It's easy to get carried away with the aesthetic features in a kitchen, which can leave us wishing we'd thought more about the practical elements – in particular, the kitchen features that will make everyday tasks and needs undeniably easier.
While keeping the less attractive kitchenware and essentials out of sight might be the answer to a tidy, stylish space, you still need to consider where you will store the things you need easy access to every day, as well as the features that make using your space easier and more practical.
This doesn't mean you have to ruin the visual appeal of your kitchen ideas, though. In fact, designers say there are plenty of features you can add and change to make life easier, from small additions and accessories to bigger furniture pieces. There's something here for every style, space, and budget.
7 kitchen features that will make your life easier
Whether you're in the planning stages of a kitchen remodel or you simply want to make your existing space feel more functional, there are a range of features that will make your life easier for every budget. From thoughtful kitchen storage to functional decor, introducing even one of these expert suggestions will make a huge difference.
1. A windowsill planter or pot for easy-access herbs
If you're an avid cook who likes to season and garnish with fresh herbs, you probably have a few potted plants dotted around your kitchen or filling up your windowsill. And left displayed in their plastic pots, they end up looking a bit messy and cluttered.
But the simple addition of a windowsill planter will completely transform your indoor herb garden. With a designated place for them to grow and a beautifully designed planter for them to be displayed in, your kitchen will instantly feel tidier and more curated.
Not only does it look better, but you'll probably find your potted herbs thrive better as they are less susceptible to damage from accidental knocks and overcrowding.
Fluted finishes are a huge kitchen trend right now, and this windowsill planter is the perfect way to bring this textural detail into your scheme. It has three different sections to house your most-used fresh herbs, and it can be used indoors or outside – the perfect versatile design.
If you prefer a design with more of an aged look, this set of 2 might just pique your interest. Simple in design and weather and UV resistant, these indoor/outdoor planters are the perfect size for your windowsill herbs, with the option to fill them with just one plant or multiple.
Some herbs are known super spreaders (mint, we're talking about you), so sometimes having separate pots for each plant is the best choice. To keep that sense of cohesion on your windowsill, this herb garden set from Amazon features three separate pots that all sit in a tray. Stylish and practical!
2. A coffee bar
Your kitchen should function for the way you use it, not just the things that are trending. So, think about the things you use the most and how easy they are to access. If your morning rituals are the most important, why not consider a coffee station?
'I always tell clients that the most successful kitchen features are the ones that support your daily rhythms. A dedicated coffee bar is one of my favorite additions. It keeps everything from mugs to beans in one spot, creates a morning ritual space, and helps reduce clutter on the main countertops,' says interior designer Marie Flanigan.
In this kitchen, a full-length cabinet has been transformed into a charming coffee nook, complete with a coffee maker, morning brew essentials, and a selection of mugs. Simple yet oh so effective.
A pretty mug makes morning rituals even more enjoyable. This checkered design, also available in blue, pink, orange, and green, is the perfect size for tea or coffee.
To elevate your coffee bar, decant your coffee beans, tea bags, and sugar into pretty canisters. This textured glass design with a dark wood top is a timeless choice.
No coffee bar is complete without a coffee maker. The De'Longhi Eletta Explore was rated by our resident expert as best overall of the automatic coffee machines.
You can read more in the full De'Longhi Eletta Explore review.
3. A pot rack or hanger
Perhaps most effective for making life easier in small kitchens, but pot hangers are making a comeback, and they are the perfect solution for storing your everyday pots and pans that just won't fit in your drawers or cabinets.
But even in larger spaces, a pot rack on the wall – usually on the backsplash behind a range – adds a decorative detail to your scheme and keeps your pots within easy reach when you cook.
This truly traditional feature is making a comeback because it looks stylish and makes life easier. You can often find beautiful brass examples for a reasonable price, too.
This pot hanger has a real vintage feel to it. Made of iron with a brass finish, this 36-inch design is the perfect size to hang behind a range in a small kitchen.
If you really want to maximize space, opt for a pot rack integrated into a shelf, like this one. Hang pots and pans from the brass rail and store your favorite mugs above.
Prefer something a bit more contemporary? This black expanding pot rack allows you to change the length depending on the number of pots you have to hang.
4. Layered lighting with kitchen lamps
Before anything, a kitchen is a utilitarian room dedicated to food preparation and cooking. And any home chef will know that kitchen lighting is so important to get tasks done easily and without injury.
Interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe says a layered kitchen lighting scheme is key to making your life easier. 'We always think in layers. A pair of pendants over the island gives focus and symmetry, while a wall light beside the larder or above a shelf adds gentle warmth.'
But one element of lighting that most people forget is lamps. Often considered the go-to for more ambient lighting, they also help to illuminate countertops in darker corners of the kitchen, especially if you choose a more portable design.
If you have one corner that needs the extra light, you can get away with a plug-in lamp. This wood and glass design has a retro feel to it and feels so on-trend for 2025.
Brass and white is perhaps the most timeless pairing – combine that color combination with a cordless design, and you have the perfect kitchen lamp.
How charming is the wicker lamp shade on this design? Another cordless option, this one is great for coastal schemes or even midimalist kitchens.
5. A custom cutting board
'Another helpful kitchen feature I love is a custom cutting board that’s designed to live on the counter,' says Marie, who designed this kitchen island, which has a beautiful contrast between the brown marble countertops and the light wood cutting board.
'When it's tailored to your space and materials, it feels intentional, not like an afterthought, and encourages cooking with ease,' she adds. Think of it as a modern take on a butcher block.
It creates a hardwearing place to chop and prepare food without damaging your kitchen countertops, but it can also be removed if you don't want it to be a permanent fixture in your space.
6. Double faucets
There are a few smaller elements to consider when it comes to the kitchen features that make everyday life easier and more functional. And one of them, perhaps unexpectedly, focuses on your kitchen faucets.
'If you have the room, double faucets at the main sink can be a game changer. Whether you’re prepping for a dinner party or just cleaning up after breakfast, having two workstations makes the whole space feel more efficient and gracious,' says Marie.
7. Carefully considered storage
We all know that storage is a really important element to a kitchen's design, but carefully planning what each cabinet and drawer will ensure everything has a home, making your life easier in the long run.
'Carefully considered storage is key. Whether it’s a dedicated cabinet for appliances or open shelving for cookbooks and everyday pieces, the right storage makes a space feel calm and effortless to live in,' says Lauren.
This is something to consider in the planning stages, but totally worth it. Remember to factor in deeper storage for pots and pans, and make sure you include plenty of drawer space. It's always a feature people wish they had more of post-remodel.
Whether you introduce a windowsill planter for your herbs or curate a dedicated coffee corner, these ideas will instantly make everyday tasks that little bit easier – and in some cases, perhaps even a little bit more elevated and luxurious.
Remember to consider what works best in your kitchen layout if you're thinking about storage options – think about how you use your space and where different kitchen items are most accessible, for example, storing your pots and pans near your range.
