When designing your kitchen, you likely think of all the features you want to add – but there are a few things to keep out of your kitchen, too, if you want a visually appealing and practical space.
From aesthetic pieces to larger, more practical features, knowing the things to keep out of your kitchen will make designing your space much easier. Plus, it will create a more stylish and functional finish.
To help you find the right locations for your belongings, we've asked interior designers for the things to keep out of your kitchen, and where they should live instead.
6 things to keep out of your kitchen
From layout flaws to smaller fixes, there are always a few things interior designers prefer to keep out of the kitchen. And while they might not all be realistic for your space, there's food for thought here for every space.
1. Powder rooms
While you might be thinking why would you ever have a powder room in the kitchen, it turns out more than one designer has walked into homes and seen the downstairs toilet connected to the kitchen.
'At all costs, we keep powder rooms far away from kitchens. I cannot believe how many times I enter an existing house and the powder room door is close to a kitchen,' says Seth Ballard, of Ballard & Mensua Architecture.
If you're renovating, consider relocating a powder room elsewhere in your home, whether it's in the hallway or an awkward space below the stairs. 'I always make this a priority to move it. We always put the powder room either off of the foyer, in a separate hallway, or a mudroom,' says Seth.
2. Washers and dryers
If you don't have the luxury of a laundry room or a utility room, it's highly likely your washer and dryer live somewhere in your kitchen. But according to Seth, the kitchen really isn't the best place for them.
'I also see people who somewhere along the line got the idea that having laundry in the kitchen is helpful and functional. While louvered doors could separate them, the laundry should always be separated into a different room.'
There are a few alternative options here – a big enough cupboard can house your washer and dryer, or if you have a large bathroom, making space for your appliances here can make all the difference.
3. Oversized decor
We love to add decorative elements to a kitchen, but oversized pieces can instantly make your space feel cluttered and potentially impede on much-needed surface space. Instead, keep the bigger decorative items out of the kitchen and prioritize more aesthetic kitchenware.
'We advise clients to keep countertops free of clutter – whether it's decor pieces or small appliances, they don't belong on the countertop,' says Molly Torres Portnof, founder at DATE Interiors.
'Decor is better suited in the entryway or living room, while appliances should be built into the cabinetry or tucked away in a cabinet or appliance garage,' she explains. Smaller decor still has a place in kitchens, preferably on shelving or artwork that can be hung on the walls.
Hand-carved from natural European oak with elegant brass details, these fluted wood salt and pepper mills are a stunning yet functional addition.
Kitchen pendant lights are another way to add a decorative element that's also incredibly practical. This design is very similar to the one used by Molly.
While the cake stand in the kitchen above has been used to display fruit, it also looks great filled with baked goods when topped with a glass dome.
4. A drinks fridge
There are some added luxuries that make hosting so much easier, but having them in your kitchen can make the space feel more crowded – and often less functional than locating them elsewhere.
'Having beverage fridges in the kitchen can lead to frequent interruptions while cooking. By relocating them to a more central area, you allow easy access for everyone without disrupting meal prep or kitchen activities ,' says Sarah Snouffer, founder and principal architect at Third Street Architecture.
'A great spot for a beverage fridge is in a home bar area or multi-purpose room. This keeps it conveniently accessible while ensuring it doesn't disrupt kitchen activities or workflow,' she adds.
5. Picture frames
Creating a cozier, more lived-in feel to a kitchen is all about making the functional more aesthetic, but interior designer Vanessa DeLeon says some decor items should be kept out of the kitchen.
'We prefer to remove picture frames to maintain a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic. By eliminating framed artwork, we create a more open and spacious environment, allowing the focus to remain on the functional beauty of the space itself. This approach highlights the natural textures, finishes, and architectural details of the kitchen, ensuring a harmonious, clutter-free design.'
Instead, add beautiful pieces that have a function, as well as look stylish. In this kitchen, a checkered kettle, sculptural vases, and metallic details on the range hood add the decorative details – so picture frames just aren't necessary.
'Instead of using picture frames in the kitchen, we suggest placing them in the family room, where they can serve as a focal point and add personal character to the space. The pictures can be appreciated in a setting that encourages conversation and connection, enhancing the overall design without overwhelming the more utilitarian kitchen space,' she adds.
6. Barware
In a similar vein to drinks fridges, other barware items, such as cocktail glasses, mixers, and decorative bottles, are another thing to keep out of your kitchen. This will not only reduce clutter but encourage you to find a more functional place for them to live.
'One thing we recommend keeping out of the kitchen is barware and anything used to make cocktails or entertain,' says interior designer Todd Raymond, who recommends relocating them to the room you're likely to use them most.
Keeping these special occasion pieces that you likely only use when hosting means your kitchen countertops remain uncluttered, and your cabinet space can be used for items that you need within easy reach.
'We prefer to put these items on display – or partially on display – on a sideboard in the dining room or even clear a dedicated space on a bookshelf in the living room. Barware can be beautiful and unique in its own way and can contribute to the style and personality of any room.'
Beautiful glassware deserves to be seen. There's something glamorous yet timeless about these fluted wine glassed with a gold rim. Available in four other colors.
Every host needs a cocktail shaker to whip up some fancy concoctions. Inspired by Art Nouveau designs, this shaker is a truly elegant addition to your bar.
Every home mixologist knows different drinks require different glassware. These coupe glasses feature a festive gold stem – perfect for holiday celebrations.
Everyone's space is different, but according to designers, these are the things to keep out of your kitchen for a functional and visually appealing scheme. It's all about keeping your scheme clutter-free and creating layouts that make sense.
