Must-Haves When Building a Custom Home: Chef’s Kitchen
Among the seven distinct luxury communities at The Cliffs, each enclave offers a variety of homesite options for building a custom home. Whether it be property size, accessibility to amenities, or natural views you are after, you are sure to find the perfect homesite to complement your lifestyle.
The kitchen is by far the most important room in your home, and if you are one who loves to cook and entertain, you will undoubtedly need a kitchen fit for a chef. Below you can see our kitchen must-haves when building a custom home, from floor plan additions to appliance recommendations.
1. Butler’s Pantry
A butler’s pantry is often found in luxury kitchen design, and for good reason. This space serves as a buffer between the messes of a kitchen and your guests. Often the size of a large walk-in pantry, a butler’s pantry is ideal for prepping food and storing dishware, among many other benefits.
This is where you can include a second oven, drink refrigerator, prep sink, second dishwasher, or ice maker. Ensure that your architect includes plenty of counter and storage space so you can prepare meals behind the scenes and still keep your kitchen clean. This is especially beneficial in homes with an open floor plan where guests tend to gather around the kitchen island.
2. Wet Bar
A good host knows to serve guests a cold drink as soon as they walk through the door. A wet bar can include a small prep sink, wine fridge, and ice maker. Here, you can store all of your barware and drink supplies. This space is a lifesaver in keeping clutter out of the kitchen and guests out of the way when cooking.
3. Warming Drawers
Warming drawers are essential for making your dinner party a success. Simple appliances, these are available in sleek versions to complement your kitchen’s decor. Once you finish cooking each dish, you can keep it at the appropriate temperature until all the food is ready to be served at once. With a warming drawer, you will be more than happy to host Thanksgiving dinner.
4. Built-In Pizza Oven
For those who like pizza, a built-in pizza oven is a must-have for the kitchen or outdoor area. The taste of
wood-fired pizza is far superior to anything you could have ordered from a delivery service. Plus, pizzas are easy to make and guests can choose their own toppings. A pizza oven also gives the interior a rustic feel, and is a great conversation starter. For example, Mugnaini offers custom Italian wood-fired ovens that can be assembled on site for a seamless aesthetic.
5. Pot Filler
The pot filler is yet another kitchen design feature that seems small but makes a huge impact on function. There has never been a chef or home cook who regretted including this detail in their building plan. Cookware can be filled easily without needing to be carried around, which is especially useful in large kitchens where the range may not be conveniently located near the main sink. These fixtures come in a variety of styles and materials, which can vary depending on your taste and décor.
6. Dual Compressor Refrigerator
Investing in these appliances is a big commitment, but they are worth every penny if you enjoy cooking. Dual compressor models have separate airflow systems for the refrigerated and freezer compartments. The lack of airflow between the two compartments means there is no excess moisture and your food stays fresh longer. Due to no temperature fluctuations and less condensation in the freezer, dual compressors will prevent freezer burn as well. As the fresh food area of the refrigerator does not draw air from the freezer, keeping it at a constant temperature of 38 degrees will also keep food fresher for a longer period of time, compared to a refrigerator with just one compressor. Popular brand options for these professional refrigerators include Viking 7 Series and Bosch 800 Series.
7. Pro-Style Range
A pro-style range provides home chefs with the features they need for precision cooking. Due to chefs’ preference for gas ranges, these models offer a gas range with an oven that supports either gas or electricity. Sizes range from 30 to 60 inches, so you can choose one that fits like a glove into your space. With a high-end range, you can not only create incredible restaurant-quality dishes at home, but they also look beautiful in your kitchen.
Brand recommendations for building a custom home include Thermador and Fisher & Paykel.
8. Nugget Ice Maker
A pellet or nugget ice maker is one of many high-end appliances that high-end homeowners increasingly require. Drinks, whether alcoholic or nonalcoholic, need to be served on quality ice. It affects how the food tastes as well as the presentation. GE Appliances offer both built-in nugget ice makers and countertop options.
9. Wine Storage
Depending on your wine habits, whether you like to keep a few bottles on hand for drinking or to collect them by the case, incorporating a place to store wine is a must when building a custom home. A wine fridge, whether built into your wet bar or tucked away in your butler’s pantry, provides dual zones for keeping various varieties at the perfect temperature. If you collect or enjoy keeping large amounts of wine, a cellar is an obvious choice for your custom home. In fact, many of our club members have a private cellar and regularly partake in our Wine Consortium Program.
If a wine cellar is one of your must-haves when building a custom home at The Cliffs, consider reaching out to these local wine cellar contractors that serve the Carolinas — Caveman Cellars, Cellars South, Wine Cellars of The Carolinas, and VinWorx Wine Cellars.
How Long Does it Take to Build a Custom Home at The Cliffs?
Although the answer may vary, most custom homes at The Cliffs take 12-18 months to complete. The process begins by establishing a relationship with one of our Preferred Builders, our list of high-end builders who are well acquainted with the guidelines for building within our communities.
Explore our list of Preferred Builders by clicking the button below to see their work and learn more about them.
