Must Have Kitchen Features Homeowners Request in Tippecanoe County

Planning for a kitchen remodel is exciting but can also feel somewhat overwhelming. There are so many different features and fixtures to consider, from the layout, lighting, and workstations to storage solutions, appliances, and décor. Knowing which key features to add to enhance your food preparation experience can seem like guesswork.

Thankfully, it’s not as difficult as you imagine. The best inspiration comes from what fellow homeowners are installing. To help you gain a better idea of what you can add, we’ve collected together some of the most popular kitchens features Tippecanoe County homeowners are requesting for their new kitchen remodels.

Kitchen Island

Kitchen Island

A kitchen island is one of the most requested kitchen features in Lafayette and throughout Indiana. This central focal point provides multiple benefits, including extra food prep space, increased storage options, and even an extra work surface on which to browse the internet. It’s also a wonderful feature for entertaining guests.

Kitchen islands come in different sizes and styles, with an endless array of customizable design options, including inbuilt sinks and cookers. Unfortunately, islands are likely to overwhelm smaller kitchens, so these are only really an option for medium and larger interiors. That said, a butcher block cart can work wonders in a galley-style kitchen.

Workstation Sink

Workstation sinkAnother increasingly popular kitchen feature is the workstation sink. This is no ordinary sink but has instead been described as the “Swiss army knife of sinks”. Designed to allow for simultaneous tasks to be completed in one area, the workstation sink typically features a chopping board, colander, drying rack, and sometimes multiple faucets.

These are different from the standard sink in that they enhance productivity and reduce unnecessary movement from one kitchen area to another. You can find workstation sinks in various configurations, styles, and sizes and with additional features, including cutting boards, strainers, serving trays, drying racks, and integrated food waste disposal systems.

More Prep Space

Many traditional kitchens were designed for one cook with preparation space primarily near the sink. Nowadays, home kitchens are multifunctional environments for multiple cooks, and as such, a lot more prep space is needed.

Some good ways to add extra countertop surface space is by adding a kitchen island or peninsula (essentially an island joined to a wall). They can also double as service stations where you can place food ready to be served to guests in the dining area.

It’s also important to consider whether certain prep surfaces in different kitchen work zones potentially need to vary in height according to usage and comfort.

Specific Storage

A lot of storage is good, but specific storage is even better. Innovative storage solutions are must-have kitchen features that improve functionality, convenience, and the visual appeal of the interior.

Narrow pull-out drawers between larger cabinets or appliances make use of often wasted space. These are perfect for storing jars, canisters, spice racks, and utensils.

Corner storage options turn potentially dead space into usable storage for all types of kitchenware and dried foods. For example, a Lazy Susan allows for easy access by simply pulling out the entire shelving frames.

Instead of stacking baking sheets, platters, cutting boards, and pizza pans, place them in their very own tray storage cupboard above or near a wall oven. Vertical dividers ensure safe storage and easy accessibility.

Create a dedicated garbage and recycling area where you can easily sort between recyclables, compost, and general kitchen waste. Separate bins or containers can fit into one pull-out drawer under or near the sink.

Compartmentalize your kitchen utensils with divided drawer storage. They provide a more finished look to your utensil drawers and help you quickly find what you need.

These are just a few of the many must-have kitchen storage features currently popular with American homeowners.

Walk-in Pantry

If space allows, consider creating a walk-in pantry. These have been around for a while and are now considered a staple of a highly functional modern kitchen. Pantries typically hold groceries, but you can also use them to store countertop appliances, extra kitchenware, service items, cleaning supplies, and even books.

There is an endless array of design choices for walk-in pantries with different shelving and cupboard options. The best pantry is easily accessible with an entrance close to the food prep areas.

Solutions for Uncluttered Counters

There’s something immensely pleasing about gazing upon the decluttered counters of a newly remodeled kitchen. However, to keep your surfaces clear, clean, and looking fabulous, it’s essential to plan ahead and ensure you incorporate organizational systems that help you keep your kitchen clutter-free.

Better in-draw solutions are key for items such as spices, knives, and other utensils. For example, spice racks can hang on the inside of the door while wooden knife blocks or specialist magnetic strips hold even the biggest of knives safely in place.

If you have many small appliances dotted about, you can create an appliance garage. This is a little cupboard space with outlets in the back wall designed specifically for appliances such as microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, blenders, and more.

Consider also how you can hang things out of the way. Pot racks are functional and decorative, and can be hung from the wall or ceiling.

Flexible Lighting

Multiple sources of light are a vital part of the multifunctional and potentially hazardous space that is the kitchen. It’s important we see what we’re doing when cutting meat, slicing vegetables, stirring boiling pots, and serving food.

Flexible lighting for the kitchen considers all the different functions and uses of a modern kitchen and dining space.

Ambient lighting is the primary light source encompassing the entire interior space and ensures you can perform general tasks and move safely around the room.

Task lighting highlights specific areas, such as the main food prep area and stove.

Accent lighting is decorative and highlights attractive focal points, such as a beautiful chinaware collection in a glass-door cabinet.

Decorative lighting is lighting that is the focal point itself. It’s a statement piece and a conversation starter.

Glass Doors for Upper Cabinets

Glass Drawer Cabinets

As already mentioned, glass cabinet doors are an excellent way to show off your beautiful dishware and other attractive kitchenware. But, instead of hiding your best china behind wooden cabinet doors, the glass panels give you plenty of creative opportunities to enhance the overall appeal of your kitchen interior.

There are different types of glass cabinets, including clear glass and seeded glass, as well as a variety of pane designs such as stained glass, mullion fronts, diamond panels, and arched fronts, to name a few.

Smart Appliances

Smart home technology is growing rapidly. To truly future-proof your home and minimize the future costs of living expenses, investing in smart appliances is a good idea. Connected via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, you can control smart appliances from your favorite device, whether you’re at home or elsewhere.

Connected appliances make home life easier for you and your family. For example, you can remotely start the oven, be ultra-precise with temperature changes, modify dishwasher cycles, turn the heating on from the car, and even check the refrigerator door has been closed.

There are too many exciting smart appliances to list in just one article, but a great place to start is seeking advice from a local remodeling firm like Riverside Construction which can advise you on the best-performing models to consider.

Docking Drawer

Eliminate countertop clutter with a docking drawer, which is a very popular addition. As the name suggests, this is a specially designed drawer with power outlets inside that provides a designated space for all your electronic devices.

It’s the perfect place to store and charge smartphones, laptops, and tablets, as well as house dongles, notepads, pens, and other miscellaneous items.

You can also use the docking drawer when open to power general kitchen appliances such as blenders, toasters, and coffee makers.

Work With a Qualified Design Build Firm like Riverside Construction

Kitchen and Main Floor Remodel on Naschette Parkway in West Lafayette

 

With so many fantastic kitchen design options, it’s always important to work with a qualified design-build firm to ensure your new kitchen meets its full potential.

Riverside Construction, founded in 2008, is the go-to professional design-build team that has earned the respect and confidence of discerning homeowners in the Lafayette and West Lafayette areas.

With an award-winning team of highly skilled and experienced professionals in a range of fields, we excel at listening to client ideas and then translating those dreams into reality. We can help you decide on a direction, provide guidance on remodeling issues, and be with you every step of the way to ensure your dream home is achieved.

Contact us now to schedule an initial conversation about your upcoming kitchen to remodel. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, listen to your ideas, soothe your worries, and work with you to finalize your plans.

The Benefits of Finishing Your Unfinished Basement in Lafayette and West Lafayette, IN

Basements are no longer areas confined to storage and laundry. A finished basement can allow you to use your creativity to turn a dark and dull space into a beautiful and useful extension of your home. No matter what the size or shape, basement remodeling is one of the least expensive ways to add living space. Here are some of the benefits of finishing your unfinished basement:

Benefit #1:

Increase Your Home’s Value

Most families we talk with about remodeling wish they had extra room in their homes. By refinishing your unfinished basement, you add valuable living space that will only increase your home’s value. It is an especially good option if zoning laws and permitting in your neighborhood don’t allow for structural additions.

The cost of finishing your basement is usually less than adding an addition, and some of your cost can be recouped when you go to sell your home—you’ll recoup an average of up to a 70% return on investment, according to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report 2017. But your increased enjoyment and use of the space will be worth every penny as long as you live there.

Dance Studio

Benefit #2:

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Who doesn’t want to save money on their utility bills? When remodeling your basement, use this time to add insulation and other energy-efficient features that can reduce your heating and cooling costs. Items including energy-efficient windows and Energy Star appliances, LED lighting and compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs), and proper insulation help your overall energy savings and reduce your carbon footprint.

Benefit #3:

Create Flexible Spaces

While “upstairs” rooms are generally assigned a specific purpose, like a kitchen, bedroom, or dining room, your finished basement can be used in a number of ways, like a yoga studio, a children’s playroom, or a recreation room. Another benefit is that spaces in your finished basement can grow and change as your family’s needs change and are repurposed easily.

Basement Craft Room

Benefit #4:

Create Dedicated Spaces

As families were isolated at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, they needed to repurpose their homes to meet their work and leisure needs from home. Home offices and home gyms became necessities and more sought after than ever before. By finishing your unfinished basement, you can incorporate these dedicated spaces into your home for any specific requirement.

Benefit #5:

Add Storage

If you’re like most families, there’s never enough storage, so when creating your basement design, look for ways to add custom built-in storage. Utilize the areas under the stairs, add vertical storage, and built-in closets in out-of-the-way nooks and crannies, or create a dedicated storage room by closing off the mechanical area. Storage doesn’t need to be out of sight. Add attractive shelving, open cubbies, and wall storage units for children’s toys, crafts, or office supplies. Don’t forget overhead storage. Use hanging units and rods for wine glasses, gym equipment, or out-of-season clothing storage.

Benefit #6:

Generate Extra Income

Depending upon the zoning requirements in your jurisdiction, you may be able to transform your unfinished basement into a separate living unit. This can be used for multi-generational living or to rent out for additional income.

When adding a bedroom or two, keep in mind that to be considered an actual bedroom, bedrooms must have an egress window and a closet. This is more easily created with partially above-grade basements but can be achieved with below-grade rooms with some excavation. The addition of a bathroom also adds convenience, value, and the option of an income-generating extra space. A build-in rental unit may add appeal to potential buyers when you go to sell your home, as it can help supplement income and lighten, or even cover, the mortgage payments.

Benefit #7:

Make it Uniquely Yours

There is no cookie-cutter solution for finishing your unfinished basement. You get the pleasure of making it uniquely yours. You’ll work closely with our design team to incorporate the exact features you want to enjoy. It is a blank canvas upon which you can create something suitable for you and your family.

When you purchased your home, you likely bought it “as is” and had to compromise on some of the features you really wanted. This is your chance to get creative and add exactly what you’d like in your home. Make it your own with special features, including these:
Basement Wine Cellar

  • Wet bar
  • Wine cellar
  • Home theatre with built-in entertainment system
  • Cedar-lined closets
  • Sauna
  • Fireplace
  • Billiards room
  • Man cave
  • Craft room

Finish Your Unfinished Basement in Lafayette and West Lafayette with Riverside Construction

The benefits of finishing your unfinished basement are many, and working with a design-build remodeling firm like Riverside Construction can help bring your dreams to reality.

With a design-build remodeling firm, you work with one team throughout your entire project—from concept to design to construction. Riverside Construction’s well-planned-and-managed design-build process will ensure that your project runs smoothly and is delivered on time and on budget.

We’ll lead you through an initial in-home consultation meeting where we’ll discuss your remodeling goals, timeline, and budget and offer suggestions in these areas. We’ll then move to design, where all the fun begins. You’ll work closely with our design team and see your ideas come to life through 2D and 3D renderings.

We’re extremely proud of the beautiful basement remodeling projects we’ve completed for homeowners in West Lafayette and the surrounding areas. View our “before and after” photographs and project stories in our Basement Renovation Portfolio that will give you ideas for your own basement remodel.

Contact Riverside Construction to schedule a conversation with our design specialists. And download our free eBook: How to Start Your Remodel Off Right.