Decorating Kitchen Decor & Design Kitchen Design & Remodeling Ideas Kitchen Planning 24 Tips to Get the Ultimate Kitchen By Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole Instagram Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on August 17, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Michael Partenio The kitchen is the hub of the home, so having a functional (and inviting) space is essential. If you are ready for the ultimate kitchen, check out these clever design and organization tips. 01 of 24 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. 02 of 24 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. 03 of 24 Dishware Close at Hand Keep everyday dinnerware within reach and close to the dishwasher using a wall-mount plate rack. 04 of 24 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. 46 Beautiful Backsplash Ideas for Every Style 05 of 24 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. 13 Space-Saving Small Appliance Storage Ideas 06 of 24 Classic Style with a Hutch A built-in hutch provides storage and display space, and it also boosts 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. 07 of 24 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. 19 Workspaces and Desks for Kitchens that Add Function and Design 08 of 24 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. 09 of 24 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 24 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. 21 Beautiful Built-in Banquette Ideas 11 of 24 Wow with a Range Hood Create a stunning focal point in an otherwise monochromatic kitchen with an oversize or colorful range hood. How to Build a Custom Range Vent Hood in One Weekend 12 of 24 Prep in the Island A large kitchen island provides plenty of prep space, which becomes even more hardworking with the addition of a sink. The History of the Kitchen Island and How it Became a Design Staple 13 of 24 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. 26 DIY Ideas to Update Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them 14 of 24 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. 15 of 24 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. 25 Ways to Brighten a White Kitchen with a Pop of Color 16 of 24 Discover Fresh Farmhouse Style Marble countertops and a farmhouse sink are a classic combination that will never go out of style. 23 Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas for a Perfectly Cozy Cooking Space 17 of 24 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. Add Function and Style with These Professional Kitchen Appliance and Design Ideas 18 of 24 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. 19 of 24 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. 20 of 24 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. 21 of 24 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. 22 of 24 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. How to Use Kitchen Pendant Lighting for a Beautifully Lit Space 23 of 24 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. 24 of 24 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit