What Accessories Should You Include in Your New Kitchen?

(4th in the series)

New things are happening in kitchen design today!  While cabinets, countertops and appliances lead the way in designing a kitchen, the accessories you add can really help the kitchen to function better for you and add a certain “wow” to the space.  As a professional Interior Designer in Bergen County NJ, I often recommend a few of these items to my clients to improve and make their kitchens even better.

Here are some of my top picks that you might like:

#1. Above the Refrigerator Cabinet

When doing the plan for the kitchen cabinets, this space is sometimes left open to display decorative items in a large kitchen. But sometimes you just want more storage instead.  Given how deep the refrigerator is, it’s kind of difficult to get to the back of that cabinet space.

Well, manufacturers have listened to our angst! Now there is a door mounted device that takes advantage of all that hidden space that is so hard to reach.  Now, when you open the cabinet door, the shelf pulls out to you for accessibility.  How lovely!

#2. Pop Up Kitchen Grommet

Ever notice that the cord on your small appliances is not that long? When it is time to use it, you need to plug it into an electric wall outlet that might not be in the location where you want to use it.  This accessory device allows you to place an electrical outlet where you want it. It remains hidden until you need it.

Installed in a counter, it pops up to give you access for appliances you need to plug in nearer to where you are working. It is designed to prevent water and other liquids from entering.  You can get it in different colors, with one to three outlets and even include data ports and recharging stations in the same pop-up.  It is really very convenient!

  The rubber seal on the top prevents liquids from entering.

 #3. Countertops

Kitchen islands are often designed with overhanging counter space where people like to perch. If you eat your breakfast there in the early morning, you know how it feels when you lean on the stone overhang with your arms, especially on winter mornings? Cold, right?

Well now you can shoo way that coldness and add warmth to that counter material. By installing a similar technology that is used to heat your floors, you can make sure that the island’s stone overhang will be nice and toasty!  Ahh!  French toast~here we come!

#4. Magnetic Knife Strips

This is not a new idea. But in the past these strips were actually metal magnetic strips that were attached to the wall.  Unless you were going super industrial, that look might leave something to be desired in.

Although it may not be for everyone, those who cook a lot and like their most-used knives in sight and ready to use at a moment’s notice, might like this new idea. The magnetic strip is crafted from furniture grade wood that covers the unsightly raw metal.  These handcrafted strips give a finished look to a very handy device.  Goodbye ugly metal!

Planning is the key to good design.  Working with a professional interior designer will help you to add many other great accessories to the basics of your kitchen.  It will not only boost the style and looks of your new space, but it will also make it work better for you!

Which one of these would you like in your kitchen?