Unless you’re a bachelor or bachlorette that lives on take-out, the kitchen is widely considered the heart of a home. A place where family congregates, memories are made and traditions are passed down. If you’re in the market for a new home or looking to re-model your existing kitchen to make your home more appealing to sell, here are a few ideas and concepts to keep in mind during your house hunting or remodeling phase.

Vertical Kitchen Drawers

Image via Pintrest-Buzzfeed

This is especially useful in urban homes where square footage is at a premium. Make good use of every inch your kitchen offers.

Furniture Style Design Features

Image via Pintrest/Oprah.com

Kitchen islands are on virtually everyone’s wish list. However, in recent years many people have put a twist on the island such as the case with the new furniture trend which seamlessly blends the island with the rest of the home’s decor.

Refrigerated Doors

Image via Pintrest/Traditionalhome.com

If you’re serious about cooking or just need extra storage due to having a large family to feed, refrigerated drawers can be a lifesaver.

Open Shelving

Image via Pintrest/houzz.com

Open shelving not only looks cool, they can also transform the kitchen and to give it a more spacious feel. Cabinets can bulky and create guessing games when trying to find stored items. Open shelving in the right kitchen can make all the difference.

Smart Designs

Image via Pintrest/rtlwoonmagazine.nl

Get the most out of your kitchen with smart designs such as the cool concept pictured. It helps saves valuable space as well as give your kitchen a cool & hip feel.

Custom Kitchen Flooring

Image via Pintrest/HGTV.com

If you’re looking to really spice things up start where most people tend to either overlook or place it safe. A cool custom floor design not only transforms the room but gives it an attitude all its own. So make a statement with a personal touch.

Industrial lighting

Image via Pintrest/Hative.com

Recessed lighting and spotlights seem to be the standard in kitchens. Mix things up a bit with industrial lighting. It not only gives your kitchen a more warm feeling it’s also a nice twist that sets your kitchen apart.

Commercial Grade Appliances

Image via Pintrest/Mcclurgteam.com

Go big or go home is the motto here. Nothing makes a bigger statement in the kitchen than commercial grade appliances. If you’re in the market for a new home it would be hard to argue that this would be a tremendous selling point.

Industrial Islands

Image via Pintrest/ domainehome.com

Wood and cement counter tops seem to be all the rage as of late. Granite has been the standard for so long, people are now turning to a more industrial and natural look that gives the kitchen a more inviting feel.

Accent Walls

Image via Pintrest/Houseandgarden.co.uk

Glass tiled back splashes are cool and all but letting your personality and creativity shine through mosaic tiling and cool wall paper is even cooler. Creating fun accent walls that work can make all the difference in a kitchen.