10 Must-Have Kitchen Features for Storage, Functionality and Style

"People who love to eat are always the best people"--Julia Child

1.Built-in Refrigerator

A Built-in Refrigerator means that a cabinet is built for the fridge to slide in and out of allowing the appliance to fit flush against the depth of your cabinet. "Skin

Panels" are used to encase the refrigerator that match the upper cabinets allowing a seamless and integrated look.  See how this countertop depth refrigerator fits snuggly into the cabinet space.

2. Double Ovens



Typically stacked and built directly into perimeter cabinetry, double ovens provide a sleek look and added convenience. This kitchen feature offers a main oven you can use without

bending over and a secondary oven for plate warming and additional baking. Separating the ovens from the burners also lets you install a cooktop in an adjacent countertop, opening up more cupboard space.  In lieu of a second oven, many Aspire clients place their microwave.  This creates the option for a traditional hood vent and frees up counterspace.

3. High Arc Faucet



The faucet has evolved into a focal point of the kitchen and lets face it, says a lot about your personality.  The High Arc Faucet, aka High style faucets, are chosen not

only for their style, but also their functionality.  Some High Style faucets also have a pull down feature which make it very functional for

cleaning.  Not only striking and graceful, they are perfect for fitting large items in the sink.  Available in many different styles and colors, this is an easy upgrade that makes a big statement.

4. Ample Kitchen Lighting



Layers of light is what you are striving for when considering the kitchen lighting plan.  Recessed light fixtures are the standard in modern day new construction. Pendant lights can  provide style and task lighting above an island or sink. Under cabinet lighting can illuminate a workspace will adding a sophisticated ambiance.

5. Trash and Recycling



Make life easier by adding a handy trash and recycling area in a cabinet.  By incorporating this secret space, you have the convenience space to hide trash and also free up floor space.  Adding a recycling bin makes it easy to do your part for the environment by allowing you to pre-sort water bottles, boxes and cans after use. 

6.Coffee Bar

With the built in refrigerator, you have the perfect alcove for a home coffee station for a bright start to your mornings. Now matter your brew, you have room for a espresso machine and

drip coffee maker.  Change the cabinet to include a pull down door, and you have the perfect storage space for mugs, saucers and more. This narrow spot is the perfect location for the at home barista.

7. Corner Storage

Consider kitchen features that take advantage of space that would otherwise be wasted. This corner cabinet turns potentially dead space into usable storage. The extra space combined with a second shelf makes it the perfect place to store appliances, pots & pans, and may larger items you want on hand.

8. Tray Storage Cabinet

Designate a cabinet for storing racks, cookie sheets, pizza pans, and cutting boards. Instead of precariously stacking them, use vertical dividers to keep these flat items neatly arranged

and easily accessible. Here, baking pans and trays are stored directly above a wall oven for maximum convenience.

9. Deep or Full Extension Drawers

A deep drawer near the kitchen range provides easy access to large pots and pans.  Hardware that allows drawers to slide open all the way makes it much easier to get objects in and out. Drawers with high sides and backs can keep stacks of items neat and orderly. Full extension hardware is what to consider when organizing your kitchen.

10. Soft close Doors and Drawers

Soft close is a premium feature that requires specific types of drawer slides and hardware to allow drawers and doors to close silently and smoothly.  When you close a drawer or cabinet

with this feature, just before it's completely shut, the soft close mechanism takes over and closes the drawer or cabinet the rest of the way.  It's almost like magic and makes it pretty tough to slam them shut.