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Exploring Kitchen Features Homeowners Want
As consumer lifestyles evolve, so too do the demands placed on kitchen design. From multifunctional layouts to refined aesthetics, today’s homeowners are seeking kitchens that deliver both style and substance. In this feature, Uform Marketing Executive Leah Archer outlines the top 10 kitchen features STORI consumers are prioritising – offering valuable insights and practical guidance to help retailers and designers meet evolving market expectations.
#1 – Green Paint Colours
At STORI, green paint colours have been at the top of the list for homeowners, as they seek to bring a touch of nature into their kitchens. People love how greens can create a calming and refreshing vibe, from deep forest hues to soft sage tones – the right shade can transform a space into a serene oasis.
Retailer Insight: For customers considering a green kitchen, we recommend encouraging a visit to your showroom where they can explore the full range of colour swatches and door samples in person. Understanding their vision early on allows you to guide them toward the ideal finish and style – helping to build confidence in their decision and elevate the overall design experience.
Explore more green paint colours in the STORI Inspiration Gallery
#2 – Shaker Cabinetry
Shaker style doors continue to be a highly popular choice for homeowners who want a versatile and timeless design that offers both functionality and elegance. Perfectly suited to almost any kitchen style, from classic to modern, shaker doors are a favourite for many homeowners.
Aldana – Graphite and Light Grey (Main Image) | Ellesmere – Dust Grey | Kensington – Light Grey and Dust Grey
Designer Insight: Shaker doors continue to be a strong performer in kitchen retail, offering a wide range of styles including narrow frames, beaded profiles, and finishes from painted timber to smooth matte. Affordable woodgrain-effect foil options add value without compromising on style. The STORI Collection delivers a versatile selection that caters to varied tastes and budgets, making it easy for retailers to meet customer demand. Prioritising quality materials ensures long-term durability and enhances the overall look, helping drive customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Explore STORI Shaker Kitchens
#3 – Kitchen Storage & Bin Solutions
Smart storage solutions are a top priority for many homeowners, from versatile tall larders, corner storage and base pull-outs to accessible bin solutions – these innovative products are proving popular for those wanting to maximise storage space and functionality.
Arrington – Shell and Slate Blue featuring VS TAL Gate PRO | VS ENVI Space XX Pro | VS COR Flex
Designer Insight: Effective kitchen design starts with tailored storage solutions that align with your customer’s lifestyle. Maximise vertical space with taller cabinetry, integrate recycling bins seamlessly, and specify pull-out mechanisms for hard-to-reach corners. For larger households, consider upsizing pantry storage, increasing waste bin capacity, and incorporating multifunctional furniture to maintain order and accessibility. These practical enhancements not only improve day-to-day usability but also add tangible value to the overall kitchen design.
Explore more Kitchen Storage Solutions
#4 – Kitchen Islands
Kitchen islands have become a top request not only in open plan kitchens, but also in broken plan as they provide homeowners with that additional workspace for meal prep, dining, as well as a gathering spot for socialising with family and friends.
Ellesmere – Slate Blue and Light Grey (Main Image) | Zola Soft-Matte – Cashmere and White | Jacobsen – Taupe Grey and Light Teal
Designer Insight: When specifying kitchen islands, consider integrating built-in appliances and features that enhance both functionality and customer appeal. Options like a hob with downdraught extraction, 3-in-1 boiling water taps, Belfast sinks, wireless charging points, and dedicated seating transform the island into a fully equipped, multi-purpose hub—ideal for cooking, entertaining, and everyday living. These additions not only maximise space efficiency but also create strong upsell opportunities in premium kitchen projects.
#5 – Pantries
Following closely is the demand for pantries. Homeowners love the idea of having dedicated storage for their kitchen essentials, whether it’s a sleek built-in larder cupboard or a spacious walk-in, a well organised pantry is a wonderful addition for keeping things structured and easily accessible.
Belgravia – Reed Green (Main Image) | Kensington – Light Grey and Dust Grey | Winslow – Porcelain
Designer Insight: When designing pantry spaces, build in flexibility to future-proof your customer’s kitchen. A considered mix of open shelving, internal compartments, and varied drawer configurations allows for easy adaptation as storage needs evolve—whether due to changing cooking habits or growing family demands. This approach not only enhances functionality but also adds long-term value to the overall kitchen layout.
Explore STORI Pantries & Larders
#6 – Handles
Handles might seem like a small detail, but they can dramatically influence the overall aesthetics of kitchen cabinetry. We’ve noticed that homeowners have been choosing pairings such as T-Bar and Bar handles to enhance their kitchen design.
Lawrenson – Antique Red (T-Bar & Bar Handles) | Lawrenson – Stone (Bar Handles) | Dawson – Graphite (D-Handles)
Retailer Insight: When guiding customers through handle choices, it’s important to balance aesthetics with practicality. Consider finish and colour to complement the overall kitchen design, but also focus on tactile elements like shape, grip, and texture to ensure everyday usability. Recommending the right handle can elevate both the look and functionality of the space—making it a key detail in the overall specification.
Explore STORI Handles
#7 – Integrated Appliances
Integrated appliances can enhance the streamlined look of your kitchen, providing a seamless appearance that maximises space. Homeowners appreciate the stylish integration of function and design, giving the space a clean, modern look.
Zola Soft-Matte – Indigo (Main Image) | Ellesmere – Dust Grey | Harborne – Graphite
Designer Insight: To ensure a streamlined kitchen layout, plan the placement of integrated appliances from the outset of the design process. Early specification helps avoid spatial conflicts, ensures proper ventilation and access, and supports a more efficient installation. This proactive approach not only improves functionality but also enhances the overall finish and customer satisfaction.
#8 – Hidden Utility Rooms
Hidden utility rooms are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners look for clever ways to hide the more functional, less visually appealing aspects of their kitchens. These discreet spaces allow for laundry, storage and other utilities to be tucked away seamlessly. We’ve seen a growing number of Real Stories from retailers showcasing beautifully executed hidden utility designs that blend practicality with style.
Belgravia – Parisian Blue (Main Image) | Winslow – Taupe Grey | Zola Soft-Matte – Cashmere and White
Retailer Insight: When specifying hidden utility rooms, ensure they’re not only discreet but also highly functional. Easy access, smart internal organisation, and efficient layout planning are key to maintaining practicality without compromising the overall kitchen aesthetic. A well-designed utility space supports seamless day-to-day living and adds real value to the customer’s home.
Explore STORI Laundry & Utility Rooms
#9 – Drinks Dressers & Home Bars
Homeowners are increasingly embracing drinks dressers and home bars, making them a popular addition to many spaces. A well-designed drinks dresser or home bar not only showcases your finest glassware but also keeps your favourite beverages within easy reach, providing the ultimate touch of sophistication and convenience when entertaining.
Retailer Insight: Incorporating a drinks dresser or home bar into the kitchen layout offers a stylish and functional upgrade that resonates with customers looking to enhance their entertaining space. These features provide organised storage for beverages and glassware, while elevating the overall design. For retailers, they present a strong upsell opportunity and a way to differentiate premium kitchen offerings.
Explore STORI Dressers & Drinks Cabinets
#10 – Ambient Lighting
Ambient kitchen lighting is key for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, while improving functionality. Choosing the right type of lighting along with the right colour temperature can really enhance your kitchen’s style.
Zola Soft-Matte – Cashmere (Main Image) | Ellesmere – Slate Blue and Light Grey | Aldana – Graphite and Light Grey
Retailer Insight: For traditional kitchen schemes, warm white lighting complements matte finishes and timber worktops, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Enhance functionality and visual appeal by specifying under-cabinet or strip lighting. Smart lighting systems offer added value, allowing customers to adjust brightness and mood with ease—delivering both practicality and a premium user experience.
Explore STORI Lighting Solutions
From a comprehensive range of doors, handles and handleless rails to lighting, storage and bins, Uform is fully committed to offering retailers premium quality and design innovation for any space.
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