We know you care about the work that goes behind your name. If you’re like most pros, you want happy clients who will give you endless word-of-mouth referrals, and more profitability. It’s no secret that pros who are thoughtful and forward-thinking have the most satisfied clients.

When you provide creative solutions that do the heavy lifting when it comes to cooking, cleaning, and timeless décor, your clients will be grateful they hired you. That’s why we compiled a list of 15 must-haves to include in your client’s remodel. Let’s dive in!

  1. Deep Undermount Sink
  2. Smart Appliances
  3. Pull-Out Waste Container Cabinet
  4. Gooseneck Faucet
  5. Garbage Disposal
  6. Hidden Microwave
  7. Floating Shelves
  8. Cutlery Divider
  9. Sink Base Organization
  10. Recessed Ceiling Lights
  11. Timeless Color Scheme
  12. Dedicated Coffee Bar
  13. Drawer Base Storage
  14. More Island Space
  15. Mixed Metal Finishes
Modern two-tone kitchen with wood cabinets, white uppers, and island seating.Modern two-tone kitchen with wood cabinets, white uppers, and island seating.

1. Deep Undermount Sink 

White inset shaker kitchen cabinets with white quartz countertop and an undermount stainless-steel sinkWhite inset shaker kitchen cabinets with white quartz countertop and an undermount stainless-steel sink
White inset shaker kitchen cabinets

One of the most important parts of every kitchen remodel is the sink. As one of the hardest working elements and focal points of the kitchen, give your clients the gift of a deep undermount sink. Sleek lines will improve the overall design and the extra space will make it easier to do dishes by hand or thaw food for a meal. 

2. Smart Appliances 

Smart french door refrigerator with control panel on the frontSmart french door refrigerator with control panel on the front

If the budget allows, choose smart appliances for your clients like LG or Samsung refrigerators. These appliances can easily connect to Wi-Fi, store your client’s favorite recipes and keep inventory of their food. Not only are these appliances incredibly functional, but most are eco-friendly too.  

3. Pull-Out Waste Container Cabinet 

White shaker kitchen with a pull-out waste basket cabinetWhite shaker kitchen with a pull-out waste basket cabinet
White shaker kitchen cabinets

Pull-out trash cabinets are almost non-negotiable in new kitchen renovations now. This appealing cabinet accessory makes it easy to hide away unsightly trash and recycling while making the newly remodeled kitchen cleaner in appearance. 

4. Gooseneck Faucet 

Brushed nickel goose-neck faucet with pull-down sprayerBrushed nickel goose-neck faucet with pull-down sprayer

Make cleaning produce and rinsing dishes simple with a gooseneck faucet. The flexibility to pull down the faucet head to wash dishes and alternate between the regular sprayer and dish sprayer feature can make all the difference when your client functions in their new kitchen. 

5. Garbage Disposal 

Undercounter garbage disposal Undercounter garbage disposal

Another great way to help your clients keep their kitchen clean and odor-free is by installing a garbage disposal system. Unless they prefer composting, garbage disposals are the easiest way to keep leftover food scraps out of the trash can, resulting in a cleaner kitchen. 

6. Hidden Microwave 

White shaker kitchen base cabinets with a built-in stainless steel microwave drawerWhite shaker kitchen base cabinets with a built-in stainless steel microwave drawer
White shaker kitchen cabinets

Out of sight microwaves are an easy way to elevate any kitchen. Moving this appliance from above the cooktop adds a custom look to the kitchen and your clients will thank you. Simply add a built-in microwave to a base cabinet, base shelf, or disguised in a cabinet for a concealed look. 

7. Floating Shelves 

L-shaped coffee bar with blue shaker kitchen cabinets and natural wood floating shelves aboveL-shaped coffee bar with blue shaker kitchen cabinets and natural wood floating shelves above
Blue shaker kitchen cabinets

The days of having wall cabinets covering every inch of the kitchen are in the past. Current trends include less wall cabinets with more open wall space to decorate with floating shelves for display. Pick a matching wood floating shelf or a contrasting finish to add interest to your design.  

8. Cutlery Divider 

White shaker base cabinets with two-tiered cutlery divider drawerWhite shaker base cabinets with two-tiered cutlery divider drawer
Cutlery divider

Organization in every remodel is key. No one wants to put their old plastic cutlery drawer insert in their brand-new kitchen. Use a built-in cutlery divider instead. This space-saving cabinet accessory maximizes every inch of drawer space, leaving your clients with plenty of storage for everyday cutlery and utensils. 

9. Sink Base Organization 

Dusty blue shaker kitchen sink base with pull-out storage rack for cleaning suppliesDusty blue shaker kitchen sink base with pull-out storage rack for cleaning supplies
Harrison Gale kitchen cabinets

Like the junk drawer found in every kitchen, the sink base can be an organizational nightmare. Surprise your clients with sink base storage like door-mounted storage racks and basket pull-outs for cleaning supplies. Take it up a notch with a sink base liner. Your clients will be thrilled that you provided this safeguard for their home. 

10. Recessed Ceiling Lights 

Recessed can lighting in newly remodeled kitchenRecessed can lighting in newly remodeled kitchen

What good is a brand-new kitchen if you can’t see it? Pendant lighting and undercabinet lighting are fantastic, however recessed ceiling lights will work wonders for new kitchen remodels. The addition of bright overhead lights will make every kitchen easier to cook in and safe. 

11. Timeless Color Scheme

Mid-Century Modern white and light wood kitchen with large island and spherical pendants with black metal accentsMid-Century Modern white and light wood kitchen with large island and spherical pendants with black metal accents
Jensen Lily & Harvest kitchen cabinets

Ironically, some newer trends are all about timeless color schemes. Timeless colors allow homeowners to update décor as they please and switch up pops of color without having to remodel their kitchen every 10 years or live with a dated design. Use neutrals paints and wood finishes for a design focused on longevity. 

12. Dedicated Coffee Bar

Dusty blue shaker kitchen cabinets in coffee bar design with a microwave shelf and floating shelfDusty blue shaker kitchen cabinets in coffee bar design with a microwave shelf and floating shelf
Berkeley Gale kitchen cabinets

Almost every homeowner is requesting special space for a coffee or drink bar in their kitchen renovation. This can be as small as a single cabinet with floating shelves above within the kitchen design, or a completely separate run of cabinets just for drinks and storage. Provide enough storage to account for coffee, bottles, cans and cups. 

13. Drawer Base Storage

Black shaker kitchen base cabinet under drop in gas cooktop full of pots and pansBlack shaker kitchen base cabinet under drop in gas cooktop full of pots and pans
Black shaker kitchen cabinets

In addition to other storage, there is something about drawer base cabinets that everyone loves. From storing heavy pots and pans, to large mixing bowls, Pyrex and Tupperware containers, drawers make it easy to store everything. Add a variety of deep drawer bases and shallow drawer cabinets to make your homeowner happy. 

14. More Island Space

Indigo kitchen island cabinets with white quartz waterfall kitchen cabinetsIndigo kitchen island cabinets with white quartz waterfall kitchen cabinets
Lenox Indigo kitchen cabinets

Unless your design is restricted by space, more island cabinets and a larger work surface is always ideal. Working at the island feels more open, making cooking more enjoyable. With more space and storage, it becomes even easier to cook and complete day-to-day tasks. 

15. Mixed Metal Finishes

White shaker kitchen with stacked glass cabinets over buffet, large island with waterfall countertops, copper pendant lighting above and mixed metal hardwareWhite shaker kitchen with stacked glass cabinets over buffet, large island with waterfall countertops, copper pendant lighting above and mixed metal hardware
Newport Lily kitchen cabinets

Along with timeless design color palettes and décor, mixed metal finishes are another great feature. Avoid the basic home builder look by using multiple metal finishes for cabinet hardware and even switching between knobs and pulls. This easily creates a custom look and gives your clients the flexibility they desire in their color scheme. 

Ready to discover more unique kitchen solutions? Explore kitchen storage now! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What adds the most resale value to a kitchen remodel?

Focus on high-ROI upgrades like quartz countertops, energy-efficient smart appliances, and neutral-colored shaker cabinets. These features offer the broadest appeal to future buyers.

How can I maximize storage in a small kitchen remodel?

Utilize vertical space with stacked cabinets, install a pull-out waste container, and use deep drawer bases instead of standard lower cabinets to eliminate "dead zones."

What is the most common mistake in kitchen remodeling?

The most common mistake is prioritizing aesthetics over workflow and clearance. A beautiful kitchen fails if it is frustrating to use daily. This typically happens in three ways:

  • Blocking the Work Triangle: Placing an island or obstruction between the sink, refrigerator, and stove.
  • Ignoring Door Swings: Failing to ensure appliances like dishwashers or refrigerators can open fully without blocking walkways or hitting walls.
  • Insufficient Task Lighting: Relying solely on overhead lights, which casts shadows on food prep areas.
  • The Fix: Map out your client's daily cooking routine before finalizing the design, and ensure proper walkway clearance. While the absolute minimum space required between a counter and an island is 36 inches, you should strive for the industry standard of 42 to 48 inches to ensure a comfortable, functional, single-cook kitchen.

How do I design a kitchen layout that improves the social flow?

How do I design a kitchen layout that improves the social flow? A: To improve social flow, shift from a strict "Work Triangle" to "Activity Zoning." Modern families use the kitchen for cooking, working, and socializing simultaneously.

Designers should create a dedicated beverage or coffee station completely outside the main cooking area to keep guests from crowding the stove. If space permits, add a multi-functional island with a countertop overhang of at least 12 inches for seating. This establishes a natural boundary, allowing guests to interact comfortably with the cook without blocking essential prep paths between the sink, refrigerator, and range.

Keep in mind that when using natural stone like granite, marble, quartzite, or engineered quartz, any overhang extending more than 10 to 12 inches requires structural support such as corbels or hidden steel brackets to prevent cracking, tipping, or sagging.

What is the best way to handle small appliance storage without cluttering countertops?

The most effective way to clear countertop clutter is by integrating an "appliance garage" or deep drawer bases. An appliance garage features a roll-up or pocket door that completely hides items like blenders and toasters while keeping them plugged in and functional. For heavy items like stand mixers, designers recommend installing a heavy-duty mixer lift cabinet that raises the appliance to counter height effortlessly. Utilizing these dedicated storage features keeps a kitchen looking clean and spacious while maintaining a highly functional workspace for your client.