20 Kitchen Addition Ideas for More Cooking Space

Last updated on September 27, 2023

Discover innovative kitchen addition ideas that will transform your cooking space into a stylish, functional, and inviting haven for culinary adventures.

Are you tired of your outdated kitchen? Do you dream of a spacious and functional cooking area to whip up delicious meals for your family and friends? Look no further!

Adding to your existing kitchen can be an excellent solution to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your home. Whether it’s adding more storage space, creating a cozy breakfast nook, or installing state-of-the-art appliances, there are endless possibilities when it comes to kitchen additions.

In this article, we’ve compiled 20 creative ideas that will inspire you to transform your kitchen into a welcoming and practical space. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!

What's Inside

Island Counter

kitchen Island Counter

An island counter is a versatile addition to any kitchen. It provides extra workspace for meal prep, cooking, and baking.

You can also use it as a casual dining area or a buffet table when entertaining guests. An island counter can be customized to fit your specific needs and style preferences.

For example, you could add drawers or cabinets underneath for additional storage space or choose an eye-catching countertop material like marble or granite that complements the rest of your kitchen decor. If you have limited floor space in your kitchen, consider getting a portable island on wheels that you can move around as needed.

Pantry Organizer

modern pantry organizer

A pantry organizer is an excellent addition to any kitchen, as it helps you keep everything in its place and easily accessible. You can choose from various types of organizers such as pull-out drawers, baskets, or shelves that fit perfectly into your existing pantry space.

With a pantry organizer, you will be able to store all your dry goods like cereals, pasta and rice neatly arranged on shelves or in baskets. This makes it easier for you to see what items are running low so that you can restock them before they run out completely.

You may also want to consider adding labels on each basket or shelf so that everyone knows where things belong when putting away groceries.

Hanging Pot Rack

Hanging Pot Rack

It not only saves space but also adds an aesthetic appeal to the room. Hanging your pots and pans from the ceiling frees up cabinet space, making it easier for you to access them when cooking.

You can choose from various styles of pot racks, including metal or wood finishes, and different shapes like oval or rectangular.

When installing a hanging pot rack in your kitchen, make sure that it’s securely anchored into the ceiling joists so that it can hold the weight of all your cookware without falling down. Also consider its placement; hang it above an island counter or stove for easy access while cooking.

Under-cabinet Lighting

luxury kitchen island

It provides task lighting for food preparation and cooking, as well as ambient light that can enhance the overall look of your kitchen. There are several types of under-cabinet lights available, including LED strips, puck lights, and linear fixtures.

LED strip lights are a popular choice because they provide even illumination across the entire length of the cabinet. They also come in different color temperatures to match your existing lighting scheme.

Puck lights are small circular fixtures that can be installed individually or in groups under cabinets. They provide focused light on specific areas such as countertops or backsplashes.

Linear fixtures offer a sleeker look than puck lights and can be mounted flush with the bottom of cabinets for an unobtrusive appearance.

When installing under-cabinet lighting, it’s important to consider how you will control them. Options include hardwired switches or dimmers located on walls or counters; wireless remote controls; motion sensors; and smart home integration with voice commands through devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant.

Pull-out Trash Bin

A pull-out trash bin can be an excellent solution to this problem. It’s a simple addition that can make your life easier and keep your kitchen clean and organized.

A pull-out trash bin is usually installed inside one of the lower cabinets, making it easy to access while cooking or cleaning up. You don’t have to worry about having an unsightly garbage can taking up valuable floor space in your kitchen anymore.

There are many different types of pull-out trash bins available on the market today, ranging from basic models with just one container to more advanced options that include multiple compartments for recycling or composting.

When choosing a pull-out trash bin, consider factors such as size, capacity, ease of use (e.g., foot pedal vs handle), and compatibility with your existing cabinetry.

Appliance Garage

It’s a cabinet that sits on the countertop and hides small appliances such as blenders, mixers, and toasters when they’re not in use. This keeps your countertops clutter-free while still keeping everything you need within reach.

Appliance garages come in many different styles and sizes so you can find one that fits your kitchen perfectly. Some are designed with roll-top doors or sliding doors for easy access while others have hinged doors that swing open like regular cabinets.

When choosing an appliance garage, consider the size of your appliances as well as how much counter space you want to keep clear. You’ll also want to think about where it will be located in relation to other cabinets and drawers so it doesn’t interfere with their functionality.

Backsplash Upgrade

kitchen backsplash

It protects the walls from spills and splatters while adding visual interest to the space. If you’re looking for an easy way to upgrade your kitchen, consider replacing or updating your current backsplash.

There are many options available when it comes to choosing a new backsplash. You can opt for classic subway tiles in neutral colors like white or gray, or go bold with colorful mosaic tiles in geometric patterns.

Glass tile is another popular choice that adds shine and texture.

If you want something truly unique, consider using reclaimed wood planks as a rustic backdrop behind your stove or sink area. Or try installing metal sheets for an industrial look that’s both modern and functional.

Breakfast Nook

Breakfast Nook

It’s the perfect spot for enjoying your morning coffee or having a casual meal with family and friends. A breakfast nook can be created in various ways, depending on the available space and personal preferences.

You can opt for built-in seating with storage underneath, or simply add a small table and chairs to an empty corner of your kitchen. To make it even more comfortable, consider adding some throw pillows or cushions in coordinating colors with your decor scheme.

With its warm ambiance, a breakfast nook will quickly become one of the most beloved spots in your home!

Wine Fridge

Wine Fridge

A wine fridge will keep your bottles at the perfect temperature and humidity level, ensuring that they age gracefully. You can choose from different sizes and styles of wine fridges depending on how many bottles you want to store and the design of your kitchen.

A built-in under-counter model is ideal if you have limited space in your kitchen or want it to blend seamlessly with other appliances. If you have more room, consider a freestanding unit that can hold up to 50 or more bottles.

When choosing a wine fridge for your kitchen addition project, make sure it has adjustable shelves so that it can accommodate different bottle sizes. Also, look for models with UV-resistant glass doors as sunlight exposure could damage the quality of wines over time.

Custom Spice Rack

Custom Spice Rack

A custom spice rack is a great solution to keep all your spices organized and easily accessible. You can choose from various designs that fit your kitchen’s style and size.

A pull-out spice rack installed next to the stove allows you to grab the right seasoning while cooking without having to search through a pile of jars. Another option is installing a vertical spice drawer in one of the cabinets, which saves space and keeps everything within reach.

If you have limited cabinet space, consider mounting magnetic strips on the wall for storing metal containers filled with spices. This not only frees up valuable storage but also adds an attractive display element in your kitchen.

Touchless Faucet

smart Faucet

It’s not only convenient but also hygienic, as you don’t have to touch the handle with dirty hands. With just a wave of your hand, the water will turn on and off automatically.

This feature can be especially useful when cooking or cleaning up after handling raw meat or other messy ingredients.

There are many different styles and finishes available for touchless faucets, so you’re sure to find one that matches your kitchen decor. Some models even come with additional features such as temperature control and adjustable flow rate.

When choosing a touchless faucet, make sure it has good battery life or an AC adapter option for power supply since it requires electricity to operate its sensors properly.

Built-in Cutting Board

It saves counter space and makes food prep more efficient. You can choose from different materials such as wood, bamboo or plastic depending on your preference and budget.

A wooden cutting board adds warmth to the kitchen while a plastic one is easier to clean and sanitize.

When installing a built-in cutting board, make sure it’s at the right height for comfortable use. It should be installed near the sink or stove for easy access when cooking or cleaning up.

One of the benefits of having a built-in cutting board is that you don’t have to worry about it sliding around on your countertop while you’re chopping vegetables or meat. Plus, if you opt for an end-grain style (where small pieces of wood are glued together), it will help preserve your knives’ sharpness by not dulling them as quickly as other types of boards might.

Pot Filler Faucet

It’s a swing-out tap that can be installed above the stove, allowing you to fill pots and pans with water without having to carry them from the sink. This feature saves time and effort, especially when cooking large meals or entertaining guests.

When choosing a pot filler faucet, consider its finish and style so it matches your existing fixtures. Also, make sure it has an adjustable arm for maximum flexibility in filling different-sized pots.

Installation of this type of faucet requires plumbing work but can be done by professionals or experienced DIYers. The cost varies depending on the brand and model chosen but typically ranges between $200-$500 plus installation fees.

Glass Cabinet Doors

Framed Cabinetry in kitchen

They allow you to showcase your beautiful dishware, glassware, and other decorative items while keeping them protected from dust and debris. Glass cabinet doors come in various styles such as clear, frosted or textured glass that can complement any kitchen design.

One of the benefits of having glass cabinet doors is that they make the space feel more open by reflecting light around the room. This is especially useful if you have a small kitchen with limited natural light sources.

Another advantage of using glass cabinets is their versatility when it comes to styling options. You can choose between framed or frameless designs depending on your preference for aesthetics and functionality.

However, one thing worth noting about installing these types of cabinets is that they require regular cleaning since fingerprints tend to show up easily on them compared with solid wood ones.

Kitchen Skylight

Kitchen Skylight

It can make the room feel brighter and more open, which is especially helpful if you have a small kitchen. A skylight also provides an opportunity for stargazing while cooking dinner or enjoying breakfast in the morning.

When considering adding a skylight to your kitchen, it’s important to think about placement and size. You want it positioned where it will provide optimal lighting without causing glare or overheating during hot summer months.

Consider installing shades or blinds that can be adjusted as needed for privacy and temperature control.

Smart Appliances

Smart Home-controlled Ventilation

These appliances can be controlled remotely using your smartphone or tablet, making it easy to monitor and adjust settings even when you’re not at home. For example, smart refrigerators can alert you when food is about to expire or run out of stock, while smart ovens allow you to preheat the oven from your phone before arriving home.

Smart dishwashers also offer features such as delayed start times and automatic detergent dispensing based on load size.

In addition to convenience, many smart appliances are designed with energy efficiency in mind. They often have sensors that detect how much power is needed for each task and adjust accordingly, helping reduce energy consumption over time.

Farmhouse Sink

farmhouse sink

It’s a large, deep sink that sits under the countertop with its front panel exposed. This type of sink adds charm and character to your kitchen while also being functional.

Farmhouse sinks are available in different materials such as porcelain, stainless steel, copper or fireclay.

One of the benefits of having a farmhouse sink is its size; it can accommodate larger pots and pans easily without splashing water all over your countertops. The exposed front panel gives you more space for washing dishes or preparing food.

Another advantage is that it’s easier on your back since you don’t have to lean forward as much when using it compared to traditional sinks which are usually installed below the countertop level.

If you’re considering adding a farmhouse sink into your kitchen design plan, make sure that there’s enough room for installation since they tend to be wider than standard sinks.

Hidden Charging Station

With so many devices in our lives, it can be difficult to keep them all charged and organized. A built-in charging station allows you to charge your phone, tablet or laptop without cluttering up your countertops with cords and chargers.

One option for a hidden charging station is to install outlets inside cabinets or drawers. This way, you can simply plug in your device and close the cabinet or drawer while it charges out of sight.

Another option is to install a pop-up outlet directly into the countertop. These outlets are designed to sit flush with the surface when not in use but can easily be raised when needed.

Magnetic Knife Strip

Magnetic Knife Strip

It not only saves counter space but also keeps your knives organized and easily accessible. The strip can be mounted on the wall, under cabinets or even inside drawers for a sleek look.

Magnetic strips come in different sizes and materials such as wood, stainless steel or plastic so you can choose one that matches your kitchen decor. They are easy to install and maintain; simply wipe them down with a damp cloth when needed.

With this simple addition, you’ll never have to rummage through cluttered drawers looking for the right knife again!

Eco-friendly Materials

cabinet storage kitchen organization

Not only do they look great, but they also help reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability. Some eco-friendly options for your kitchen addition include bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, and cabinets made from reclaimed wood or sustainable materials like wheatboard or strawboard.

Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that can be harvested without killing the plant. It’s durable and water-resistant, making it an excellent choice for flooring in high-traffic areas like the kitchen.

Recycled glass countertops are made from crushed glass mixed with resin to create a beautiful surface that’s both heat-resistant and easy to clean. Plus, using recycled materials helps keep waste out of landfills.

Cabinets made from reclaimed wood give your kitchen a unique character while reducing deforestation by repurposing old lumber. Wheatboard and strawboard are two other sustainable options for cabinet construction that use agricultural waste instead of traditional hardwoods.

By incorporating eco-friendly materials into your new kitchen addition project you can make choices that benefit both the environment as well as yourself!

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