My DREAM KITCHEN must haves...when I build it

[@thekirksiffs5285]

I have had Miele dishwashers in our home since the mid 90s . Love how quiet they are, and how well they clean.

[@francineclave2207]

Just redid our 15 year old kitchen after a 40 wide inch Sears range bit the dust. That lead us to a mid luxury range but we now needed new counters to close a 4 inch gap! And that lead to a new sink and much NEEDED lighting. I got the back splash I never had and upgraded the CFM on our range ventilation system since our new gas range had much more BTU’s. We HAD A DARK kitchen, but now I can see because we added great dimmable under cabinet lighting. The light I get now off my white quartz has been an unbelievable positive I could write pages about it! We also decided to upgrade to a new one bowl cast iron sink with a drain to the right. It is a Riverby by Kohler and it is my husbands favorite part of the new kitchen because of this sink design came with awesome fit in or over work accessories. (An unexpected win with a one bowl sink is less plumbing pipes too and more room under the sink!) We put in a counter depth fridge two years ago and I was nervous because we went from 27 CF to 22 CF. I would never go back! Don’t miss that 5 feet at all! Why because I can see “everything” ALL THE TIME! Nothing get’s lost or goes bad in the back because I can’t see it. We choose freezer on the bottom, convertible drawer in the middle 4:46 and the two doors up above. I envy you how you get to see so many kitchens finished and draw the best from them. My only miss was a small one. Our white quartz counter once installed was an ever so slightly cooler white than our cabinets. If I had it to do over I would have taken one of our doors to the show room and asked if our white quartz choice was correctly on target with our white cabinets. Like I said it is only a slight miss and I was able to soften and hide the miss with our backsplash color and handle selections. Love your channel!

[@jobond3317]

Yes that what I want too. Built-in range hood with cupboard space. But this is the idea that keeps changing with all the different things you can do

[@lauralaforge558]

I can't get on board with drawers for the height inflexibility. We just ordered base cabinets with zero drawers. I figure if I ever want something in the future, I'll add slide outs to the bottom of each but still have the flexibility of being able to change the height of the shelf. I was lucky to be able to move my non counter depth fridge to basically its own wall so it won't be noticeable. If I ever get good at DIY, I'll try to make a custom surround with a custom panel front.

[@lindavanjes7192]

We recently redid our kitchen, and we have everything on this list, with the exception of a counter-depth fridge. Our fridge and wall ovens are the only items together in a recessed 36” depth space. We built the cabinets out further to match the depth of the fridge. With 4 kids, I wasn’t about to go with a counter-depth! As for the sink, we put in a granite composite, deep single bowl. It’s my favorite thing about the new reno! I could never go back to two bowls.

[@hsdesignstudio]

Ah yes, the recess! If you have the space I can absolutely see doing this. However, it isn't all that often that we can sink the fridge an extra 6-10" (or more) into the wall cavity without affecting another area of the house. It's not necessarily the standard depth fridge I take issue with, but the protruding into the space. It does seem as though single basin is preferred in a landslide!

[@jobond3317]

I like a one sink but a big one. I have a very old kitchen but there are certain things I love. Stainless steel sink and bench top. Easy to clean and keeps it's looks. Yes, I have some big pots. I make my own stock and no I don't have a dishwasher But that pot would not fit in a dishwasher. One big dink I think is all I need but love seeing what is possible in a new kitchen

[@rosetinga3275]

One basin, deep & wide. ♥️

[@alanhigginbotham2474]

Thank you for your very helpful video. Agree with all your points. Double sink, both large + separate food prep sink in another area. Standard-size refrigerators/freezers, if space allows - all with French doors to minimize door intrusion into cook's space.

[@pammcnary2770]

One basin sink with bevels to hold cutting boards, drying racks etc

[@era-FP]

Large single basin, much versatile 👍🏻

[@hsdesignstudio]

This seems to be the answer for most folks!

[@briangallentine3810]

Lighting was the first thing we updated in the first week we were in our new home!

[@hsdesignstudio]

Very good choice! It is amazing how much impact lighting can have in a space.

[@lauralaforge558]

So far, I'm seemingly on par with your choices. I have a 48"cooktop coming. I went with a wall oven. I'm thrilled to be able to have one, but I compromised being able to fit a full sheet pan as I would have with a single integrated unit. Quartz counters for ease of maintenance. Quartz backsplash for the same. I did want plywood cabinets though, even though that resulted in fewer. I also think the look of a deep fridge really takes away from the aesthetic. Very happy about my deep single basin sink choice. (And my reno isn't finished yet but so far, I am confident with my choices. The only thing I realize is my fridge doesn't have counter on either side. I really don't think I care, but I'm thinking I can rig some kind of drop leaf thing to the side and put it up when needed)

[@g.b.2806]

Given the size constructions of our kitchen a big single basin is the way to go for us, but I will forever envy my sister for having the space for a large double basin, which is as big as two big singles right next to each other. And it has an attached drip area to the side (over the dishwasher), which may not look super fancy, but it is endlessly practical.

[@hsdesignstudio]

My wife loves our large double basin sink. And to be honest, we have never used a large single basin so I can't say how I feel about them based on personal experience. I can absolutely see the benefit of the drip tray. In our house, my need to have clear countertops often kicks in and I dry pots and put them away immediately.

[@matthewluck9077]

There is quartz, and there is quartzite. Quartz is manufactured to be super durable and long lasting. Quartzite is natural quartz that has a lot of the same issues granite has with staining and durability. If you’re at a stone yard and the person doesn’t seem to know this or isn’t differentiating between these stones, you need to go to a different stone yard.

[@tessat3483]

Sink with two sections. Lighting for kitchen is a must. I currently do not like the lighting in my kitchen and can’t wait to find better lighting. ❤️

[@hsdesignstudio]

Finally, a double basin voter! My wife is in this camp as well.

[@5610winston]

@@hsdesignstudio If I have anything that won't wash in a double-bowl sink, I've got a bathtub.

[@hsdesignstudio]

@@5610winston hahah it would be a seriously large pot to not fit in my two basin.

[@5610winston]

I looked at the sputnik/hydra style chandeliers, liked the look when I saw one on an episode of 'THIS OLD HOUSE', but on consideration, it looks to me like those struts and exposed bulbs will catch a lot of grease and cooking residue. That said, you can't have too much light. The good news is all my kitchen windows face south; the bad news is, they look out and down directly into the next-door neighbor's kitchen. Since I am replacing eighty-plus-year-old windows anyhow, I'm going with new high-efficiency-type glass and some kind of patterned surface to distort the view. And, once again, I like the double bowl sink.

[@tspfull]

Agree with the counter depth fridge. They cost a lot more and have less space but it is so worth that seamless fit.

[@hsdesignstudio]

The cost is coming down though as more people adopt it as 'standard'

[@janineeisentraut3303]

Yes, they are more $$ but the refrigerator that was first chosen would have been deeper than the one we have now! We can deal with less space since it is only my husband and myself.

[@melaniekeeling7462]

We also splurged on a professional range and I don't regret it. It's easier to clean too.

[@hsdesignstudio]

Glad to hear others feel this way as well!

[@gigistrus490]

One basin. I cook, I can, I wash large pans.....I need a working space.

[@hsdesignstudio]

I'm hearing this more and more! I'm thinking I might need to try one basin in my next kitchen...

[@tessat3483]

Yes, for drawers as the bottom cabinets. Stuff doesn’t get lost in the back. You can just pull the whole drawer out to see what is in the far back. Lived in a rental with lower cabinet drawers and I loved them. Wish they were in our current house. ❤️🤷🏻‍♀️

[@hsdesignstudio]

They are great, aren't they!

[@cynthiaarmstrong7972]

Single basin all the way!

[@twothirdsanexplosive]

Single basin - you can always put in a tub when you need to soak separately and take it out after. I guess I've watched enough kitchen design KZbin videos because your checklist from pro experiences matched my checklist as a newb homeowner planning a kitchen remodel. Tho we are keeping the existing induction range so will decide on pro range in future as we love to cook.

[@hsdesignstudio]

There is nothing wrong with keeping functioning appliances. We kept our old gas range for quite a while, until we started smelling gas when no one was using it...and it was my wife who pushed for the upgrade when we purchased our new model. I'm very pleased we splurged!

[@5610winston]

@@hsdesignstudio I'm planning to reuse my nearly-new dishwasher (Bosch 800-series smooth-front 42 decibel), but I decided when I inherited this house that I would use a gas cooktop and electric convection wall oven when it came time to redo the kitchen. Since some of the countertops have to be replaced, I'm replacing all, and since the sink base cabinet is in poor shape, there's no reason not to replace all. I've been buying my appliances off eBay, now only lacking the fridge. I found a brand-new disposer with more horsepower than my first car okay, minor exaggeration: the Studebaker was a 120-horsepower V8), and I got my Bosch 800-series cooktop (floor sample, minor chip out of sight on the porcelain) when the seller accepted what I considered to be a preposterously low offer, and seller agreed to free shipping. Bosch 800-series stainless utility drawer and warming drawer, 500-series convection oven, and I bought a floor display 800-series microwave locally.

[@hsdesignstudio]

@@5610winston Sounds like some good finds!

[@millieh.-nyc6537]

Great must haves list! In total agreement with you on counter depth fridge & lighting. The more lighting the better it is. Hey, that's why dimmers were invented ;--} Thanks for sharing. Be well.

[@courtneyharrel5500]

Getting a single basin in our current redo which I’ve always wanted and I would never have a counter depth frig again. Punched wall out behind for bigger frig. this time around. And yes range hood in cabinets.

[@hsdesignstudio]

Punching the wall out is a great compromise IF you can do it. The problem is not so much the fridge depth, but the protruding into the space!

[@5610winston]

My kitchen dreams are somewhat constrained by the available space: a galley that has one wall that cannot be altered due to it's adjacent to the master bedroom closet and the rest of the walls are either exterior or load-bearing. The east wall pretty well defines that only a full-depth fridge can be used there or the right-side door won't open far enough to access the right side crisper drawer. I'll open things as much as possible, but the space just isn't there. Definitely planning a seating space for prep at the countertop between the dishwasher and the dining room wall; I want to mount wall cabinets on a sliding track so I can have some storage below the prep space. I found a Coppersmith-brand heavy gauge hammered copper double-bowl 33-inch undermount sink at such a price that it made sense to return a previously purchased stainless steel sink I had originally planned to use. Double-bowl all the way! I like the look of natural granite, specifically the Norwegian 'blue pearl' with the sparkling labradorite-bytownite feldspar and hornblende crystals for all the horizontal work surfaces, planning a lighter-color granite (jasmine white or SF Real or similar), something with assertive red garnet (garnets come in many colors, even blue and green) crystals exposed in the polished surface. I notice an above-the-countertop microwave high behind you and to your left (viewers' right). I have considered several other lay-outs, but I keep coming back to a ducted over-the-range microwave. If I need more ventilation, I'll add another ceiling vent or simply plan to open windows. I have purchased two stainless steel utility drawers, one including a heating element for holding food at serving temp, adjustable for warming plates or proofing dough. These will be installed below the cooktop. The wall oven will go under a raised section of a split level countertop because I'm not getting any younger. Speaking of below the cooktop, I want a tilt-out utensil drawer and kick-panel drawers. Lighting? Task lamps under the cabinets (ALL the cabinets), can lights over the countertops, thought about one of those hydra/sputnik style chandeliers, but they look like they'd be crud magnets. I hope that the granite backsplashes and ceiling-high cabinets (even over the windows) will minimize the need for painted surfaces, except for trim on the windows and door casings (French doors on barn tracks to the dining room, to be left open except when my cooking becomes too enthusiastic (smoky), a Dutch door from the kitchen to the breakfast room, probably only going to install the lower panel more as a dog excluder than anything else. We've all seen the video of the retriever who turned on the cooktop. I'm still drawing my concept, and I would welcome any suggestions to make it more useful and livable.

[@hsdesignstudio]

It's always difficult to pinpoint problem areas or find places that could be tweaked without seeing photos of the space and really sitting down to think about layout. Feel free to reach out and we can chat further.

[@5610winston]

@@hsdesignstudio Thanks. I'm having to do structural repairs to the exterior wall, including the rim joist and floor joists to about 18 inches in from the wall, and replacing original (80-plus-year-old, pre WWII) windows in my kitchen and dining room, and I plan to add a bit of width to the window openings, 3 24-inch wide windows in place of two 32-inch units, chopping out enough wall at both ends to get the spacing to work, and widening the door openings for what ever improvement I can get. The basic lay-out is not that bad, just needs tweaking, but the cabinets are forty-five-year-old contractor grade pressed sawdust with shabby laminate countertops that started raveling the first time the built-in dishwasher ran and tired sheet vinyl floor. Repairs to the wall and floor and window replacement will require gutting the entire kitchen to the walls, rewiring, adding a gas pipe for the cooktop, rewiring to relocate the oven (planning to add a natural gas-fired standby generator, too) a new HVAC plant (existing is 25 years old), and the rest of the house --- uh --- has character.

[@raymondchow8722]

I did the same as you by using an over the range microwave but at a different location. I have pondered whether to put the microwave under the counter and figure top cabinets are less useful so chose to sacrifice the top cabinet for the microwave. Great minds think alike!

[@era-FP]

Large single basin 👍🏻

[@lornabolden8538]

1 basin I prefer a standard refrigerator and I have a full size stand up freezer in the kitchen as well with a 40 inch tv built in over top of refrigerator.

[@hsdesignstudio]

You must have some tall ceilings...How does your neck feel watching that TV?

[@lornabolden8538]

@@hsdesignstudio the ceilings are pretty high but the height of the tv over the refrigerator is not bad at all. When we are sitting or standing it works. I wish I had a way to show you how it looks.

[@hsdesignstudio]

@@lornabolden8538 shoot me a picture over email: [e-mail]

[@mmmichellegirl]

It's nice to know I'm not the only one who enjoys a TV in the kitchen. :) We are planning a kitchen remodel and I told my husband that I insist on keeping the TV above the fridge. :)

[@revystoked]

Wide and DEEP single basin. I'm stuck using a standard double right now, and it's a PITA. Agreed on the counter-depth fridge, base cabinet drawers everywhere, and lots of [dimmable] light. My spouse wants marble [!] in the kitchen, but I think I have her convinced to go with quartz. We currently have a very colourful granite counter which hides everything, and I can't imagine going to something that stains if you look at it funny. I would not do a wall oven. My MIL has one and there isn't enough room in it for some of the bigger baking pans we have, which is annoying. We're looking at a range with a double oven, as opposed to a warming drawer + oven.

[@hsdesignstudio]

I would steer clear of marble in the kitchen, but that is just my own experience with marble counters on a bathroom vanity, and how easily they etch and scratch. I couldn't imagine that in a kitchen. However, I should say there are methods to sealing them nowadays. With quartz, it often comes down to the manufacturer- there are definitely tiers in terms of quality. It does seem as though everyone loves a single basin sink (majority of my clients included). My wife loves our two basin, but it is both wide and deep enough to fit a roasting pan in the left hand side.

[@shawnw.4440]

single basin sink. And anyone who complains about discussing the importance of kitchen lighting hasn't worked in a poorly lit kitchen. You may not notice the lighting system in a well lit kitchen but you definitely notice the lack of one in a poorly lit kitchen.

[@hsdesignstudio]

So very true! Based on the feedback I receive after clients go through renovations, they just never knew how much better their lighting could be.

[@rollomartins6224]

Did you publish your list for the other rooms anywhere? Would be interesting...

[@hsdesignstudio]

I have not done any other rooms unfortunately. As much as I have my wish lists for them, I don't think I am in any position to educate people on those areas haha

[@stevenwillwerth6684]

I’d love to know what do you think about a Butler’s Pantry, I have one and it is a before and after, much more convenient when it comes to food prep or hiding dirty dishes and big family gatherings.

[@hsdesignstudio]

The Butler's pantry is an interesting concept, and one that has been on and off the 'must have' list multiple times. I think the biggest aspect to them is layout and kitchen size. If they are accessible and fit with the layout, I can see how it would be massively beneficial. I've always had a want to build one into a kitchen renovation where the entry to the Butler's pantry is through a tall cabinet in the kitchen.

[@5610winston]

@@hsdesignstudio I visited friends who lived in a Victorian with a real butler's pantry, complete with a gizmo on the wall that was connected to call pulls (Addams Family style, but without the earthquake) in each room, indicating where the butler was needed.

[@trinaroe5132]

I know people who installed 9” deep sinks under mounted to granite counter tops who now think the sink is too deep because it hurts their back. They are all boomers so this may not be an issue for people younger. Deeper sinks mean more bending even if you have a dishwasher, which all of the people who told me this do. They all went with deeper sinks based on the recommendation of their planner and now regret it. Because the sinks are under mounted (a feature they like) it isn’t as easy to just change their mind and swap out their sink. Since I’m already retired, I’m not planning on installing a really deep sink, unless it’s a drop in style and/or has a raised rack on bottom.

[@jobond3317]

Why not, lighting has to work. I would not shadow over my workspace nor do I want sunblasting So I would be asking lots of questions. My dream kitchen would be clean workable functional not so bling

[@racheldick3056]

Single deep basin sink

[@imakittenwclaws]

Great video and I actually appreciate the lighting info. I am about to start a kitchen reno and am forgoing upper cabinets so I can have a large run of windows and storage will now be in my enormous walk in pantry. With that said, once it's dark what am I going to do for lighting? I currently have undercabinet lights which I always turn on at night and turn off the can lights. In your experience, what do you recommend for lighting when undercabinet lighting isn't an option? I will obviously have pendants over my island (4X10), but I won't always want those at night either. Any suggestions?

[@hsdesignstudio]

You can always go with something like wall sconces either above or between the windows. This gives you task lighting, and if it is on a dimmer it will be mood/ ambiance lighting as well.

[@imakittenwclaws]

@@hsdesignstudio great ideas thanks! I'll start looking for inspo pics with these 💡

[@hsdesignstudio]

@@imakittenwclaws no problem! Good luck with your reno 👍

[@doraduo5388]

Have you ever used the IKEA built-in fridge in your projects? It seems to be the cheapest built-in option on the market. Although I can’t find too much information on its quality and durability

[@hsdesignstudio]

I have not, and I havnt had any clients use it this year either. I am not the most qualified when it comes to IKEA appliances, as I have never used any of them.

[@rollomartins6224]

Lage single basin, btw.

[@shannabolser9428]

What do you think of the whole concrete counter top trend?

[@hsdesignstudio]

I'm a big fan of industrial design (in moderation) and think concrete countertops are a cool option in the right space. I'm very much looking forward to a project where I can take a crack at making my own.

[@5610winston]

@@hsdesignstudio I work testing concrete in the field (construction sites) and in the lab (specimens from the field, mix designs, etc), and the last thing I want to see in my age-in-place kitchen is more concrete.

[@MTKDofficial]

There's no debate over which sink choice is the better of the two. But I'll leave it at that. lol.

[@hsdesignstudio]

It is appearing that way...

[@5610winston]

@@hsdesignstudio My Mom could hardly wait to get rid of the single sink in this pre-WWII house. Now that it has come to me to redo this kitchen, I'm upgrading to hammered copper, but the double-bowl works fine, no reason to change that part of the lay-out.

[@1979royalknight]

Single basin sink 12" deep for my kitchen

[@hsdesignstudio]

Single basin does seem to be the preference.

[@patriciawenzel3871]

I think two sinks are a must if you don’t have a dishwasher and wash dishes by hand, otherwise one big one is enough.

[@hsdesignstudio]

@@patriciawenzel3871 I have come to the conclusion, it is all personal preference. I have a dishwasher, but would never give up my two basin sink. That being said, my two basins are both large enough to hold, fill, or wash, a large pot/tray.

[@briantan2963]

What about sintered stone?

[@hsdesignstudio]

Ah yes, I am slowly seeing more of this- they do seem unbeatable on the surface. I just don't have enough personal experience with them as of yet to choose this route. However, that is not to say they wouldn't be fantastic.

[@briantan2963]

@@hsdesignstudio it seems to be around for quite some time, but the industries don't seems to be pushing it. I've learnt that it's scratch resistant, non-porous, heat resistant (just put your hot pans down). Like a combination of quartz and granite. However they will chip at the edges if not taken care properly. My kitchen is renovation soon and will be using it. Hope for the best.

[@hsdesignstudio]

@@briantan2963 I'd love to hear back from you after they are installed to get your initial feedback. Best of luck with the renovation!

[@cindianderson9443]

You give up too much space with a counter depth fridge. So I recessed mine into the drywall, and extended the end panels on either side so it doesn't stick out. (The caveat being that I really wanted a french door fridge, and they all have fairly thick doors which do have to stick out.)

[@hsdesignstudio]

This is definitely a great option if you are able to. I should have also mentioned that option in the video. It really is more about the giant protruding box, then the type of fridge.

[@TA-ch7ok]

Please update this to get rid of the planet killing and asthma causing gas stove.

[@amydelpiere9315]

I know this is a two-year-old video but I still have to ask how that woman isn't burning her armpit on the oven door? (8:00)

[@adammohammed2920]

You have to have a two basin sink. One basin is an abomination 🤣🤣🤣 It also is not the best for cleaning dishes when you have dirty dishes in the mix of the others. When washing dishes, you have all dirty dishes on one side and the lathered dishes on the other side before rinsing them. Even for the use of placing dishes in one basin and being able to wash vegetables in the other basin without having cross contamination.

[@hsdesignstudio]

I love out two-basin sink as well! I'd be hard pressed to swap it out for anything else.

[@gingermonette7455]

Single bowl sink ALL THE WAY! You can completely immerse a cookie sheet or clean all the refrigerator shelves without tipping it this way and that and ending up with water everywhere. Unless you wash dishes in one side and fill up the other side to rise, I see NO purpose for a double bowl sink except to exasperate the cook.

[@hsdesignstudio]

You make some good points!

[@valeriegould1769]

Where are you located? I just spent the last 20 minutes on your website trying to figure out where your offices are located. Frustrating.

[@hsdesignstudio]

Sorry about that! We are an online design studio working with clients all over the world (hence no location on the website). We are physically located in Edmonton, Alberta. Feel free to reach out at [e-mail] if you have any questions or would like to chat.

[@valeriegould1769]

@@hsdesignstudio Thank you!!

[@hsdesignstudio]

No problem, sorry for the confusion!