When you’re planning a total redesign of your space, you should always start with one thing in mind: the purpose of the room. When it comes to kitchen design, the answer may seem obvious: cooking and eating food, of course! But a kitchen is so much more than that. As former President of the American Society of Interior Design, Nancy Sakino Spears, puts it, “Kitchens are where people spend most of their time. It’s the heart of their home, their command post.” 

A kitchen can be a place to entertain and to relax, to showcase cooking skills and enjoy family time, it all depends on what you want out of it. Do you want to be hosting holiday dinners for years to come, or would you prefer a cozier space to find refuge at the end of a long day? In order to get the most out of your newly redesigned kitchen, you’ll want to have the ultimate goal of your space in mind from the get-go. That way, if you run into trouble deciding what elements you need, you can always think back on the kitchen’s purpose for guidance. If you’re having trouble deciding just what should go in your new kitchen, we have a few suggestions based on the ultimate goal for your space. 

For Entertaining: Built-in Wine Cooler

Nothing says, “welcome to my home” like a brand new bottle of wine cracked open for the occasion! From holiday parties to evening cocktails with friends, if you’re all about entertaining, you’ll want to add something special to your kitchen that will really blow guests away. A built-in wine cooler is the perfect way to make your parties pop. Elegant and functional, the right wine fridge adds sophistication to your space in addition to showcasing your favorite varietals. Keep your guests happy, your wines chilled to perfection, and your kitchen chic with this classic addition that doubles as both appliance and décor! 

For Chefs: Ventilation Hood 

If you’re a major league chef, you’re going to want a pinch-hitting vent hood to back you up. Ventilation hoods (also known as range hoods or wall hoods) are an underappreciated kitchen appliance, but they’re an absolute must if you’re doing heavy cooking. Proper ventilation is essential for keeping your kitchen clean and cool, and even for ensuring that your food cooks properly. Vent hoods siphon away oil splatter, smoke, steam, and heat, to keep your kitchen comfortable while you cook and making sure your food cooks evenly. Vent hoods can be as elegant as they are useful, so if you’re big on creating culinary masterpieces for every meal, don’t save your hood planning for last. Get a custom hood that’s in sync with the style of your kitchen reno, or pick out a classic design from Don’s by brands like Frigidaire, Thermador, and Jenn-Air. 

For Bakers: Combi Steam Oven 

Steam is the ultimate secret ingredient in a baker’s toolkit. With the right appliance, even a home baker can bring home the power of a professional bakery! A combi steam oven is perfect for proofing dough and baking breads and buns to perfection. These high-tech appliances typically have very customizable settings, so you can amp up your favorite bread and bake delicious confections for family and friends. Using steam can improve the texture and quality of your baked breads, and even helps it stay fresh longer. So, if you’re big on baking, design your kitchen for an oven that helps you do what you do best, even better than before! 

For Families: Breakfast Nook 

The classic breakfast nook! Beloved in kitchens across the country since the early 20th century, this cozy kitchen addition is still a classic in any home. You can dress them up or down, make them sleek and modern or rustic and homey, and best of all, they create an inviting space for family meals and daily fun. When planning a family-friendly kitchen, HGTV says it’s important to consider versatility and to remember that “those children grow, and a kitchen remodel should last at least 10 years.” The beauty of a breakfast nook is that it really is timeless, and it serves an aesthetic and practical purpose in your kitchen with or without little ones around the house. It gives kids a great place to hang out while you’re working on dinner or relaxing at the end of the day: little ones have plenty of space to draw and play, while older kids can use the space to do homework or chat with friends, while still spending time with the family. Then, when the kids have left the nest, you’ll still have a functional kitchen and a perfect spot for lazy mornings with a cup of coffee and a good book. 

For Everyone: Kitchen Island 

If you’re still not sure what you want for your kitchen, or if your goals are simply style and convenience in everyday living, you can’t go wrong with a kitchen island. An island takes any kitchen to the next level, and provides support for every lifestyle, no matter what your design goals are. It’s perfect for spreading out your ingredients during a complex cooking adventure, or sipping drinks with friends on the weekends. It doubles as a buffet for big parties and a homework station for kids to hang out in the evenings. Kitchen islands are all the rage right now, but they’re also a classic look that can be styled any way you like and adapted to whatever you need out of your space. 

In the excitement of designing a new kitchen, plans can quickly become more complicated and difficult than you had originally intended. But, if you go into the design process with clear goals and a well-defined purpose for your kitchen, it will be much easier to keep plans on track. So, think about what’s most important to you in a kitchen space, and plan your kitchen design to complement your needs and your lifestyle. Trends come and go, but a stylish space that’s functional and fitted to your needs is a friend forever.