Kitchen and bathroom designs have increasingly become multi-functional spaces. Homeowners want remodels that are stylish, highly functional, and low maintenance.

It's no longer enough to have a kitchen focused only on cooking. It needs to be a place where we can also entertain and relax. Likewise, bathrooms have evolved into retreats where we unwind in stylish surroundings. Practicality and indulgence go hand in hand in clever, stylish kitchen and bath designs.

Tailor-made storage is vital to keep clutter at bay and effortlessly maintain a remodel. Storage choices set the tone of the finished look and should be carefully planned at the design stage.

1. Embrace a Sleek Aesthetic

Streamlined design has become a major direction in kitchen and bath. Sleek cabinetry that stores essentials becomes a design feature. Floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall cabinets maximize every inch for a clean, modern look that eliminates clutter.

To take the streamlined look further, invest in handleless doors that offer elegant simplicity. Handles can disrupt the fluidity of a streamlined design. Due to the craftsmanship involved, handleless cabinet doors add to the budget. The reward: it looks great, is easy to clean, and opens up the design.

If you don't want to lose handles entirely, try recessed handles. They retain the streamlined look while adding depth, texture, and color that can be picked up throughout the design. Streamlined storage relies on strong lines and quality materials. Countertops, range hoods, and backsplashes should be of similar quality for consistency.

2. Make Space for a Pantry

Pantries are more popular than ever. As homeowners lead busier lives, pantries are a dedicated space for food and equipment that would otherwise overwhelm a kitchen. Extra refrigerators and freezers can store food in a pantry, and a countertop, sink, and dishwasher transform a pantry into an extra prep and storage area.

Smaller pantries might not fit appliances but are still effective with the right storage. Deep drawers organize cans, jars, and thermoses. Smaller items go in slide-out racks that fit vertically. Peg dividers keep flat items organized for easy access to baking sheets and trays.

Seasonal and rarely used items go on high shelving. A cart for baking supplies or collecting dirty dishes can be wheeled in or out as needed. A pantry can also be part of cabinetry if you don't have a separate space. Your designer can work with you to maximize storage potential, regardless of size.

3. Open Up Your Storage

Open storage works well in kitchen and bath, both functional and aesthetic. It's an excellent option for bringing personality to a remodel by displaying favorite things. Carefully curate what you store on open shelving so it opens up a space rather than looking cluttered. Arrange items in small groups with depth, not in a line. Choose containers that suit the style. Try non-conventional items as containers, like vases or jewelry boxes.

Some open storage like niche shelving needs to be considered at the planning stage so walls can be constructed accordingly. Niche storage is good for streamlined designs.

Materials matter. Stainless steel is hygienic and modern. Wooden shelves bring warmth, especially dark wood in a spa-style bathroom or reclaimed wood in a rustic design. Glass opens up a space, reflecting light. Open storage is more budget-friendly than cabinets but high maintenance — clean regularly to keep everything dust-free. Shelving over a cooking area offers handy storage for essentials but leads to grease buildup. Compromise with glass-fronted cabinet storage to display contents while keeping them clean. Add in-cabinet lighting to enhance the display.

4. Include a Second Island

Kitchens have become more open plan and multi-functional, so islands have surged in popularity. They're the workhorse of the kitchen and the centerpiece. As well as workspace, islands can store everything from appliances to recipe books.

Multi-level islands are ideal for high performance, but in large kitchens incorporating two islands allows even more flexibility. The important thing is to designate specific functions to each island. One can be at the center of the work triangle, focusing on prep and cooking. The other can be a place to dine, entertain, or study, eliminating the need for a separate dining table. Designate a space for a pet bed, install a wine cooler — possibilities are immense. We cover this more in our kitchen layout guide.

Make two islands stand out by embracing contrasting cabinetry finishes. Differentiate the islands from perimeter cabinetry, or even have each island in a different finish.

5. Integrate and Conceal

Prioritizing sleek flow and clean lines helps a remodel feel calm and free of clutter. Anything that disrupts this flow can be concealed with cabinetry that blends into other closed storage. Paneled refrigerators and dishwashers integrate with the rest of the cabinetry for a minimalist aesthetic. Bathroom vanities should be designed with internal storage solutions and sleek exteriors.

As technology gets incorporated into every aspect of life, facilitate the electrical tangles that come with charging cables and plugs. Outlets and charging stations inside cabinetry mean you can use devices and styling tools where they're stored. Store and power a hairdryer from a vanity. Tuck a device away in an island as it charges and plays music.

Minimize what you store on countertops. Some small countertop appliances need to be ready to use; appliance garages conceal them from view. Create an entire beverage bar within cabinetry that can close when not in use, maintaining the kitchen's sleek appearance.

6. Introduce Warmth with Accents

As design veers toward streamlined cabinets and neatly accessorized open shelves, the danger is that the space could feel bland. Character-driven, warm accents balance this out.

Wood is a sure way to introduce warmth and texture. Transform a white bathroom into a spa retreat with rich wood in cabinetry, countertops, or shelving. Wooden crates and deep baskets add texture as containers. Lighter wood tones — bleached and blonde shades — also work well. Ornate touches like carving or beading bring vintage accents to traditional designs.

Metal accents enhance a design too: matte black faucets and showerheads, brass hardware, copper range hoods, industrial-style lighting. Keep accents to a common theme to avoid chaos, and carry metallic tones from hardware to shelving for a fluid look.

Talk through storage with a designer

Good kitchen and bath design fits your taste and lifestyle and is easy to maintain. Efficient storage eliminates clutter and gives you more space to enjoy the room. If you're planning a remodel, we'd love to talk through storage options that fit how you live.

Schedule a showroom visit at our 5,000 square foot showroom in Norwell. No pressure, just a real conversation about your home.

Transitions Kitchens, Baths & Remodeling
433 Washington St, Norwell, MA
(781) 871-0881