Kitchen renovations can be great for adding value to a home. But if you want it to be functional, make sure to include these 12 features.
Scott McGillivray is a real estate expert and host of HGTV Canada's Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays.
Published December 10, 2018, Updated April 19, 2020
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Kitchens
12 Kitchen Features Scott McGillivray Thinks Every Home Needs
April 19, 2020
Kitchen renovations can be great for adding value to a home. But if you want it to be functional, make sure to include these 12 features. Scott McGillivray is a real estate expert and host of HGTV Canada's Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays. Published December 10, 2018, Updated April 19, 2020 Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Our best decorating and DIY ideas delivered to your inbox.
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Recessed Lighting
1/12Recessed Lighting
1/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Recessed <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/statement-lighting-styles-kitchen-1908317/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lighting</a> is ideal for kitchens, but proper planning is essential. The number of pot lights you need will depend on the size of your kitchen. Also, each light should be 20 to 23 inches away from the perimeter of the walls so they shine on the countertops, but are not blocked by upper cabinets and crown moulding. Keep in mind: although the pot lights will offer a good amount of brightness, some task lighting will likely still be needed.Kitchens12 Kitchen Features Scott McGillivray Thinks Every Home NeedsRecessed Lighting
PHOTO 1 of 12READ LESS -Recessed <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/statement-lighting-styles-kitchen-1908317/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lighting</a> is ideal for kitchens, but proper planning is essential. The number of pot lights you need will depend on the size of your kitchen. Also, each light should be 20 to 23 inches away from the perimeter of the walls so they shine on the countertops, but are not blocked by upper cabinets and crown moulding. Keep in mind: although the pot lights will offer a good amount of brightness, some task lighting will likely still be needed.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Under-Cabinet Lighting
2/12Under-Cabinet Lighting
2/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
When making a lighting plan for a kitchen, it’s really important that you include under-cabinet lighting. This task lighting will make it safer and easier for you to do work at the counter. You don’t want to rely only on overhead lighting in the area where you’re using sharp knives and handling hot dishes. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/25-kitchen-backsplash-ideas-for-your-next-reno-1050210/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">40 Brilliant Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for Your Next Reno</a>Kitchens12 Kitchen Features Scott McGillivray Thinks Every Home NeedsUnder-Cabinet Lighting
PHOTO 2 of 12READ LESS -When making a lighting plan for a kitchen, it’s really important that you include under-cabinet lighting. This task lighting will make it safer and easier for you to do work at the counter. You don’t want to rely only on overhead lighting in the area where you’re using sharp knives and handling hot dishes. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/25-kitchen-backsplash-ideas-for-your-next-reno-1050210/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">40 Brilliant Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for Your Next Reno</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Pendant Lighting
3/12Pendant Lighting
3/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/the-10-most-popular-pendant-lights-1052564/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pendant lights</a> are great for hanging over islands to create even more task lighting. They’re also great from a decorative perspective. Typically, pendant lights should be placed 30 to 36 inches above the countertop or 72 inches above the floor. As a general rule, you should install one pendant for every two feet of counter space.Kitchens12 Kitchen Features Scott McGillivray Thinks Every Home NeedsPendant Lighting
PHOTO 3 of 12READ LESS -<a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/the-10-most-popular-pendant-lights-1052564/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pendant lights</a> are great for hanging over islands to create even more task lighting. They’re also great from a decorative perspective. Typically, pendant lights should be placed 30 to 36 inches above the countertop or 72 inches above the floor. As a general rule, you should install one pendant for every two feet of counter space.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Stone Counters
4/12Stone Counters
4/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
These days, your safest bet for return on investment is a stone counter. While other materials can make sense for various reasons, stone is always going to be durable and look good. As a general rule I prefer Quartz, as it’s the most durable and the least porous.Kitchens12 Kitchen Features Scott McGillivray Thinks Every Home NeedsStone Counters
PHOTO 4 of 12READ LESS -These days, your safest bet for return on investment is a stone counter. While other materials can make sense for various reasons, stone is always going to be durable and look good. As a general rule I prefer Quartz, as it’s the most durable and the least porous.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Ceiling-Height Cabinets
5/12Ceiling-Height Cabinets
5/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Maximizing storage space is always important in a kitchen. For this reason, I suggest extending the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/timeless-kitchen-cabinet-ideas-1910941/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cabinets</a> all the way to the ceiling whenever possible. It is also more visually appealing, as it will make the ceiling seem higher.Kitchens12 Kitchen Features Scott McGillivray Thinks Every Home NeedsCeiling-Height Cabinets
PHOTO 5 of 12READ LESS -Maximizing storage space is always important in a kitchen. For this reason, I suggest extending the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/timeless-kitchen-cabinet-ideas-1910941/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cabinets</a> all the way to the ceiling whenever possible. It is also more visually appealing, as it will make the ceiling seem higher.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Stainless Steel Appliances
6/12Stainless Steel Appliances
6/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
I know, I know, a lot of people say they hate stainless. But, you know what? It’s going to get you the best return on investment. It’s a rare day that I recommend anything other than stainless steel appliances.Kitchens12 Kitchen Features Scott McGillivray Thinks Every Home NeedsStainless Steel Appliances
PHOTO 6 of 12READ LESS -I know, I know, a lot of people say they hate stainless. But, you know what? It’s going to get you the best return on investment. It’s a rare day that I recommend anything other than stainless steel appliances.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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A Charging Station
7/12A Charging Station
7/12Photo Credit: Thomasville
Devices need to be charged. It’s just the way it is now. By including a charging station or adding USB ports to kitchen outlets, it allows people to charge their devices while hanging out in the kitchen. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/tiffany-pratts-genius-hack-for-making-phone-cords-look-cute-1914603/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tiffany Pratt’s Genius Hack for Making Phone Cords Look Cute</a>Kitchens12 Kitchen Features Scott McGillivray Thinks Every Home NeedsA Charging Station
PHOTO 7 of 12READ LESS -Devices need to be charged. It’s just the way it is now. By including a charging station or adding USB ports to kitchen outlets, it allows people to charge their devices while hanging out in the kitchen. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/tiffany-pratts-genius-hack-for-making-phone-cords-look-cute-1914603/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tiffany Pratt’s Genius Hack for Making Phone Cords Look Cute</a>Photo Credit: Thomasville
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Hidden Switches and Outlets
8/12Hidden Switches and Outlets
8/12Photo Credit: Pexels
Outlets on islands and light switches in the middle of backsplashes are a huge pet peeve of mine – and they’re not necessary. Instead, mount all the light switches and outlets under the cabinets. They’re still functional, but neatly tucked away out of sight.Kitchens12 Kitchen Features Scott McGillivray Thinks Every Home NeedsHidden Switches and Outlets
PHOTO 8 of 12READ LESS -Outlets on islands and light switches in the middle of backsplashes are a huge pet peeve of mine – and they’re not necessary. Instead, mount all the light switches and outlets under the cabinets. They’re still functional, but neatly tucked away out of sight.Photo Credit: Pexels
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Trash and Recycling Storage
9/12Trash and Recycling Storage
9/12Photo Credit: Thomasville
I always advise including built-in, pull-out trash and recycling storage in the lower cabinets. It makes things easier while you’re cooking and it keeps them out of sight.Kitchens12 Kitchen Features Scott McGillivray Thinks Every Home NeedsTrash and Recycling Storage
PHOTO 9 of 12READ LESS -I always advise including built-in, pull-out trash and recycling storage in the lower cabinets. It makes things easier while you’re cooking and it keeps them out of sight.Photo Credit: Thomasville
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A Single-Handle Faucet
10/12A Single-Handle Faucet
10/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
There’s a certain charm that comes with <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/tap-into-grohes-gorgeous-kitchen-faucets-1052772/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">faucets</a> that have separate handles for hot and cold, but practically speaking, they’re a pain. When you’re cooking or washing the dishes and you’ve got your hands full, the last thing you want to deal with is two separate faucets. The kitchen should be all about making things easier.Kitchens12 Kitchen Features Scott McGillivray Thinks Every Home NeedsA Single-Handle Faucet
PHOTO 10 of 12READ LESS -There’s a certain charm that comes with <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/tap-into-grohes-gorgeous-kitchen-faucets-1052772/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">faucets</a> that have separate handles for hot and cold, but practically speaking, they’re a pain. When you’re cooking or washing the dishes and you’ve got your hands full, the last thing you want to deal with is two separate faucets. The kitchen should be all about making things easier.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Cabinet Storage Features
11/12Cabinet Storage Features
11/12Photo Credit: Thomasville
It’s not enough to have plenty of cabinets. If you want your kitchen to be functional, include storage features like rollout trays, divided cutlery trays and dish dividers. It will ensure everything is organized and easy to access and it will make your time in the kitchen a lot less stressful. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/15-feng-shui-tips-for-expertly-organized-kitchen-cabinets-1911812/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Feng Shui Tips for Expertly Organized Kitchen Cabinets</a>Kitchens12 Kitchen Features Scott McGillivray Thinks Every Home NeedsCabinet Storage Features
PHOTO 11 of 12READ LESS -It’s not enough to have plenty of cabinets. If you want your kitchen to be functional, include storage features like rollout trays, divided cutlery trays and dish dividers. It will ensure everything is organized and easy to access and it will make your time in the kitchen a lot less stressful. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/15-feng-shui-tips-for-expertly-organized-kitchen-cabinets-1911812/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Feng Shui Tips for Expertly Organized Kitchen Cabinets</a>Photo Credit: Thomasville
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Somewhere to Sit
12/12Somewhere to Sit
12/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
When designing your kitchen, don’t forget to include somewhere to sit. Even if you have a separate dining area, you want to make sure you have somewhere to pull up a stool and perch for a bit.Kitchens12 Kitchen Features Scott McGillivray Thinks Every Home NeedsSomewhere to Sit
PHOTO 12 of 12READ LESS -When designing your kitchen, don’t forget to include somewhere to sit. Even if you have a separate dining area, you want to make sure you have somewhere to pull up a stool and perch for a bit.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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