Top Kitchen Design Features You Didn’t Know You Needed
November 26, 2025
You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to benefit from a high-performance kitchen. Whether you’re building new or planning a renovation, the right layout and features can dramatically improve your daily life. At Jaffe Architecture, we are a full-service architecture firm with plenty of experience designing custom kitchens that marry elegance with everyday efficiency. Here are seven kitchen elements we think every home needs—especially if you’ve just hosted another holiday with too little counter space and too many trips to the garage fridge.
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01 - Two Dishwashers
If you entertain regularly, a second dishwasher isn’t a luxury—it’s a game changer. While one runs, the other can be loaded, or you can keep one for prep and the other for cleanup. We often place them on either side of a large sink, keeping traffic flowing and cleanup streamlined.
02 - A Convenient Walk-In Pantry
A pantry that disappears into the millwork keeps clutter out of sight while staying easily accessible. Whether hidden or not, a walk-in pantry near your main prep zone is essential—it’s the perfect place to stash countertop appliances, bulk goods, paper towel refills, a Dyson, and even oversized pots.
03 - Coffee Bar
We love the look of built-in appliances—but when they break, they’re a headache to replace. That’s why we often carve out a dedicated nook with hidden power for a freestanding machine like a Jura. We also recommend knowing yourself: if you’re pulling shots of espresso multiple times a day, a concealed coffee bar may not be for you. Those pocket doors will never stay closed.
04 - Baking Center
Whether you’re a dedicated baker or just appreciate a good weekend project, a lower counter surface for kneading dough and a nearby appliance garage for mixers and tools keeps your baking zone clean and ergonomic.
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05 - Workstation Sink
A large sink with integrated accessories (colanders, cutting boards, drying racks) keeps everything contained—especially during high-traffic prep and cleanup. A workstation sink is not only practical, it also looks appropriately scaled to the oversized islands that have become a staple in modern kitchens.
06 - Touch-to-Open Trash Drawer
With a little push of the knee, the garbage drawer opens and then glides shut again—no hands required. We love this open/close assist not just for trash but for any cabinetry that’s hard to reach or where minimal hardware keeps the design clean.
07 - Custom Interior Drawer Inserts
After move-in, we help our clients build out their drawers with inserts tailored to their daily rituals—cutlery, utensils, dishes, and more. These inserts can even match the interior finish of the drawer box, bringing cohesion and order to your everyday tools.
At Jaffe Architecture, our kitchen designs are grounded in collaboration. We start by surveying your existing space and talking through your real-life routines—from morning coffee to after-dinner cleanup—so we can create solutions that work for you. Whether you’re dreaming big or simply hoping to make next Thanksgiving a little easier, we’d love to help you build a kitchen that fits your life beautifully.