of the house we take for granted, it’s the kitchen pantry, even though it’s vital for storage and sometimes even food prep and it gets a lot of foot traffic.

In fact, studies show we spend twice as much time in the kitchen than any other part of the home — 72 minutes a day.

Kitchen Pantry Ideas

So why not upgrade the pantry and add a little style? These seven style tips will not only ensure your kitchen will look better, it’ll also make the pantry more organized in the process.

1. Use Your Space.

A pantry is anywhere you store food, appliances, or kitchenware. Any dead space qualifies: crawlspaces, hallways, cabinet spaces, anywhere cool and dry.

Coming up with kitchen pantry ideas means rethinking what a pantry is. It’s not just a food closet! If it’s close to a countertop, it can be a pantry. Use that space to make a statement.

2. Light It Up.

When we think about pantry lighting at all, we tend to light them like closets. Save space and boost your style by using recessed lighting, preferably something that’ll make it feel warm and inviting.

If you have a large room, there’s no limit to how grandiose you can go. Just make sure your lighting is both powerful and long-lasting.

3. Shelf and Storage.

Depending on the size of your pantry, you can make the shelving as impressive as your kitchen countertops. Go floor-to-ceiling, install a secondary prep area or workstation, and find a stylish mobile ladder to get to it all.

Remember not to go deeper than 12″ on most shelving, though.

4. Organization as Style.

Disorderliness is never stylish. Use clear containers for loose dry foodstuffs and label each one. Use tension rods, wicker baskets, or pull-out storage units to save space. The visual impact is immediate.

Whatever you do, group various kinds of foods together and rotate everything so that the new stuff stays separate from the old.

5. What About the Doors?

No one thinks of the pantry doors when coming up with kitchen pantry ideas, but we should. They’re not only the biggest space savers, they’re the part your guests will see most often.

Doors that swing out are always best, but sliding doors are more stylish and functional at once. And nothing says you can’t use swinging doors to hide more shelves or racks.

6. Reclaim Your Pantry!

Speaking of doors, reclaimed and repurposed materials are one of the hottest eco-friendly kitchen trends right now, and your pantry door is a great place to experiment with them. Make a statement by using repurposed wood for both doors and shelving.

If you’re into glass cabinets, reclaimed glass works in a pinch for pantry and pantry cabinet doors as well.

7. Make It Useful.

Using every bit of pantry space will also make a statement when done right. One hot kitchen trend is a blackboard on the pantry door for grocery lists. Find dead space around your fridge for easy access vegetable bins. And pull-out racks can give you several pantries, all over your kitchen.

It’s easy to transform your pantry once you stop thinking of it as a closed-off area of your kitchen.

Invite it into your home as a separate room with its own sense of style and its own character, and watch how much easier your kitchen becomes to spend time in.

You’ll cut down on prep time and impress visitors to boot!

And, if you need help implementing any of these ideas, we’re only a call or email away!