The kitchen is the heart of any home, and it should be functional, beautiful and practical. A well-designed kitchen can make a huge difference in the feel and flow of your entire house. However, kitchen renovations can be costly and overwhelming, especially in the midst of an unexpected home disaster. Whether you’re going all in or sticking to a tight budget, there is an opportunity to freshen up your kitchen.

Here are some of our top kitchen design tips to help you create a refreshing and functional space.


1. White Cabinets and Countertops

Kitchen with White Cabinets and Countertops

Let’s start with brightening things up! One of the easiest ways to lighten up your kitchen is by installing white cabinets and countertops. White cabinets reflect light, making the space feel brighter and more open. They also provide a timeless, clean look that will always be in style. White countertops can also make your kitchen feel more spacious, as they visually open up the space. Plus, they are easy to clean and maintain, which is always a plus!


2. Open Shelves

Open Shelves Open Shelves in the Kitchen

Kitchen with Open Shelves

Adding open shelves to your kitchen is an excellent way to create more storage while having a more open feel. By placing open shelves at the end of the kitchen as you enter the room, you can create a better flow between the two spaces. Open shelves are also a great way to display your favorite kitchen items (think cookbooks, dishes, and glasses) and add personality to the room.


3. Hidden Outlets

Tile backsplash outlets can be a design eyesore! One of our favorite tips is hiding them under the upper cabinet next to your under cabinet lighting. This will keep your backsplash looking clean and uncluttered, but still leaving you with a functional kitchen. By hiding your outlets, you can make your kitchen look more polished and organized.


4. Vertical Dividers for Cabinet Storage

Utilizing the cabinet above the wall oven for vertical storage is a game-changer. You'll never have to pile cutting boards, cookie trays, or platters horizontally in cupboards and drawers again. This will not only create more storage space, but it will also make it easier for you to access your favorite kitchen items. You can even install pull-out trays to make it easier to grab what you need.


5. Built-In Drawer Dividers

Built-In Cabinet Dividers Built-In Drawer Dividers

Built-in drawer dividers help keep your kitchen organized and functional. We love to use them to separate utensils, spices, baking materials, and other kitchen items that need storing. You'll never have to dig through a messy drawer again! Drawer dividers can also help you maximize your storage space and make your kitchen feel more efficient.

Kirsten and Lindsey

So whether you’re working on a project around the kitchen or undergoing a full reno, keep these tips in mind to update your kitchen design. In the end, you’ll have a practical, functional, and pretty space that you enjoy spending time in.

Stay tuned for more tips on home maintenance, prevention, design, and more here at Practical Home. And catch us on HGTV Tuesday evenings at 9 p.m. ET/PT on our new show Renovation 911.

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