The kitchen is the heart of the home, and one of our favorite spaces to bring to life. Designing your kitchen should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With so many styles, features, and finishes to explore, starting with a clear understanding of your wants, needs, and must-haves can make all the difference.
Let’s get started on prioritizing your kitchen wish list.
Evaluate Your Current Kitchen
Before jumping into a full kitchen remodel or redesign, take time to evaluate your current kitchen. It’s a simple step that can bring clarity to your design goals and help you understand what you love — and what you don’t.
Maybe you can’t imagine living without your farmhouse sink, but you constantly find yourself frustrated by a lack of cabinet space. Or maybe you get good use out of your kitchen island, but its location makes meal prep feel cramped. Keeping track of these little details can give you a strong foundation for creating a kitchen that truly works for your life.
As you create your list, be sure to look carefully at things like:
- Layout
- Functionality
- Storage
- Seating
- Appliances
Consider Features You Love
Have you ever walked into a friend’s or neighbor’s home and thought, “wow, I wish my kitchen had that”? Now’s the time to jot those ideas down! Whether it’s something small like hidden outlets or soft-close drawers, or something that makes a statement — like a bold range hood or built-in refrigerator — taking note of your ‘wish list’ features can help make your next kitchen feel like it was made just for you.
Ideas From Today’s Top Designs
If you’re looking for ideas, Houzz, Instagram, and Pinterest are perfect for understanding current trends, and, more importantly, what you like. You can also browse the Epic Showcase for some of our favorite examples of custom kitchens.
Some popular features include…
- Stand-alone cupboards (with a twist!)
Incorporating a piece that looks like traditional floor-to-ceiling cabinetry can actually be a great way to hide your refrigerator.
- Smart-Home Integrations
Think voice-activated lighting or touchless faucets.
- Rounded cabinetry
Curved and fluted surfaces are very in and are an easy way to add texture and character to a space.
- Hidden storage
Great for keeping counters clutter-free.
- Beverage / Bar area
Whether it’s for coffee or storing adult-friendly beverages, these spaces can be great for entertaining and simplifying your daily routine.
Now that you have a good idea of what you like and the functionality you need, it’s time to prioritize. If there’s something you know you absolutely can’t live without — like a built-in wine cabinet or an oversized island — bump it right to the top. That said, don’t let every stylish, flashy feature take priority. You’ll want some of the more practical features at the top of your list that your kitchen both looks amazing and actually makes your life easier.
Your Must-Haves Are Key to the EPIC Process
When you work with Epic Group, the first step in our process is to visit your home to get to know you, your current space, and what needs to be reimagined. Having ideas for your dream kitchen is encouraged, and no request is too big, either. Thanks to our partnerships with top suppliers and craftsmen, anything you envision – from bespoke trim to intricately designed tiles – can be brought to life.