What Makes a Kitchen Work: Key Elements According to Houzz

From smart storage to durable flooring, Houzz highlights the elements shaping kitchens that work as good as they look. Here's what builders and designers should keep in mind
May 13, 2025
2 min read
121720465 © Ala2017bn | Dreamstime.com
A modern white kitchen with large window letting in natural light
Whether it's thoughtful lighting or efficient use of countertop space, there's far more to effective kitchen design than just the layout.

Kitchens remain the hub of the home and, in 2025, they’re taking on even more importance. As homeowners shift more spending dollars to these high-use spaces, it’s important to remember that great kitchen design goes beyond just layout. In a recent feature, Houzz called out seven essential elements of great kitchens. Here, we highlight five of the most impactful.

1. Smarter Storage Solutions

Beyond cabinets, storage is about anticipating real needs. Encourage clients to audit their kitchen essentials, then select solutions like deep drawers, pullouts, and tall wall cabinets to maximize usability and minimize clutter. Coordinate closely with design partners to incorporate smart solutions, like pull-out shelves or toe-kick drawers, that maximize space and functionality.

2. Layered Lighting

A kitchen’s lighting plan shapes its versatility. Layering ambient, task, and accent lighting creates adaptable spaces. Ambient (your main lighting) provides overall illumination, task lighting focuses on high-use zones like countertops and sinks, and accent lighting adds depth, highlighting architectural details, open shelving, or other features. Plan early for fixture placement and wiring.

65755600 © Tommygunzgrafix | Dreamstime.com
Multiple forms of lighting in a kitchen
Try layering ambient, task, and accent lighting for added depth and versatility to the kitchen.

3. Quality Fixtures & Hardware

Small details make a big difference. Investing in durable, well-designed faucets and cabinet hardware elevates daily interactions and ensures lasting performance under frequent use. Specifying a solid brass faucet or a soft-close drawer can contribute to the overall tactile experience of the kitchen; consider the impact of finishes and the full range of kitchen hardware options on the overall plan.

4. Durable Flooring

Kitchen floors must balance style with resilience. Materials like natural stone, porcelain tile, luxury vinyl planks, and properly sealed hardwood can stand up to traffic and spills without compromising aesthetics. For clients who prioritize comfort, consider adding radiant heating underfoot.

5. Strong, Stylish Countertops

Counters endure heavy wear, so the right material is critical. Quartz, granite, and solid surface options offer a reliable balance of durability, low maintenance and visual appeal. For clients set on marble, be upfront about the tradeoffs. If they love the look but want less upkeep, consider marble-look quartz or just limit the marble to lower-traffic zones.

The full Houzz roundup offers more features of well-designed kitchens.

 

Sign up for Custom Builder Newsletters
Get the latest news and updates.