Kitchen Must-Haves That Make All the Difference
The kitchen isn’t just a place to cook—it’s the heart of your home, where everyday moments and special gatherings unfold. A well-designed kitchen should be as functional as it is beautiful, seamlessly blending style with ease of use. That’s why, when designing kitchens for our clients, we go beyond aesthetics, considering their daily routines and the small luxuries that truly enhance their space.
From hidden conveniences to unexpected indulgences, here are the must-have kitchen upgrades you didn’t even know you needed—but won’t be able to live without.
1. Hidden Ice Maker & Beverage Center
Say goodbye to last-minute ice runs. A built-in ice maker discreetly tucked into a cabinet keeps your drinks perfectly chilled without taking up valuable freezer space. Pair it with a dedicated beverage drawer for an elegant, grab-and-go setup—perfect for hosting or simply enjoying a chilled drink at any time.
This hidden pebble ice maker is everything.
2. Double the Convenience: Two Panel-Ready Dishwashers
Your life just got a whole lot easier. With two panel-ready dishwashers seamlessly integrated into your cabinetry, cleanup is effortless—whether you’re hosting a dinner party or managing daily meals. Run one while loading the other, or designate one for dishes and the other for glassware. The best part? They blend in beautifully for a sleek, uninterrupted kitchen design.
This kitchen below has two dishwashers, conveniently located on either side of the sink for easy loading.
3. Concealed Appliance Garage or Baking Center
No one loves countertop clutter. A custom appliance garage keeps everyday essentials—like your beloved air fryer, blenders, toasters, and mixers—hidden yet accessible. For avid bakers, a dedicated baking center with pull-out shelves makes prep work easier while maintaining a clean aesthetic.
On either side of the range, you’ll see how the cabinets go down to the counter. This is where we created appliance and baking centers. This client is a professional chef and needed all the bells and whistles in her space. Everything she needs is still accessible but tucked away to not ruin the aesthetic of her space. It’s simply perfect.
4. Integrated Pull-Out Knife & Spice Drawers
A sleek pull-out knife drawer with built-in dividers keeps your blades organized and safely stored. Pair it with a hidden spice drawer near the cooktop, so every seasoning is exactly where you need it—making meal prep feel like second nature. Unpopular opinion, spice drawers make it way easier to find what you’re looking for then having to navigate through a cabinet. Thank me later.
Check out these two photos we found on Pinterest that will give you an idea about what we are talking about.
(Photo credit from Neat Method and Crate + Barrel)
5. Hidden Pull-Out Trash & Recycling Bins
Say goodbye to unsightly trash cans and hello to a seamless, organized kitchen. A custom pull-out cabinet discreetly houses trash and recycling bins, keeping waste out of sight while making cleanup effortless. Soft-close glides and built-in dividers add functionality, ensuring a clean and clutter-free space. And let’s be honest…you can’t have a luxury kitchen without a hidden trash can.
On the left side of the sink in the photo below, you will see where I have my trash and recycling located in my own home. I love how blends into the kitchen.
6. Dedicated Snack or Breakfast Bar
Mornings (and snack time) just got easier. A pull-out snack or breakfast station with built-in baskets and drawers keeps everything organized and within reach. Whether it’s a quick breakfast before work or an after-school snack for the kids, this feature makes grab-and-go moments effortless.
If you don’t the ability to create a snack bar within your cabinetry, try out organizing your pantry to be kid-friendly, allowing them to pick out what they want when they want. Check out my pantry below.
7. The Ultimate Luxury: A Butler’s Kitchen
Keep the mess out of sight and the main kitchen pristine. A butler’s kitchen acts as a hidden prep space, perfect for entertaining or managing busy meal prep. Featuring additional storage, counter space, and sometimes even a second sink or dishwasher, it’s the ultimate luxury for those who love to cook and host without cluttering the main kitchen.
Our French Chateau Project has a beautiful butler’s kitchen with an extra oven, a microwave, and another refrigerator. This is ideal for a house with lots of kids or if you love to entertain.
These hidden features transform a kitchen from simply beautiful to effortlessly functional. Thoughtful design is all about blending luxury with practicality, ensuring every inch of your space works for you. Which of these features would you love in your dream kitchen?
Let us know in the comments or follow us on Instagram (@lexiwestergard_design) for more design inspiration!
Xo,
Lexi
John Woodcock Photogrpahy
