8 Great Investments To Make In Your Modern Kitchen

It seems like there are so many different kitchen varieties out there that choosing one among them all is an impossible task. You would likely feel some kind of connection with that assertion if you’re about to renovate because deciding on the fixtures, features, and trimmings you prefer within a limited space is not always that easy to decide.

For that reason, you could do worse than choosing the options that provide the most utility in this space, and allow you more provisions as a home cook. As a starter, you could decide on the vibe you’re going for – do you prefer an older rustic kitchen as if you were in a homely old cottage, or are you someone who likes modern smart appliances, cutting-edge design, and bright lighting that makes cleaning up after yourself easier to deal with?

The best and worst part here is that there are rarely any wrong answers. Best, because this gives you freedom. Worst, because too much freedom can be dizzying. Luckily, we’re happy to help, by discussing the eight great investments any modern kitchen would likely benefit from utilizing:

An Excellent Ventilation Hood

Cooking can bring in warmth and comfort, but it also brings a lot of smells, steam and sometimes smoke. A good ventilation hood can help clear the air and stop you from triggering your fire alarm, and even up options like searing steaks inside. As you’ll sign find out, it helps to have a space where cooking doesn’t leave the smell of last night’s meal for days and days.

Ventilation is one of those things you may not think about until you’re halfway through cooking, but good airflow means fresher air but also a cleaner kitchen, as you’re less likely to deal with smoke or grease lingering on surfaces. That in itself can be a fire hazard.

A Reliable Dishwasher

Sure, an up-to-date dishwasher might not seem like a fixture to jump up and down for, it’s not as attractive as a beautiful new stove nor do you really care about it unless it isn’t working, but t when you’re washing dishes after a big meal, you’re going to appreciate one that can tear through dishes like no other. 

A large-capacity dishwasher can save so much time, and newer models are energy-efficient and quieter than ever so you don’t have to worry about a constant annoying drone as you’re trying to clean up. Making sure your model is energy-efficient is good for the bills too, which is an added bonus, especially for those who use it frequently.

Split Sinks

A split or double sink might not seem like a groundbreaking addition that changes your life, but it’s one of those stealth improvements that can quietly improve how you work in your kitchen every day. For example, you could be rinsing vegetables on one side while soaking pans on the other or keeping dirty dishes separate from food prep. This means that an extra bit of division helps you do more jobs at once, and ultimately spend less time on the chore of cleaning up. It’s a small touch that, when missing, might leave you wondering why you didn’t plan for it. You don’t realize how handy they are until you’ve juggled a big family meal or prepped for a dinner party.

A Premium Coffee Machine

Many people see a premium coffee machine as a large investment, and they’re right, it can be, but one machine can last for years and years if it’s good enough, and think of all the money you’ll save on premium-priced coffee each morning. It’s also quite nice to invite a friend around for morning coffee while importing certain styles of beans that taste delicious and may have been flavored for certain delicious moods.

Of course, a coffee machine also gives you options. Now you can enjoy frothing milk at home to fine-tune the strength of each brew, and you may become something of an artisan at home thanks to this. Don’t worry if you become a coffee snob either, it can be fun to know your stuff.

A Windowsill Herb Garden

No one usually thinks about fresh herbs when they’re mapping out their kitchen for obvious reasons, but once you’ve got a little garden on your windowsill, it’s nice to pluck some mint or basil or parsley or whatever else you find appropriate. Having a small setup means you’ve always got a nice flavor enhancer and fresh for that matter too. It certainly beats clinking around trying to find the dried jar you’ve had in the cupboard for years.

Aside from the practical foodie benefits that we all appreciate, the herb garden adds a natural, green touch to the kitchen, which can make the space feel less closed off and stale. Even better, the maintenance is pretty limited, all you need is water, sunlight, and to trim now and then. Making sure you have enough room for a windowsill in your kitchen and planning the sink installation around that can be a good place to start.

A Pot & Pan Display

If you want to make your kitchen just a touch more rustic while still keeping that modernist perspective, it’s nice to hang your pots and pans, especially if they’re expensive and you want to show them off. Better yet this is hugely convenient, as you no longer have to dig through crowded cabinets, trying to find the right size skillet; instead, everything’s right where you need it.

Again, it’s a simple investment. Just find wall space that you can add a backing too for hygiene, and implement some well-spaced hooks, keeping in mind not to place them over hot plates or wet areas. Even if you just have three for your different pan sizes, that can add a nice convenience to the home.

A Premium Backsplash

A great backsplash can prevent oil and other detritus from hitting your walls and ruining the paintwork or other designs, but it can also be a nice pattern and design that improves your property too. This feature can bring the whole room together if applied correctly, as it mixes colors and textures in ways that might not be expected. Some kitchens may prefer classic subway tiles, as those simple lines can have a nice retro feel in an otherwise modern kitchen. In others, mosaics can be a nice addition with a Mediterranean touch. This is all about taste really, but it’s a good place to demonstrate a little flair on your part.

After all, when a backsplash is well-chosen, cleaning up becomes much easier. You can also use it to help light flow through the room more easily, as bright patterns might be used to liven up a plain space or reflect the cabinet lighting you have in place.

Cabinetry Lighting

It can be worthwhile to have a soft glow under cabinets, as they help to get rid of the shadows while you work, making the room feel welcoming for those looking for a midnight snack or an early morning coffee but without being so harsh it’s uncomfortable to watch.

These lights do more than just make things look nice, though. They’re quite useful, lighting up countertops so it’s easier and safer to prepare food. Reading recipes and chopping vegetables becomes less of a strain on the eyes which is nice, especially if you usually need glasses. Inside cabinets, good lighting can make finding that spice jar which seems to have grown cobwebs much quicker. Perhaps the best part is when the main lights are turned down low, and only the cabinet lights are left on, as the kitchen then becomes a cozy spot, good for quiet talks or just getting your bearings during a winter morning. Combine that with other fixtures like beautiful inset cabinets and you’ll be able to relax on your own terms.

With this advice, we believe you’ll have made some excellent investments in your modern kitchen.