A kitchen is the heart of any home. It’s where you prepare food to feed your family, entertain friends, and experiment with new recipes. In order to do all of this, you need the perfect kitchen stocked with all of the essentials! No kitchen is complete without these must-haves.

• Walk-in pantry. This is the dream for anyone who likes to be in the kitchen. Being able to see and easily access all of the food you have in stock not only makes cooking easier, but it also helps eliminate waste. If what you have in your pantry is visible and at the ready, you’re more likely to use it!
• Multiple cutting boards. Avoid wood or plastic cutting boards that can easily have grooves cut into them, as this can become a breeding ground for germs. Invest in one made of rice husks or other sustainable materials that won’t groove when they come in contact with a knife.
• Sliding drawers and shelves. Having drawers and shelving that move make getting to things much easier in the kitchen, whether it’s the various spices you keep in your pantry or the fresh produce in your refrigerator. Spend the time measuring and implementing this simple but drastic upgrade in your kitchen – you’ll notice a difference in your kitchen’s ease of use right away.
• Proper cookware. You’ve heard the old adage of how important it is to use “the right tool for the job.” It’s no different in the kitchen! Whether you’re an iron chef or a novice, the right pots, pans, and other gadgets can make all the difference when you cook. Make a few simple upgrades to your kitchen by investing in copper cookware, baking stones, and silicone utensils. You’ll notice almost immediately how much simpler cooking becomes.
• Appliance garage. Bulky appliances like stand mixers, blenders, and toaster ovens can take up valuable space on your countertop. Having a dedicated cabinet to stow these items is ideal. Make each appliance easy to access by keeping them in a cabinet with sliding shelves or a deep drawer you can easily pull things in and out of.
• Measuring cups of all kinds. Did you know that you’re supposed to use one set of measuring utensils for solids and another altogether for liquids? Technically each holds the same volume, but they’re designed to provide more accurate measurements depending on what you’re measuring. For example, liquid measuring cups have lines on the interior that sit well below the rim, allowing for less spillage to occur. Invest in a good set of liquid and dry measuring cups to ensure you’re always using the right amount of ingredients.

For more help creating the perfect kitchen, contact Bohnne Jones, a Nashville interior designer.