This three part series first appeared in Richmond, Virginia publications Chesterfield Living, Hanover Lifestyles, and West Ends Best in the Feburary/ March 2013 issues. Continued from Spice Up Your Kitchen!

CREATING A GOURMET KITCHEN

Achieving the look and feel of a gourmet kitchen is not just about component choices such as appliances; it also includes cabinet style, finishes, lighting, and other details. For the epicurean or perhaps for someone who just loves cooking, outfitting a kitchen with a few extra bells and whistles not only kicks the aesthetics up a notch but can also improve ease of use and convenience. A pot-filler faucet at the range, for instance, eliminates a trip to the sink with a heavy pot. You may be interested in specialized work areas such as a baking station with a pullout cutting board, a lift-up mixer in the base cabinet, or other customized task center.

Extras such as a wine/ beverage refrigerator and perhaps a designer sink can take the look to the next level, or a vegetable prep area near the refrigerator can create a secondary work station. Consider upscale cooking technology such as an induction cooktop or a steam or convection oven. How about warming drawers or a built-in espresso machine?  Do customized storage and organizational features, designed to accommodate every possible gadget or device, strike your fancy? These options may add that special convenience and design touch you’re looking for.

Restaurant-inspired and celebrity chef-style kitchens are a choice for some serious cooks. These may include oversized appliances, details, and finishes in keeping with those more typically found in a commercial setting.  Exposed shelving and pot racks, although seen in many different types of kitchens, can add a bit of openness and character while keeping items within easy reach.

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Spice Up Your Kitchen! part 3 Spice Up Your Kitchen!