Kitchens are where families cook, gather, and socialize, so they need to be functional and aesthetically pleasing. Finding that balance can be difficult for many homeowners.

If you’re one of them, here's the secret courtesy of our own designer, Liz Kennedy: Create designated spaces throughout your kitchen!

Kennedy noticed that most traditionally designed kitchens don't have designated spaces. These spaces can help with organization, and with the right design, they can also add character and charm to the kitchen.

These are some of the designated kitchen spaces Kennedy loves to incorporate into a kitchen design.

Appliance garage

The appliance garage is a newer kitchen design trend that we are loving. Basically, it's an additional kitchen cabinet that sits on the countertop where you can store small appliances like the toaster, mixer, and even the microwave.

The appliance garage eliminates the problem of having too much countertop clutter while allowing easy access to frequently used items.

Roll-up, lift-up, or retractable doors provide easy access to the space. They can also have pull-out shelves to make heavy appliances more accessible. They're such a smart solution to kitchen storage without compromising the kitchen's aesthetic.

Wet bar

If you enjoy hosting dinner parties and get-togethers, the wet bar is another designated space to include in your kitchen. A wet bar is an area complete with a sink and storage dedicated to keeping cocktail essentials organized for entertaining guests.

Adding a wet bar to your kitchen design will also add to the space's aesthetic appeal. Using complimentary cabinetry and finishes will allow the wet bar to blend seamlessly with the kitchen design.

However, you could also give the wet bar its own personality. This could include bold accent colors, decorative or metal finishes, antique mirror, decorative tile, or accent lighting to make it a standout feature of your kitchen.

Coffee bar

Most people start their day with a big cup of coffee. Why not create a functional kitchen space just for coffee, dress it up, and make it a focal point of your space? 

Finding a nook in your kitchen can showcase that expensive espresso maker and create a practical and stylish coffee bar.

Kennedy is currently converting a small pantry into a coffee bar in her own kitchen. She noticed that the pantry had a lot of wasted space that could be used in a more meaningful way. Her coffee bar will include a space for everyday items like K-cups, coffee mugs, making her morning routine much easier while freeing up useful countertop space.

The goal in designated spaces is all about function. In today’s society we’re always running to get to the next place, so we really want to make the most of the time we have at home. Whether it’s a busy school morning or family Christmas dinner, zones create an aesthetically pleasing and functional kitchen you can truly enjoy.

If you need help creating designated spaces in your kitchen, give us a call. ELM is an award-winning design/build company based in Vestavia Hills, AL. We would love the opportunity to see how we can work together to create the kitchen you've been dreaming of.