5 Brilliant Kitchen Design Tips from an Atlanta Renovation

When designers Lathem Gordon and Cate Dunning of GordonDunning took on the task of redesigning the kitchen for a young couple who loved hosting guests, they essentially had to start fresh. "The kitchen had been renovated back in the early 1990s, and it no longer met the needs of this vibrant young family," they say. Here are some of the innovative ideas they introduced to perfectly accommodate this family of three (and their dog!). You might want to borrow a few of these tips for your own space!

Make Space for Guests

"We purposely avoided placing cabinets on the outer side of the kitchen island—opting instead for a sweeping line of windows. We left the wall open to create a natural gathering spot, particularly by the wine fridge opposite the cook!" explain the designers. "Had we left the wall intact, the kitchen would have felt cramped and narrow. By updating the windows, we invited the eye to flow outside, making the space feel more expansive, despite the kitchen's compact size."

Incorporate Floating Shelves

"Floating shelves often get a bad reputation for merely being decorative. While that's true in some cases, these shelves serve multiple functions," say the designers. The first is storage. "This family loves to host—Friday nights are laid-back, with guests gathered around, sampling whatever's on the menu. Keeping dishes within reach helps maintain the flow of the party."

The second purpose is to display personal items and accessories that tell the family’s story. "We see the kitchen as an extension of the living space. It should feel warm and welcoming, not cold and utilitarian, when people gather in it—it should feel like a true part of the home!"

Bonus: the dishwasher is conveniently placed in the island, right next to the sink, making it easy to put away dishes on the floating shelves!

Make Drinks and Snacks More Accessible

The wine fridge was a key feature in the kitchen design—it was strategically placed in the island facing the windows, away from the main prep area, so guests can grab a drink without interrupting the cook. "It’s a perfect way to keep conversations flowing while topping off drinks," say the designers.

But that’s not all! At the far end of the kitchen, there’s a hidden breakfast station with two pullout refrigerator drawers stocked with coffee essentials, kids' drinks, and snacks. "In the early morning, creamer is right within reach for your coffee; and when entertaining outdoors, kids can independently grab a popsicle without cutting through the food prep zone."

Opt for Drawers Instead of Doors in Lower Cabinets

"We’re firm advocates for drawers over doors in lower cabinets! Drawers provide better visibility and easier access to everything inside. Cabinets with doors often create hidden spaces and require bending down to retrieve items, which can be awkward while hosting, not to mention uncomfortable," explain the designers.

We particularly love the innovative solution for plates, shown here, using large pegs to organize different sizes and styles.

Incorporate a Workstation Sink

"We’re big fans of workstation sinks—we incorporate them in every kitchen we design, especially in compact spaces," explain the designers. They highlight how integrating cutting boards and dish racks directly into the sink makes both food prep and cleanup a breeze. "The matching finishes of these accessories with the sink ensure that even while in use, the kitchen retains a clean, polished look."