As another New York summer comes to a close, city-dwellers will welcome autumn with pumpkin spice and open windows. The crisp fall breeze won’t last nearly long enough and before we know it, we will be closing those windows. The days will shorten and the hours we spend at home will increase. Soon, treats and feasts baking in the oven will warm our hearts and our homes, ushering in a number of holidays in the coming months. Before retiring to your New York City apartment for the season, make sure you’ve taken steps to make those winter days at home easier and cozier with dtls.Architecture’s recommendations for 5 things every New York City kitchen needs.
#1: Instant Hot Water Dispenser
Apple Cider. Chai Lattes. Pumpkin spice anything. We have countless favorite fall drinks, but that’s a different list. This list is about making your kitchen a lovely place to be this fall and winter. Travis Cannon, one of our incredible Project Managers, recommends installing a space-saving hot water dispenser near your sink. A hot water dispenser will ensure that your favorite seasonal drinks are only minutes away – perfect for hosting guests or snuggling up in your favorite sweater with a warm drink to relish the season . We love this dispenser from Newport Brass that dispenses hot and cold water. Bonus: Newport Brass also has integrated water filters to ensure a tasty drink every time.
#2: Island or Peninsula with Hidden Seating & Hidden Cabinets
Let’s be honest, we sacrifice a lot to live in the city we love. One of those sacrifices is space. Every square inch in your home is precious and there is no room (pun intended) for wasted space. The arrival of fall means we’ll be inviting friends over more frequently than going out, making a cozy social space even more important. Fortunately, Lena Pfeiffer has managed enough projects to know just the solution. Adding an island or peninsula to your kitchen has many benefits – additional counter space on top and storage on both sides of the island is reason enough to make the bold move. The cherry on top is hidden seating under the edge of the counter, creating a tidy look when not in use and a warm social space for guests. Gather around the kitchen island and maybe share some drinks from your new hot water dispenser.
#3: Pull-Out Trash Can
Realistically, the one thing you need in your kitchen is likely more space. Since that single recommendation is unrealistic for most people and would make a rather boring article, our architect Norbert Figueroa is recommending another space saving strategy instead. A pull-out space to store your garbage and recycling is a small addition that will make a huge difference in your kitchen. Nothing can ruin the hard work you’ve put into your aesthetic kitchen like an empty milk jug peeking out of the recycling bin. Save floor space and maintain your vision of a cozy kitchen by installing a pull-out cabinet. Short on lower cabinet space? See the recommendation above to add just the amount of space you need. Bonus: If you’re into composting, or want to be into composting but fear the smell, this is the perfect opportunity to add an integrated composting bin to your kitchen.
#4: Under Cabinet Lighting & USB outlets
The next two recommendations from our Principal Architect, Mark Bearak, are some all-time office favorites. Lighting is one of the most important aspects of creating the kitchen of your dreams. Overhead lighting is great for working in the kitchen for long periods of time, but often too harsh for social gatherings. Add flexibility to your kitchen space by installing under cabinet lighting. This type of lighting is easy to install and won’t break the bank. Mark recommends lighting that is bright enough to be functional, but warm enough not to harsh the vibe. Under cabinet lighting can be activated a number of ways, depending on your preferences – they can be connected to light switches, touch activated, remotely controlled, or a combination unique to your home.
Next up on Mark’s list: USB outlets. Every New Yorker knows the feeling of searching for a power outlet with a phone on 5% battery left. Even in our own homes, limited outlets leave us unplugging appliances for the sake of our phones, headphones, speakers, and more. What if you didn’t have to play a daily game of hot potato with the outlets in your kitchen? Installing USB outlets in the kitchen will spare your appliances from losing their prime-plug spots to your devices. We prefer outlets that include USB-A and USB-C spots to increase flexibility. We also recommend purchasing outlets with the highest amp output your circuitry can handle to maximize charging capabilities. If you decide you want to install outlets, but the word circuitry gives you a headache, we know a great firm you can call for help. (it’s us, dtls.Architecture)
Hafele is the Gold Standard when it comes to under cabinet lighting and integrated outlets. They have a wide array of strip, recess, and surface mounted lighting options as well as integrated outlets. If you’re looking for a truly discrete outlet, though, nothing compares to the Bocci 22 system, which can be installed flush with millwork, glass, stone, tile, and more with no visible cover plates or fasteners – talk about chic!
#5: Quartz or Porcelain countertops
You can put this on my tombstone: Friends don’t let friends choose marble countertops. They look beautiful but they will stain and etch before you move into the space. Feel free to use natural stone slabs for the backsplash, but for the countertops we recommend Silestone, Cesarstone and Dekton. All 3 products have a range of styles and positive attributes, so there are lots of options to suite your kitchen’s style. Our first stop with clients is to the Cosentino showroom on E 58th St.