12 Ways To Create a Professional Kitchen at Home

By: Andrew Saladino | 5 min

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it should be the perfect space to gather with loved ones and prepare delicious meals. If you're feeling uninspired, transforming your space into a chef's kitchen can help make cooking more enjoyable. Not to mention, you'll have everything you need to whip up tasty dishes like the pros.

Whether you're gearing up for a remodel or are looking to add some smaller details, we've gathered our best ideas to help you create a professional kitchen at home that's fit for a chef.

How to Create a Professional Kitchen at Home

1. Create a Kitchen Layout that Flows
2. Choose Durable Flooring
3. Make Sure You Have Plenty of Counter Space
4. Install a Generous Sink
5. Choose a Powerful Faucet
6. Maximize Storage with Plenty of Kitchen Cabinets
7. Invest in Professional, Stainless Steel Appliances
8. Install Lighting Over Cooking Areas
9. Add a Pots and Pans Rack for Added Convinience
10. Incorporate Open Shelves
11. Add a Butcher Block
12. Incorporate the Latest Technology

1. Create a Kitchen Layout That Flows

The layout of your kitchen can be the difference between a stressful and enjoyable cooking experience. While the details will depend on your specific kitchen, an efficient layout maximizes space and improves your workflow. Currently, L-shaped and U-shaped layouts are popular because they allow for more than one chef to be cooking at the same time, while also providing plenty of room for storage.

2. Choose Durable Flooring

Kitchens are one of the most high-traffic areas of the home, so you want to make sure you choose flooring that's durable and nonslip. Some of the best kitchen flooring options are hardwood, tile, natural stone, and concrete.

3. Make Sure You Have Plenty of Counter Space

In order to create a chef's kitchen at home, we recommend having at least three separate counter areas so you have plenty of space for prepping ingredients, cooking, and cleaning dishes. One way to maximize counter space is installing a kitchen island. Plus, you can add barstools to create a casual seating area.

4. Install a Generous Sink

One thing that all amateur chefs need is an industrial kitchen sink roomy enough to clean those large pots and pans. We recommend stainless steel because it's extremely durable, so you won't have to worry about replacing it anytime soon.

5. Choose a Powerful Faucet

In addition to your professional sink, be sure you have a powerful pull-down kitchen faucet. Not only will it make doing dishes a breeze, but it will also speed up your prep time - allowing you to fill pots in a matter of seconds and rinse ingredients efficiently.

6. Maximize Storage With Plenty of Kitchen Cabinets

A good chef has lots of cooking supplies and dishes, so it's important to have plenty of kitchen cabinets to store everything you need out of sight. Not to mention, high-quality cabinets can elevate the look and feel of your space, and even add a pop of color if desired.

7. Invest in Professional, Stainless Steel Appliances

You won't regret investing in professional kitchen appliances for the home. Replace your standard appliances with an industrial, stainless steel refrigerator, oven, vent hood, dishwasher, and microwave to cook like a pro. Stainless steel works with any kitchen design - whether you're going for a craftsman style or an industrial look.

8. Install Lighting Over Cooking Areas

Proper lighting is a must when creating a professional kitchen setup. Be sure to install overhead lighting as well as lighting under cabinets for extra brightness in prep areas. This will make it easier (and safer) for you to finely chop all the ingredients needed to whip up your favorite recipe.

9. Add a Pots and Pans Rack for Added Convenience

Since chefs are constantly using different cookware to create their meal, most professional kitchens have a pots and pans rack for added convenience. You can hang this rack above the island, above a window, or near the range to ensure you have easy access to your cooking essentials.

10. Incorporate Open Shelves

Open shelves are not only stylish, but they also make your kitchen staples easily accessible to you and your guests. While you're cooking or entertaining, you can grab any dish you need - just be sure to keep these shelves organized for a seamless look.

11. Add a Butcher Block

A butcher block is essential for properly cutting and preparing meat. You can choose to install butcher block countertops or incorporate it into a designated island. In terms of aesthetics, butcher blocks add a warm, farmhouse feel to any kitchen.

12. Incorporate the Latest Technology

To complete your professional kitchen at home, consider incorporating some of the latest tech gadgets. Smart appliances, built-in charging stations, and touch-activated faucets can take your cooking experience to the next level.

Need a designer's eye to help you bring the pro kitchen of your dreams to life? Our NKBA certified designers can help you choose the perfect layout and design elements to reflect your unique style.

Creating a Professional Kitchen at Home FAQs

Before you set out to transform your space, here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about creating a chef's kitchen at home.

What is a chef's kitchen?

A chef's kitchen is designed to be used by a professional chef - offering all the equipment and features needed to create gourmet meals. While these kitchens are often seen in restaurants, they can also be created in your own home.

What are the features of a chef's kitchen?

So, what sets a chef's kitchen apart from a standard one? A professional home kitchen typically has the following features:

• Open floor plan
• Spacious island
• Industrial sink
• Stainless steel appliances
• Pots and pans rack
• Butcher block

When building a commercial kitchen in your home, feel free to pick and choose the features that matter most to you.

How do you add warmth to a professional kitchen at home?

When you picture a chef's kitchen in your mind, you may think of a commercial, stainless steel one as seen in restaurants. However, that's not really what we're going for when creating a professional kitchen at home.

To avoid the sterile look of professional kitchens, add texture and color. Natural materials bring the outside in, while a pop of color adds uniqueness. Complete the space with a soft, patterned runner for extra coziness, and be sure to add decor for a personal touch.

What cooking supplies should you stock your kitchen with?

Once you've created your restaurant-style home kitchen, make sure to stock it with all of the essentials needed to level up your cooking. In addition to the basics, you may also want to add the following supplies to your kitchen:

• Professional-grade blender
• Cast-iron skillet
• Dutch oven
• Knife sharpener
• Food processor
• Gas torch
• Milk frother
• Kitchen scale

If you're interested in getting more inspiration for your home, visit our kitchen and bathroom ideas hub. Here, you'll find even more resources dedicated to remodeling, designing, and organizing these spaces in your home.

Ready to get started creating the pro kitchen of your dreams? Explore our ready-to-assemble and pre-assembled cabinets at the best price.