5 Kitchen remodel ideas for the long-term.

Ready to update your kitchen? Here are my favorite kitchen design ideas that consider aging in place and universal design.  They work for now, for later, for you, and for others who use your new kitchen! The best advice for a major upgrade is to hire a professional - at minimum for a consultation. Don't make mistakes, and add the important features and functions BEFORE you start.

Update your storage.  Cabinet manufacturers have added wonderful new pantry pull and roll outs, corner units that access the former 'dead' spaces, drawer fittings for flatware and knives, and multiple accessories for organizing food, dry goods, trash and recycling, and even composting.

Upgrade your lighting. LED and compact fluorescent fixtures - installed in the right places - will save energy and provide great task, accent and ambient light.  Add lighting under cabinets, inside cabinets and shelves, at the toe kick and more.

Add drawer appliances.  Did you know that dishwashers save more water than hand washing?   For small kitchens, fewer occupants, and quick meals, the drawer dishwashers are space-saving, quiet, and efficient. Try a refrigerator drawer in a kid-friendly kitchen that will save energy too.

Create work zones. Carve out space for a coffee-bar, bake center, wine service and tasting, and even a pizza prep center for lasting function and enjoyment. Here, the craft center, workstation, pet bed and more are functional and concealed when not being used.

Incorporate electronics.  With access to information on the Internet so easy, create a space for a laptop, TV/Internet screen, or other devices that will enable a 'smart home'. Shopping, lighting control, audio-visual, security, and many other functions can be controlled with hard wiring or wireless if you plan in advance.