The Ultimate Kitchen Interior Design Guide: 15 Must-Have Kitchen Features for a Stylish & Functional Space

Designing a kitchen is all about smart kitchen planning, interior design, and functionality. Since we spend so much time in the kitchen, making the right choices can truly elevate the space. Here are 15 well-thought-out kitchen design decisions from an experienced residential interior designer that designed her own dream kitchen —each one enhancing both aesthetics and practicality.

1. Stone Countertop

A durable and timeless kitchen design choice! I went with Silestone because it doesn’t stain easily and offers a variety of beautiful styles. Stone countertops also resist heat, scratches, and stains, making them a long-lasting investment in your kitchen interior design.

2. Waterfall Edge on One Side

A waterfall countertop creates a sleek, modern look that enhances your kitchen aesthetics. By placing it on only one visible side, I achieved an elegant design while cutting costs where it wasn’t necessary. Obviously, this depends on your kitchen layout—if both sides of the island are visible when entering, then it’s best to add the waterfall edge on both sides.

3. Plugs on the Island

Having built-in sockets on the kitchen island is a game-changer—perfect for small appliances, charging devices, or even working from the kitchen. An essential element in modern kitchen planning!

4. Cookstove with Built-in Extractor

An integrated extractor eliminates the need for a bulky range hood, keeping the kitchen design clean and open. I recommend the Bosch cookstove with an integrated extractor—its rectangular shape takes up less space on the stove and is cheaper compared to the Bora model, which is one of the most well-known but bulkier.

5. Gold Sink & Built-in Soap Dispenser

A gold sink adds a touch of luxury and uniqueness, while the built-in soap dispenser keeps the counter clutter-free—small details that make a big difference in kitchen interior design.

6. Hidden Bottle Drawer

A dedicated drawer for bottles (Pfand) keeps everything organized and prevents empty bottles from piling up in a corner. In Germany, we recycle bottles by returning them to shops for a small refund. It makes sense for us to accumulate a few before heading to the store to return them. Smart kitchen organization at its best!

7. Under-Cabinet Bin Drawer

A larger bin drawer means less frequent emptying and a cleaner space—no more overflowing trash! A great addition for a functional kitchen layout.

8. Big Fridge & Separate Freezer

Extra storage is a must! A large fridge and separate freezer provide ample space for fresh and frozen groceries, meal prep, and bulk purchases. However, be aware that the more space you have, the more you tend to freeze—and sometimes, waste! Smart kitchen storage solutions are key.

9. Glass Vitrine for Display

A glass cabinet is perfect for showcasing beautiful glassware, decor, or even a small wine collection. It adds a decorative yet functional touch to your kitchen interior.

10. Enough Seating on the Island

The kitchen is more than a cooking space—it’s where people gather. Having seating at the island makes it a social hub for casual meals, conversations, and entertaining guests. Plan for about 60 cm per seat so that it’s comfortable and not too tight for people to sit. An essential step in kitchen space planning.

11. Hidden Sockets Inside Cabinets

Appliance clutter? No thanks! Built-in sockets inside cabinets allow appliances to be used in a pull-out drawer and stored away when not in use. Obviously, it's important to pull the drawer out while using any appliances that create steam to avoid damaging your cabinets. A must-have for a clutter-free kitchen design.

12. Wall Sconces Above the Window

Good lighting sets the mood! Stylish wall sconces above the window provide warm, cozy lighting, enhancing both ambiance and modern kitchen aesthetics.

13. Echo Display

I love having my Echo Display from Amazon in the kitchen! I can control it without touching a remote, and it offers YouTube, TV, calendars, picture displays, and more. It’s also great for kids—you can ask Alexa to read stories or play music, and they love interacting with it! A perfect integration for a smart kitchen design.

14. Double Steel Doors

These modern steel doors swing both ways, allowing for better movement, bringing in natural light, and making the kitchen feel like the heart of the home. An excellent choice for an open kitchen layout.

15. Herringbone Vinyl Flooring

Looks like wood, but way more practical! Vinyl flooring in a herringbone pattern is stylish, water-resistant, and super easy to clean—no stress about spills! Just keep in mind that with a herringbone pattern, if one plank needs to be replaced, you may have to remove a large section of the floor to reach it. They look amazing, but it’s something to consider when choosing your kitchen flooring.

Planning Your Dream Kitchen? Here’s Where to Start!

If you're looking for a great kitchen studio to bring your dream kitchen to life, these are my top recommendations:

✔ Küchenheld – My favorite! They offer price transparency, a smooth online & on-site process, and you can even visualize your kitchen with VR glasses in their studio.

✔ KüchenAktuell 

✔ Segmüller 

✔ Ikea 

Each of these studios offers great service and expertise to bring your kitchen design ideas to reality!

Would you add any of these ideas to your kitchen renovation? Let me know in the comments!

And if you need help designing your space, feel free to reach out!

Here is the link to my welcome questionnaire. Fill it out, and I will reach out to you for a welcome call to discuss your project!