cool kitchen features

It’s been another busy week around here, but this time, the busy-ness has been all about Spring Break with my family.

This year we decided not to go on our usual ski trip and we stayed home. Best decision ever! It’s been so nice to leave our usual weekly routine and hectic pace of soccer practice, carpools, karate, dinner on the run, etc. and just get a few things done and also chill and relax at home. We’ve had pizza in front of the tv while watching movies together, we have shopped, gone to the movies and out for breakfast together, both kids have had sleepovers with friends, etc. It’s been nothing special, yet special all the same!

In the midst of all of this, we’ve continued to do research for our kitchen update. (If you missed that post, you can read about it here.) The cornerstone of our little renovation starts with some new appliances and what we’re going to do with our existing wall oven/microwave configuration. (As you may recall, our microwave is too high and I don’t like it’s current location.)

I’ve found lots of appliance inspiration, so I thought I’d share some of the cool kitchen features that are inspiring me today.

First up — a microwave drawer placed in a kitchen island:

Kitchen by Memphis Interior Designers & Decorators Anna Baskin Lattimore Design

I just love the fact that it’s easily accessible to both adults and kids.

The drawer slides open at the touch of a button.

Eclectic Kitchen by Pasadena Design-Build Firms HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

This is my favorite idea for re-configuring our current set-up.

Traditional Kitchen by New York Appliances Mrs. G TV & Appliances

We’re also looking for a new cook top.

I currently have a drop-in, but I am dreaming of a range-top with a griddle.

Traditional Kitchen by Ridgeland Interior Designers & Decorators Mandy Lawrence Interior Design

Aren’t they gorgeous?

Traditional Kitchen by Prospect Home Builders Wolford Building & Remodeling

I didn’t think it was an option for me, but after doing some research, it turns out that – for a price – it is an option.

We’re still researching the possibilities but this could be my big splurge and I’m excited!

Traditional Kitchen by Medfield Architects & Designers David Sharff Architect, P.C.

While my husband was poking around under the cooktop getting dimensions he discovered something…

a water line.

We’re a little excited because one of these could be a possibility:

Traditional Kitchen by Lake Oswego Interior Designers & Decorators Jenny Baines, Jennifer Baines Interiors

A pasta pot filler faucet!

Because my sink is at least 10 steps from my cooktop, it would be a real treat to have water right where I need it.

Traditional Kitchen by Millbrook Architects & Designers Crisp Architects

I never thought it was even a possibility in our existing kitchen, but now that we know a water line is there, I think it would be a really cool addition!

We are also looking at warming drawers.

Contemporary Kitchen by Sherman Oaks Interior Designers & Decorators Fran Kerzner- DESIGN SYNTHESIS

The reason we’re looking at warming drawers is because if we move the microwave to the island, we will probably have to tear out our existing island and replace it with a new one.

It’s a pricey option, so we’re considering just re-configuring the cabinet with the wall ovens and putting something like this in:

Thermador

It would get the microwave lower than it is now so the kids and I can reach it more easily.

The trouble is, I will lose my double ovens. And, I love my double ovens.

The warming drawer might help at busy times like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

If we go with this option, then I will probably upgrade my little counter top convection oven to a slightly bigger and more functional version like this one from Williams-Sonoma:

It doesn’t fit a 9 x 13 pan, but it would fit my casserole dish and a 9 x 9 pan, so it’s definitely an option if we don’t go with double ovens.

Decisions, decisions!

Of course, the cost of all this is going to be the ultimate deciding factor.

But, it sure is fun to dream, isn’t it?

Thanks so much for reading today and have a great Sunday!

Comments

Linda says:

March 16, 2014 at 3:07 pm

A few months ago I purchased the Breville counter oven/toaster from Williams Sonoma and I just love it. It makes the most incredible toast, bagels, pizza. It also cooks smaller casserole dishes without heating up your large oven. I didn’t get the convection because my large oven is convection. But I love the model we purchased and am so happy with its performance. Just wanted you to know as you think about getting one.

- Julie says:
  
  March 16, 2014 at 8:36 pm
  
  Thanks for letting me know about the Breville, Linda. That’s great to know!
  Have a fantastic evening!
  
  Julie
  
Stephanie @ Hugs, Kisses and Snot says:

March 17, 2014 at 9:51 pm

There is something to be said about a good ol’ staycation.

I love those kitchens! A griddle on the cook top…now there’s an interesting idea.