Design Details That Make Daily Life Easier
Kitchen, Laundry and Closet Must-Haves
When it comes to kitchens, laundry rooms, and closets, functionality is undoubtedly just as important as visual impact. These are high-traffic, high-use spaces—and a few smart features can completely change the way they work for you. Good design in these rooms is truly in the details, and whether I’m designing for a family of five or empty nesters who love to entertain, these are the upgrades I come back to again and again. The videos below highlight all of these in action!
Appliance Garage
I can’t overstate how much I love a well-designed appliance garage. It keeps everyday essentials like coffee makers, toasters, and blenders discreetly tucked away, but still right where you need them. Custom cabinetry offers so many options for hiding appliances—from bifold doors to double doors to lift-ups—so depending on your kitchen layout, you can keep things clutter-free and tailored to how you actually use the space.
Tip: Add a pot filler inside for the ultimate coffee station setup.
Nearby Mug Storage with Built-In Coffee Pod Drawer
Place this near the appliance garage to make your morning routine easy and efficient—everything’s right where you need it, and nothing’s sitting out.
Instant Hot Water Dispenser
If you drink tea or make oatmeal (or have a baby who loves warm bottles), this is one of those quiet luxuries you’ll end up using constantly.
Pull-Out Utensil Drawer (Next to the Range)
No more digging through random drawers mid-recipe. Keep tools upright in bins in a pull-out, or neatly divided in a wide drawer, and making dinner is so much easier.
Pull-Out Knife Block
Another feature I love—keeps knives at your fingertips without taking up valuable counter space.
Smart Storage for Pots and Tupperware
Deep drawers with dividers are a must—for pots and lids, and for food storage containers. No more mismatched lids or teetering stacks falling out of cabinets.
Spice Storage
A dedicated drawer or inside-the-cabinet rack keeps spices visible and easy to grab. It’s one of those small upgrades that keeps meal prep from turning into a scavenger hunt!
Warming & Steam Ovens
Whether you panel them or go with stainless, these are serious workhorses. I use my steam oven and warming drawer every single day—for quick dinners, reheating leftovers, even holidays. I didn’t know how much I’d use them until I had them.
Hands-Free Trash Bin
Tap it open with your knee—no handles, no fingerprints. Total game-changer when your hands are full or messy.
Pop-Up Outlets
They keep your counters clear with no awkward outlet placement on your stone backsplash—and disappear when you’re done. Just a quick press and they’re gone.
Laundry Room + Closet Upgrades That Actually Help
Integrated Utility Sink / Dog Wash
If you have pets, this one’s essential. Bath time is quicker, cleaner, and easier on your back. It also works great for hand-washing delicates or rinsing muddy gear.
Vertical Pull-Out Drying Rack
Perfect for workout gear, uniforms, or anything that needs to air dry. It takes up minimal space and tucks back flush with your cabinets when not in use—no more bulky drying racks in the middle of your room.
Flat-Dry Drawers or Fold-Down Racks
These intentional built-ins make air-drying a part of the plan, not an afterthought. Ideal for sweaters and delicates.
Sturdy Pull-Down Shelf
Whether it’s for folding laundry, sewing, gift wrapping, or craft projects, it’s great to have a surface that disappears when you don’t need it.
Pull-Down Closet Rods
These make double-height storage actually usable—especially if, like me, you're nowhere close to 6'3"!
LED Tape Lighting in Closets
I usually recommend keeping hanging sections behind closed doors to keep things looking clean—but lighting inside is key. With tape lighting, you can actually see what you’re reaching for.
Pull-Out Shoe Drawers or Built-In Shelves
So much better than shoes stacked on the floor. They make use of deep cabinetry and keep things neat without trying too hard.
Let’s Make Your Everyday Easier
These kinds of thoughtful upgrades are what turn a space from just functional into something beautiful, effortless, and tailored to your life. If you’re dreaming up a kitchen, laundry, or closet renovation—or starting fresh from the ground up—I’d love to help you create something that works beautifully for the way you live
