Drawers and more drawers for base cabinets all kinds of depths depending on your stuff. No hole in the counter fro scraps they get gross. I love lazy susans with a wire fence to keep stuff from falling. IMO they make the best use of a corner space in a nice simple way. I love a wall of pullout pantries with the fridge in that wall too. I like the the wine cooloer in the island , a prep sink if the fridge is too far away from the main sink, and then what ever storage you need for other stuff. My cooktop or range on an outside wall with a proper hood and not a MW for venting.Nice wide walkways around the island a seating at the island out of my work zone.

Perfect! We currently have pantry on wall with fridge, and cooktop on opposite outside wall with a good run of counter beside it, - but forgive me I don't know what "MW" is- please enlighten me, thanks!

Microwave

oops duh, I thought it had something to do with a vent style so that did not occur to me

I absolutely know I am the odd man out but I love our raised breakfast bar. Yes I know all the designers or pros or whatever here will scream blasphemy but it works for my family and we love it. We just sold our starter home in October to buy our forever (current) Home. We redid the kitchen completely and added a raised breakfast bar. We put the house on the market, had 15 showings the first day and sold it for well over asking within one day. Every single prospective buyer LOVED the kitchen and it’s awesome raised breakfast bar that allowed for separation from the living dining.

Ultimately, it’s what works for your family and makes your heart sing. We really love the division and some do not. That’s okay! To each their own!

What works for you is what counts! We are still debating about having eating space at our island...it would just be few steps more to eat at the big table in the dining room! (kids are grown...I like to spread out with my coffee and newspaper, yes I still read a newspaper, haha!)

I haven't gone through a kitchen remodel process, but one of the items that would be of particular interest to me (in my small kitchen) are lower corner cabinet/storage options. There's the traditional lazy susan, that I think works well, but apparently she's been updated! Here's a story on Houzz about corner storage options. I rather fancy the corner drawers. Looking forward to hearing the insights of others.

[Corner Kitchen Storage [(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/foolproof-storage-solutions-for-corner-kitchen-cabinets-stsetivw-vs~88331619)

Rosenwald House · More Info

Contemporary Small Kitchen · More Info

Urban Loft - Storage Solutions · More Info

Exactly!! I agree with the above poster on lazy Susan’s!! They are the best for underutilized corners!! I love to spread out with my morning coffee/paper/and magazines (when my toddler allows) too!! We bought our new home strictly because of the massive breakfast bar! We like to entertain and I can’t wait to spread a miles worth of appetizers and cheeses onto this bad boy when it’s finished!

Best of luck to you and enjoy the process =)

That's going to be one amazing party bar, dtrivino!

Thanks manon! Can’t wait to do a reveal here! <3

Cdee18 you bring up a good point. I would love more input from others on where to put the spices! We cook a lot and we have a lot of spices. Now I'm wondering about a spice drawer ...

Spices should not be stored next to heat, so they should not be next to the range top or oven at all. Nor should the cooking oils be stored next to the range top or the oven. Nut oils and delicate oils like truffle oil should be stored in the refrigerator.

The spices can be in a drawer or a cabinet whichever one prefers, and some I keep in the refrigerator (in a closed container so they are not exposed to humidity.)

For spices I have 3 of these behind 1 door. Spices sit single file and easy to see. The large plastic spice containers I keep in the pantry.

Upper Cabinet Filler Organizer

My MIL has it in a base cabinet and I don't care for it. Anything below the first or second row you need to bend to see or grab.

They also make them double the width but that requires digging through the shelf or walking around the other side and jars also like to fall over.

What I don't like; is having to play ring around the rosie with an island to get to an appliance, appliances in an island, islands as the only dining area in the house, high maintenance counter tops, counter tops that you have to baby (if I can't bang the heck out of a chicken breast flat on it with a metal mallet, I don't want it), upper cabinets above the fridge where you have to get a stool to reach it and dementional back splashes that are hard to clean.

What I do like is; wide deep drawers for pots/pans/plastic ware, pantry, built in soap dispenser, movable island, under counter lighting, room under sink for a garbage and recycling can, a cabinet to stand your sheet pans and large platters on there sides, under mount sink, no open space above cabinets,a good vent over the stove, a window in the kitchen, flip out tray thing at the sink, under the counter jar opener, a spot for a small TV, and french door fridge. Don't forget the junk drawer. Every kitchen needs a junk drawer.

I don't know about a pot filler. My son bought me one for Christmas and am waiting for the hubby and him to install it.

For spices I have a 30 inch upper cabinet beside my stove for spices.

I use spice racks for spices... easier for me to see than stooping down to a drawer or shoveling back through a cabinet. Depends on the look you want, and perhaps your height and vision. I also like a peninsula, with the sink overlooking the dining table just beyond -- I only have one indoor place to eat. My prep area looks outside at the view. I figure if I or someone volunteers to do dishes, whomever is behind the sink can still converse with those finishing up.

Definitely no microwave over range.

Consider induction - either cooktop or range.

I love my spice drawer next to my range, and no, I have noticed no problems with it - there are several inches between the actual spices and the range. I had the drawer in my old kitchen and duplicated it in the new one.

Three of my favorite things are as follows:

I LOVE my kitchen and can promise you that the more time you spend planning every single detail, the happier you will be with your new kitchen.

I found organizers at Bed, Bath, and Beyond that have three levels -- they kind of look like stadium seating. I bought two and have them on the lowest shelf in upper cabinets on either side of my range top. I put all my spices in alphabetic order (A to M on the left side cabinet; N to Z on the right side cabinet). Makes finding spices a snap. Not sure why I didn't think of this years ago.

Is that a drawer for cat food? How does it work for you? We are pondering dog-stuff storage methods.

@Skil376 - have you seen the repairs that have been done for that problem that get posted here from time to time? The front edge that cracked gets removed and a farmhouse style sink can go in instead, usually a stainless steel one. I am totally blanking on the poster’s name even though I swear I knew it a second ago. Corbett?

Skil376

Joseph Corlett - for granite rod repair:

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/4696057/kohler-apron-sink-rod-repair

Look under his activity and see other repair post

That’s it! I was close? :D

Thanks skil367 for telling me what you like and what you don't. We are planning on a standard gas range. I am a stickler for lots of light- "show me the windows!" is my refrain. I know not of this potentially problematic rod reinforcement at sink. Oh my. I was planning on granite counter with under-mount stainless sink. Something to explore further.

@ahiastate - I think now there are reinforcing options other than steel rods, because of the rust problem. (They didn’t realize what would happen when they started using them, and it takes a while for the problem to develop so there’s plenty of existing installs out there.) Fiberglass is what I’m thinking I read.

I love my range in my island! I absolutely adore not facing the wall when I cook. I also love that I got a lowered section of counter made to a customized height for better working/rolling pastry (for me it's 30"). And I LOVE my trash pull-out, which includes a bin for composting as well as one for dry recyclables.

What I don't like are the two tall, narrow-ish pull outs next to my range -- I think they were intended for cooking spices and oils, etc., and I didn't realize how much I wouldn't like them when I saw them on the plans. I think it's actually more awkward to see and grab the spices in that kind of arrangement, and probably not good for them eitheer; I keep my spices in an upper cupboard next to the fridge, in sealed jars of various sizes. (I have stepped stands in there, so everything isn't the same height and they're easy to see.) Except the salt -- it's on the counter in a salt cellar. Currently I am using those pull-outs for cooking utensils (laying flat), but it's still not quite right and I'm not sure I'll keep that.

If I had a microwave, I'd get a microwave drawer - those look like an amazing idea. I don't have any corner counters, which is good because I hate lazy susans in lower cupboards, but I agree they are the best way to use that space.

I will have to look for some threads about the pros and cons of the microwave drawer, I was looking at them a while ago and was put off by the price, but have since learned from the experts here that one needs to "go for broke" and get what works best from the start! (makes sense). PirateFoxy I did a bit of research and I believe you are correct that the steel reinforcing rods for sinks in granite counter should no longer be an issue. I am sticking with my plan for undermount stainless sink as I love the sleek look. I have had an undermount stainless sink (corian counters) that my husband installed in my kitchen 26 years ago. It still looks beautiful. I am bucking the farmhouse/apron sink trend as I do not like the way it looks where the apron interrupts the run of the counter surface.

Biggest mistake for me was doing a wall of cabinets pantry vs a walk in pantry. Never again if i can help it! Even with slide out shelves there is not substitute IMO for a walk in pantry. Also in that pantry between wall studs i had single can depth storage shelves placed for all my can goods. So handy!

Large deep drawers for my pots and pans. I love them. Have had two versions of them . First directly under the gas cook top and second in the kitchen island. I prefer the first. Of course if you have a range style stove/oven that’s not possible. Which leads me to cook top vs range. When we custom built i thought the only option would be to get a professional style range/oven. I came to find this just wasn’t for me. I’m tall. Bending down for the oven part all the time wasn’t a good fit for me. My favourite combo is a gas cook top and double wall ovens.

Deep drawers that can organize your Tupperware/storage containers. Also a very deep drawer that i could stand my foils, parchment paper, wax paper etc. Up In on their side. Made storing them so easy.

Built in flatware dividers, built in knife drawer. Im not into having a lot on my counters so i don’t care for a butcher block style knife holder on the counter. Same goes for spice rack. Cabinet with cookie sheet dividers. So nice to have!

Built in trash and recycle can cabinet.

built in soap dispenser. Especially if your sink is on an island.

Not done as much anymore but something i still love is the flip down sponge storage on the face plates under sink. Again part of my not liking anything out and exposed i suppose!

if it’s in the budget a pot filler at the cooktop. It’s not a make it or break it but when i had one it was nice! Especially for filling the big pots.

As to rods in the granite rusting out - Joe has mentioned, I think, that this is due to improper sink install which allows water to get to the rods. In a proper install, that should not happen.

PirateFoxy, it's a drawer for dog kibble, but could also hold cat kibble. It's supposed to be a stainless bread box, but I wanted a place to put the dog kibble without it being in a tin on the floor (no closet in my kitchen). I had it custom made for the drawer and it fits like a glove! < https://www.kennedyhardware.com/bread-drawers/>; It cost $175 including $30 for the shipping. There were a couple of other places online that sold them - at FIVE TIMES the cost I paid. And yes, all stainless steel, custom made. It keeps any smell from the food in the bin, and no bugs/critters have been a problem in the 18 months I've had this. I LOVE it!

My mother had something similar in a house they built in the early 1950's - hers was divided in half - half for sugar, half for flour. She baked hot bread twice daily and also pies and cakes daily. Canisters would have had to have been refilled nearly daily! There was a similar one in a house we once rented in LA - very handy.

I had used old popcorn tins, spray painted matte black, for decades. Hated those things sitting on the floor. This is a huge improvement - it holds a 16 lb bag of kibble with room to spare.

have not read though all the comments, but we also are in the middle of a new house build. not sure where yr putting yr mircowave, but we are putting ours in our island & have chosen the new sharp Mw drawer. The island will have the Dw/ sink/ recyling & MWdrawer .. https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e57b722b80&view=att&th=1610aa13137ea9b0&attid=0.1&disp=safe&zw&saddbat=ANGjdJ8c1pxoWyiZFUlW3LV_VE3vHqMJJkqBfkWcZiyNH4Fx7TrX1fyHyEZJ-mculHMK70QZT3p8qIUI6ixduAzsBfl0YEx3kwj8ankmo9allxjH_Ez_ZPazJwoqZMjcR5Nd_2DKhpeSobCn7njZLZdBtTiGnE7A6AJKv-O9ge-MZrplQq56yvAPMU9vVtXBBXJiz94un5ewvEJfci6cCO3hKJi2q94SWsiYNgQk49i9Z6N0yTHKiIQ6E1zgYpHdfEvfu2am-eOGOLAGtTAInrL795MYz_Y0oaO3FpcNoapfj-IVa_9yrYr3Cvh049sKgtiaeVuI-JF0mwtNdfAWOtWuNnPOIiI-k9T921ujVUUaWJWdX92zHqaSaWg5uk_9Hy4pgxVpu7Rmknwy70rTu2p69IfGTdBuHUoBDYONMVegzdbdIUBYJBiTXfZICAA-S5F5htELttXaI9JVsYdNSdoSPCQWXCnQmOKg0FuqNIEif3_EdncVt9ZPBIrPTqAZ7a37xnVHBrS4TYILUVTNqqWOjlIS5jytW5OW5rk2lDe6GSNfbYUlUSp_LH0Reyp6AD2Dx2TPHlCqisPXoqfDCqkD5UShJ_GRMig9xw684g

I appreciate everyone's comments about repairing/avoiding reinforcing rod cracks, but the constant chipping and staining of the granite would have eventually forced us to replace it anyway, just not as soon. Granite is beautiful, no doubt about it, but not nearly as practical as Silestone in a working kitchen.

I too debated cutting a hole in my counter for composting (I compost a LOT). I decided against doing that and went with a pullout that has space for trash as well as a composting bin...so I can still slide my materials into the bin, but I have to open the trash bin to do it.

We also have a bunch of other gadgety things (mixer lift, built in paper towel dispenser drawer etc.) but I can’t comment on them as we have yet to move in!

I made sure to add a large spice cabinet (almost floor to ceiling - don’t ask me how I’ll reach up that high). We had just enough depth on the side of our fridge to add it (see the arrows in the pic with the trash bin). I argued with the cabinet guy I don’t know how many times about it. He kept insisting it would not be deep enough to be useful, but it’s perfect (and with a little depth to spare for wider jars and bottles). Sometimes you just have to stick to your guns!

We also added a cabinet on the end of our lower cabs for papers and junk and we have a drawer with outlets in them for recharging phones etc.

OK here is my list

Built in fridge that is counter depth, double ovens, a warming drawer, large island with small prep sink near fridge with a garbage disposer in it, pull out shelves, built in ice maker in a counter height cabinet, 4-5 foot isles for easy people movement. My L shaped kitchen now has none of these things except the large island and pull out shelves; everything else is builder grade and it works pretty well.....the island makes for great conversation for cooks and non cooks and grandchildren can paint, color, glue, et al on one end.

I’m realizing I need to do more accessibility research so when we redo a kitchen we can make it work as well as possible for me. (I have arthritis in my lower spine, so I don’t need wheelchair accessible, but my back does not approve of bending and lifting and digging in cabinets.)

I’m super undecided about microwave drawers. I do like the dog food drawer idea, though. I wonder if it would be sealed well enough to keep the food from going stale. The fancy grain free stuff my dog gets he won’t eat if it hasn’t been stored well enough, I think it picks up flavors or something.

I love love love that spice cabinet on the end idea. I think it might put spices too far away from the stove for my preferences (I like to grab stuff and add it on a whim, I am not a recipe follower) but everything would be so nicely visible. We have a lot of spices and use them all, so spice storage is definitely a thing I am trying to figure out.