Unique Kitchen and Bathroom Features to Include in Your Next Remodel

When traveling and staying at an Airbnb or VRBO, do you sometimes see unique kitchen and bathroom features that make you think, “Gee, I’d love to have that in my home?” If you answered, “YES!” you aren’t alone. These are usually the features that add a mix of convenience and personality to the home, and in a small way, they give us a sample of what the homeowner must be like.

When we meet with our clients, they often bring back ideas from trips they’ve been on, hoping that we, as their design-build experts, can integrate these features into their remodeling projects. This article explores some of the most unique (and even fun) kitchen and bathroom features we’ve had the pleasure of seeing come to fruition that you, too,  may want to consider for your next remodel.

Innovative Kitchen Features

Maximizing Functionality

Pop-Up Outlets in Kitchen Island

When remodeling your kitchen, think about incorporating pop-up outlets into your kitchen island. They can be a game-changer for both convenience and style. These outlets can be hidden away when not in use, maintaining a clean and uncluttered surface. When needed, they pop up to provide easy access to power for your small appliances.

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Custom Kitchen Islands

The trend of eliminating traditional kitchen tables in favor of a multifunctional kitchen island is on the upswing. Custom kitchen islands can include a table at one end, providing a versatile space for dining and socializing. This design not only creates a hub for family and friends to gather, but it also allows for the space previously dedicated to a kitchen table or breakfast nook to be repurposed for something else.

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Project: Oakton Whole House Renovation

Enhancing Convenience

Pot Filler Faucets

Pot filler faucets, installed behind the range, provide a convenient way to fill large pots with water directly on the stovetop. This feature eliminates the need to carry heavy pots from the sink to the stove, reducing the risk of spills and making cooking more efficient … and elegant, as they are a gorgeous fixture.

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Project: Town of Herndon Addition

Hot Water Dispensers

Instant hot water dispensers offer immediate access to hot water, perfect for cooking and beverages. Whether boiling water for pasta or making a quick cup of tea, this feature adds a layer of convenience that, once introduced (like on vacation), many homeowners deem indispensable.

Specialty Areas and Appliances

Coffee Bar

Dedicated coffee bars (sometimes called beverage centers) are becoming increasingly popular in modern kitchens. These spaces are designed to house all your coffee-making essentials, from the espresso machine to storage for mugs and beans. A well-designed coffee bar can streamline your morning routine and be a design focal point for coffee enthusiasts.

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Project: Fairfax Warm Country Kitchen
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Close up of the coffee bar pictured above.

Kegerator and Ice Makers

For those who love to entertain, a kegerator and ice maker are fantastic and fun additions. A kegerator keeps your favorite beer on tap, ready for any occasion, while an ice maker ensures you never run out of ice for drinks. Typically, the kegerator is integrated into the basement remodel, a common gathering spot for family and friends to watch the game or hang out. Meanwhile, we’ve designed ice makers in both places – the main kitchen or the basement – based on our clients’ preferences. Ice makers come in quite a range of options to suit different needs.

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Project: Fairfax Warm Country Kitchen

Mini-Fridges

Mini-fridges offer additional storage for beverages, snacks or specialty items that you want to keep separate from the main refrigerator. They are perfect for placing in kitchen islands or pantry areas, providing easy access without overcrowding your primary fridge.

A modern kitchen bar area with blue cabinets, a marble countertop, wine coolers, a black faucet, glassware storage, and a patterned orange rug on a wooden floor.
Project: Herndon Basement Remodel with Bath

Modern Aesthetics

Panel-Ready Appliances

Panel-ready appliances, such as dishwashers and refrigerators, are making a comeback! This design choice creates a cohesive and streamlined look, maintaining the aesthetic flow of your kitchen.

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Uninterrupted Backsplashes

To achieve a clean and uninterrupted backsplash look, consider placing lights and outlets underneath the cabinets. This approach keeps the backsplash free from visual clutter, enhancing the overall design while providing functional lighting and power access.

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Project: Falls Church Kitchen Remodel with Ceiling Wallpaper
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Unique Bathroom Features

Smart and Functional Additions

Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors in bathrooms are a highly practical addition, offering both convenience and energy efficiency. These sensors automatically turn the lights on when you enter and off when you leave, ensuring the bathroom is always well-lit when in use and reducing wasteful energy consumption when it’s not. This feature is particularly useful for households with children who may forget to turn the lights off, and it also adds an element of modern sophistication to your bathroom space.

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Staggered Niche Shelving

Staggered niche shelving adds both storage and aesthetic appeal to bathrooms.  These shelves provide a stylish and practical space to store toiletries, towels, and other bathroom essentials, freeing up precious counter space.

Enhancing the Shower Experience

Waterproof Speaker Shelves

Adding a shelf for a waterproof speaker in the shower allows you to enjoy music, podcasts or audiobooks while you bathe. This feature enhances the overall shower experience, making it more enjoyable and relaxing.

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Project: Reston Bathroom with Steam Shower

Steam Showers

Steam showers are a luxurious addition to any bathroom. They offer numerous health benefits, including relaxation, improved circulation and respiratory relief. Incorporating a steam shower into your remodel can transform your bathroom into a personal spa.

Modern Amenities

Outlets in Drawers

Installing outlets inside bathroom drawers provides a convenient way to keep hairdryers, electric shavers and other grooming tools plugged in and ready to use while keeping countertops clutter-free.

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Project: Vienna Beautiful Blue Bathroom

Natural Light Enhancements

Bringing natural light into the water closet can be an important design element for homeowners. We’ve used two solutions: 1) installing a frosted door and 2) a custom window above a translucent bathroom door. Both allow more natural light to flow into the space without sacrificing privacy. 

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Project: Vienna Beautiful Blue Bathroom
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Washlet Toilets

Washlet toilets, with features like heated seats, bidet functions and nightlights, are becoming increasingly popular. These modern amenities offer enhanced comfort and hygiene, making them a valuable addition to any bathroom remodel.

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Whether you want to streamline your morning routine or create a more inviting space for entertaining, incorporating these unique kitchen and bath elements into your home can greatly enhance its functionality and the enjoyment you receive from the space.

Are you ready for a kitchen or bath remodel? No matter how far along you are in considering options, contact us and schedule a consultation. We’re happy to hear what you are looking for and share a bit about us, too, to see if we are a good fit. Tell us about your project.