Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Holidays
  • Gardening
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Shop
  • Rooms
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Family
  • Pets
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 of the Most Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid

      Are your plants not looking as lush and colorful as you hoped? Make sure you haven't made any of these missteps. Read More Next
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More Next
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More Next
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays

    This Is Why We Send Paper Valentines on February 14

    The tradition began more than 1,500 years ago.
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Halloween
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here!
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating

    Pantone Predicts the Bold, Happy Colors You'll See Everywhere in Spring 2021

    If these trendy hues are any indication, brighter days are coming. Here's how to use these stunning shades around your home.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Shop
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • News
  • Beauty & Style

    Beauty & Style

    See All Beauty & Style

    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Truth be told, there's no such thing as a universal nude.
    • Anti-Aging
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Style
    • Nails
  • Health & Family

    Health & Family

    See All Health & Family

    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day.
    • Family Activities
    • Reunions
    • Conditions
    • Parenting Skills
  • Pets

    Pets

    See All Pets

    50 Perfect Calico Cat Names for Your Beautiful Kitty

    Use your pet's unique coat as inspiration on what to call them.
    • Dogs and Puppies
    • Cats
    • Caring for Your Pet
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
  3. Kitchen Design & Remodeling Ideas
  4. Kitchen Planning
  5. 25 Tips to Get the Ultimate Kitchen

25 Tips to Get the Ultimate Kitchen

February 19, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Take your kitchen to the next level with these 25 can't-miss ideas for boosting style and functionality.
Start Slideshow

1 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Use Lighting

Spotlight important areas of the kitchen with strategically installed lights. Use wall-mount lamps to illuminate work zones, such as the sink, island, and stove top.

  • Plan for a stress-free remodel with these tips and tricks from the pros.

1 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pretty and Practical Island

A furniture-look island with curved details is pretty and practical. The shelves on each end are a great spot to store essentials, cookbooks, or decorative accents.

2 of 26

3 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Dishware Close at Hand

Keep everyday dinnerware within reach and close to the dishwasher using a wall-mount plate rack.

3 of 26

Advertisement

4 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Accent with Backsplash Tile

A stylish backsplash not only looks great, it also protects walls from messy splashes. Use glass tiles in a graphic mosaic pattern to add sparkle and personality.

  • Find the easy guide to backsplashes here!

4 of 26

5 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Store Small Appliances

Avoid an overly industrial look in your kitchen by hiding the microwave oven, toaster, blender, and other tabletop appliances in an appliance garage with a door.

  • Get 15 more ideas for keeping small appliances out of sight.

5 of 26

6 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Classic Style with a Hutch

A built-in hutch provides storage and display space, and it also boots the character of your kitchen. Choose a configuration that includes closed cabinetry for elegantly hiding clutter and open shelving or glass doors for showcasing your favorite pieces. 

6 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Double-Duty Workstation

A kitchen workstation gives kids a dedicated space to study while dinner is being prepared, and can also serve as a place for meal planning. Even a small, otherwise unused area can be transformed into a desk with careful planning.

  • Discover layout ideas and tips for choosing materials.

7 of 26

8 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Divide the Kitchen into Zones

Maximize your kitchen, no matter the size, by dividing it into these 3 zones.

8 of 26

9 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Personalized Style Plus Storage

Use special cabinet features to make your kitchen the most organized on the block. Modular cabinets designed to hold wine bottles and stemware are dramatic and practical.

9 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Practical for Pot-Filling

Avoid the backbreaking work of lugging heavy pots of water to the range by installing a cold-water wall-mount faucet above the stove.

10 of 26

11 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Special Storage

Chill your wine in an undercounter refrigerator, which keeps bottles properly chilled in a small amount of space. Doors fitted with cabinetry panels integrate the appliances into the cabinetry.

11 of 26

12 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Boost Seating with a Banquette

A banquette is a smart way to turn an underutilized corner into an eat-in kitchen. Add storage below the bench seating to stash linens and seasonal dinnerware.

12 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Wow with a Range Hood

Create a stunning focal point in an otherwise monochromatic kitchen with an oversize or colorful range hood.

13 of 26

14 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Prep in the Island

A large kitchen island provides plenty of prep space, which becomes even more hardworking with the addition of a sink.

14 of 26

15 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Add Architectural Details

Add architectural charm to a kitchen otherwise lacking in character-rich details by embellishing the cabinets with crown molding or wooden support brackets. These architectural elements are affordable and available at home centers in a variety of sizes and styles.

  • Get the Kitchen Remodeling Guide FREE here.

15 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Go for Glass Fronts

Glass-front cabinets create a bright, open feeling in a kitchen. Intersperse them with solid-door cabinetry for the perfect mix of display and hidden storage.

16 of 26

17 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pop of Color

For a heaping helping of fun color, choose an island in an unexpected hue. Using a bright shade only on the center cabinetry makes it really pop, but also allows for replacement later without breaking the bank.

17 of 26

18 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Discover Fresh Farmhouse Style

Marble countertops and a farmhouse sink are a classic combination that will never go out of style. 

18 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Professional-Style Cooking

A visit to a local restaurant supply store can help you turn your kitchen into a chef’s paradise. These centers are chock-full of professional solutions for keeping a kitchen organized, such as a stainless-steel pot rack or over-the-stove storage bar.

19 of 26

20 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Clever Storage Solutions

Pullout drawers are a clever way to keep countertops clear and keep frequently used items close at hand. This solution is perfect for adding spice storage next to the cooktop, keeping recycling and trash hidden, or for keeping pots and pans better organized.

20 of 26

21 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Focus on Expression

In a room focused on function, it can be difficult to find ways to express your personality. Look for unexpected spots in the kitchen to showcase your style, such as painting the insides of your cabinets or adding an inset to display a special collection.

21 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Soften with Window Treatments

Window treatments are an important element in the kitchen, providing privacy, light control, and decoration. Avoid fabrics that must be dry-cleaned, wood blinds that require a special cleaner, or cellular shades that must be vacuumed. Stick instead to fabric treatments that can be thrown in the washing machine.

22 of 26

23 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Carve Out Storage

Space above the refrigerator often goes unused. Capture this area with a cabinet that stores items you don't use every day, or try open shelves to display decorative treasures.

23 of 26

24 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Find Dramatic Light Fixtures

Lighting is an important functional element of a kitchen, but it can also serve a decorative role. Choose one dramatic light fixture for over the island or kitchen table to serve as the room’s focal point.

24 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Secret Food Prep Station

Cabinetmakers now offer endless add-on options for making your kitchen more efficient and organized. For example, a drawer with a pullout cutting board and built-in knife storage near the sink simplifies prep work and cleanup.

25 of 26

26 of 26

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Perfect for the Pets

Don't forget your four-legged family members when planning the ultimate kitchen. Corral pet food and water dishes in a custom cabinet, and convert a pullout drawer into a food storage bin.

26 of 26

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 26 Use Lighting
2 of 26 Pretty and Practical Island
3 of 26 Dishware Close at Hand
4 of 26 Accent with Backsplash Tile
5 of 26 Store Small Appliances
6 of 26 Classic Style with a Hutch
7 of 26 Double-Duty Workstation
8 of 26 Divide the Kitchen into Zones
9 of 26 Personalized Style Plus Storage
10 of 26 Practical for Pot-Filling
11 of 26 Special Storage
12 of 26 Boost Seating with a Banquette
13 of 26 Wow with a Range Hood
14 of 26 Prep in the Island
15 of 26 Add Architectural Details
16 of 26 Go for Glass Fronts
17 of 26 Pop of Color
18 of 26 Discover Fresh Farmhouse Style
19 of 26 Professional-Style Cooking
20 of 26 Clever Storage Solutions
21 of 26 Focus on Expression
22 of 26 Soften with Window Treatments
23 of 26 Carve Out Storage
24 of 26 Find Dramatic Light Fixtures
25 of 26 Secret Food Prep Station
26 of 26 Perfect for the Pets

Share options

Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

  • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
  • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
Better Homes & Gardens

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
  • Help
  • Media Kit
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us