The kitchen is a crucial space in any home, and it should be both functional and visually appealing. To achieve a balance between these two aspects, it’s important to identify your kitchen essentials. These essentials may include functional features such as appliances and storage solutions and style elements such as lighting fixtures, backsplashes, and countertops. By identifying your essential design and functional elements, you can significantly improve the aesthetics and practicality of your kitchen. Don’t settle for a plain kitchen; make it a space that represents you.
Kitchen Essentials: #1 Cutting Boards
A lot of people only have one cutting board in their kitchen. But you really need two: one for cooked food and produce and one for raw proteins. By using different cutting boards for the two, you avoid cross-contamination when cooking. Raw proteins are best prepared on dishwasher-safe plastic cutting boards, while cooked food, vegetables, and fruits can be prepared on a wooden or plastic cutting board.
#2 Knives
Every cook knows that preparing food quickly becomes a smooth process with proper knives. You won’t have to buy the most expensive, professional chef’s knives, but a good-quality cutting tool can simplify your work in the kitchen. Get an 8-inch chef’s knife with sturdy handles at a reasonable price. In addition, buy a serrated knife and a paring knife. These are the three essential knives every kitchen should have. If you’re willing to splurge a bit, get a butcher’s block with a set of knives in different sizes. That way, you’ll always have the right tools to prepare your fruits, vegetables, and meat.
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Kitchen Essentials: #3 Utensils
Different recipes require different utensils, and having a wide variety of utensils will ensure that you’ll never have to borrow any kitchen tools at your neighbor’s. Whether you enjoy a smoothie or salad making, baking or cooking, make sure to have the following staples in your kitchen:
These different utensils will serve you well when preparing different types of meals and treats – from Sunday dinners to baking cookies, they are sure to come in handy all year round!
- Tongs
- Ladle
- Nonstick spatula
- Wire whisk
- Rolling pin
- Wooden spoon
- Meat mallet
- Peeler
- Slotted spoon
#4 Knife Sharpener
You can’t go without a knife sharpener once you have the right knives in your kitchen. Dull knives don’t just make chopping difficult; they can also be dangerous. Instead of hiring a knife sharpener or sharpening service, you can get a simple manual sharpener that ensures any blade stays as sharp as when you bought it.
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Quick Tip – Style is Still Important: When purchasing your kitchen essentials, it’s worth maintaining a clear and consistent visual style. Of course, function comes first, but a coherent visual profile is a big plus.
Kitchen Essentials: #5 Dutch Oven
The classic Dutch oven is an essential cast iron dinner party that can go in the oven or on the stovetop. From searing meat to baking bread and slowly cooking a stew for several hours in the oven, this kitchen tool is practical and beautiful. Available in different colors and sizes, this valuable kitchen tool is worth its initial investment.
Also read: How to Host a Dinner Party: 5 Steps to a Memorable Evening
#6 Bowls
Different-sized bowls are an absolute must-have in your kitchen. From small cereal bowls to large mixing and salad bowls, you will want several durable and practical bowls. If you have open shelving, colorful bowls can add a beautiful design element to your space. Choose contemporary stainless-steel or porcelain bowls with eye-catching designs, depending on your interior style. Have at least three mixing bowls on-hand and several smaller bowls to serve food.
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Kitchen Essentials: #7 Bakeware
From baking cakes to roasting chicken, you’ll need to have the appropriate bakeware in your kitchen. Your essential must-haves include a standard 9×13” baking pan and an 8” glass baking dish. In addition, specialty bakeware for roasting, baking, and pizza allows you to prepare different dishes. At a minimum, you should have the following:
- 9×13” baking pan (ideal for baking cake)
- 8×8” square glass baking pan
- 8”, 9” or 10” round cake pan
- 9” or 10” glass pie plate
- 9×5” loaf pan
- Standard muffin tin
#8 Measuring Spoons & Cups
Having one set of measuring spoons and one set of measuring cups in the kitchen will cover your basics. For more convenience, get an additional set of measuring cups with handles and pouring spouts for liquids. You’ll use the other set exclusively for dry ingredients.
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Quick Tip – Cookbooks!: There’s no use having a fully stocked and furnished kitchen if you have no idea how to use it. Make sure to have cookbooks on standby for education and inspiration in the kitchen.
#9 Blender
Whether you like to have a smoothie for breakfast or regularly chop fruits and vegetables for your salad and dressings, having a blender in your kitchen is incredibly practical and saves you a lot of time when preparing food. High-speed blenders are known to turn ingredients into the smoothest creams and drinks but are also more expensive.
If you’re not too picky with the consistency of your smoothie and prefer to save cost, a standard blender will get the job done. Many blenders come in beautiful designs and colors, and there are plenty of models to choose from in a wide price range to fit your needs and budget. Since you will most likely keep your blender on your countertop, choose a well-designed one that will add to the overall look of your kitchen, considering your existing decor. White marble kitchen? Opt for a bold red shade. Black laminate surfaces? Choose a classic white color.
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Quick Tip – Use Function as Decor: Certain items like fruit bowls and serveware can be used effectively for table centerpieces, so consider how to incorporate function and decoration one go at a time.
#10 Storage Containers
Microwave-, dishwasher- and freezer-safe storage containers are super useful for keeping leftovers fresh in your refrigerator and holding unused ingredients. Get a complete set of glass containers in different sizes to avoid the BPA that comes with plastic containers.
Enhance Your Home With Kitchen Essentials
Transform your kitchen into a captivating space with our must-have decor essentials. Elevate your home with distinctive homeware sets, enchanting lighting, and timeless decorations that will leave a lasting impression. Make your mark in style and devise a kitchen that reflects your taste and personality. For more inspiration, explore trusted design blogs and gather ideas to make your dream kitchen a reality. Get started on your kitchen redesign today and take the first step towards an astonishing transformation!
