The kitchen is at the heart of any home. It's not just a functional space for cooking and eating, but also where families connect each day to share their stories over dinner or come together for parties with friends. Your kitchen can be an inviting and practical space when equipped with the right essentials. We recommend having these five must-haves in your kitchen to make it both a functional and warm area for cooking, eating, or gathering together.

Pull-Out Trash Can

Make meal prep and clean-up a breeze with the addition of a pull-out trash can tucked away in your kitchen cabinet near the sink. Not only will you benefit from no spills, but it'll also free up floor space which is great for foot traffic. Plus, having this convenient option within arm's reach looks much better than leaving unsightly garbage out on display.

Lighting Plan

If you're looking to maximize your kitchen's brightness, create ambiance, and increase functionality then a strategic lighting plan is the key. Highlight those cabinets and islands with adjustable lights that can be customized for any occasion. Get creative - work with designers on the placement of light switches plus tips on how they can help bring out the best in each space.

Deep Basin Sink

If you've been dreaming of a farm-style kitchen, complete with that timeless deep basin sink look - now's your time to shine. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing and creates the perfect focal point for the room, but there are other amazing features too. With those extra inches in depth comes easy larger pot-filling capabilities or plenty of space to hide away dirty dishes until you're ready to tackle them. A dream come true all around.

Drawer Stack Cabinets

With traditional one-drawer cabinets, it can be a hassle to keep silverware and utensils organized. We suggest an easy solution - stacked drawer cabinets. Not only do these give you more space for storage, but they make accessing items easier than ever before. Utilize the stacked drawers in your kitchen today and say goodbye to rummaging around for that misplaced item.

Smart Storage

Designing with smart storage solutions gives you the freedom to create dynamic layouts in your kitchen. By using countertop containers, every inch of space is maximized and items are easily within reach - making it easier than ever before to cook up something delicious. Get ready: just a few strategic placements will have you whipping up culinary masterpieces to be proud of.

Homeowners everywhere have their own vision of the perfect kitchen dreams. If you're looking to bring yours alive with quality elements that offer the best in style, performance, and price point, these five essentials should be at the top of your list - they've been tried-and-true favorites from our years as builders. Let's make it happen together. Discover stunning floor plans and check out Pulte's new home communities today!