Here are 7 kitchen upgrades that might not be on your builder’s standard list but once you see them, you’ll want them!
1. Filtered Water Right in the Faucet
Adding a built-in filtered water faucet is a game-changer. Instead of using a pitcher or installing a clunky filter on your tap, you get clean drinking water straight from the source. You can select tap water for dishes and filtered water for drinking or cooking. Also great for filling up bottles.
Shop mine here: https://geni.us/krausfilter
2. Kitchen Faucet Jet With Spray Shield
These faucet heads shoot a jet of water surrounded by a spray shield. It blasts food off dishes without splashing water everywhere. If you’ve ever sprayed something and ended up wet from elbow to wrist, you’ll understand why this feature is getting so popular.
3. Blind Corner Storage That Actually Works
You know that deep, dark corner of your lower cabinets you can never reach? There are amazing storage solutions now that make that space usable. If you’re building from scratch, get pull-out trays or rotating shelves so that space doesn’t go to waste!
Shop mine here: https://geni.us/blindcornerstorage
4. Toekick Lighting
Toe-kick lighting gives you just enough light to grab a glass of water in the middle of the night without flipping on all the lights. You can put it on a motion sensor, too, which makes it even better. It’s easiest to install during the build when wiring is still open, so plan ahead if it’s something you want.
5. Paper Towel Storage
Tired of having your paper towel roll sitting on the counter or hanging off a cabinet door? Built-in paper towel storage is a simple upgrade that keeps your space looking clean. It can go inside a drawer, a cabinet, or even under the sink. You still have easy access, but your counters stay clear.
Check it out here: https://geni.us/PaperTowelPullout
6. Built-In Knife Block Drawer
This upgrade gives your knives a permanent home inside a drawer. It keeps them organized, protected, and off the counter. It’s safer, cleaner, and gives your kitchen that high-end feel without a big price tag.
Here’s a popular one: https://geni.us/Knifeblockdrawer
7. Fridge Drawer for Extra Storage
If you entertain often or have a big family, a fridge drawer is a total win. It’s a small pull-out fridge usually built into your island or lower cabinets. It’s great for drinks, snacks, or overflow when your main fridge gets too full. It’s not a must-have for every home, but it’s one of those upgrades that makes life a little easier.
Plan Before You Build
These kitchen upgrades aren’t all big or expensive, but they make a big difference in how your space works day to day. If you’re building a home, it’s smart to think through these details now while the design is still flexible.
Want to make sure you're not missing clever features like these? The Ultimate Home Building Checklist has all of these ideas (and a ton more) in one place to help you plan smarter.
