Sometimes all you need is to spruce up your kitchen with a few additions, rather than a complete renovation. You can have the perfect layout, with everything in the right area. However, you may also need to add a few things to enhance the functionality and beauty of your kitchen. They can be appliances, decorative items, utensils or even a little more light and space. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Additional appliances

Besides the basics, sometimes having extra appliances pushes you to cook different foods in different styles. If you love to cook, but you’re not a chef, you might want to include some appliances that a chef can’t live without. On the list is a multi-purpose range for preparing exotic sauces and grilled meals and a top-of-the-line dishwasher. Get one with a short wash cycle. Continued innovation has seen the manufacture of automatic dishwashers with built-in lights and automatic doors.

Commercial kitchens would benefit twofold from having good quality food processors in addition to ovens.

The ‘Masterchef Effect’ in Australia seems to be favoring gourmet food. People are inspired to eat in restaurants and equally to prepare gourmet food at home according to a 2009 IBIS World statistic.

The analysis group projected in that year that a growth of 3.8 percent was expected between 2010 and 2011. During the next five years, which is until 2016, the gourmet industry is expected to grow by 20.7 percent.

The same company predicted that the cookbook industry is gaining strength after struggling for a long time. They predicted sales of about $200 million in 2011, an increase of thirteen percent. Other industries expected to gain are cookware retailers and culinary schools.

Another Euromonitor International report titled ‘Food Preparation Appliances in Australia’ says that many more Australians are interested in preparing high-quality food at home. Due to the busy life of many citizens, there is a great demand for household appliances that are fast, energy efficient and easy to use.

2. Zoning

Commercial kitchens are benefiting the most from the trend. Many professional chefs seem to emphasize the cooking area as the most important area. As projected growth rises even higher, restaurants must find ways to maximize the functionality and efficiency of their kitchens to accommodate the growing customer population.

You’ll want to maximize the efficiency of your cooking zone by making it larger or adding an additional oven.

3. Accessories

Panel cabinets are the answer to keeping extra pots and pans out of sight. It is placed in such a way that you can easily reach it, but it does not clutter up the kitchen or ruin its elegant look.

4. Change the covers of the work areas

For the aspiring ‘home chef’, this is a great way to increase food safety. Stainless steel is more resistant to bacteria. Therefore, changing your countertops can be an excellent idea for the security conscious.

Although you can do these things independently, you can never go wrong by consulting professional kitchen designers and installers. You may think you have the perfect kitchen until you walk into their showrooms, browse their gallery, or listen to an expert break down the needs for you. It’s a guarantee that you’ll enjoy your time in the kitchen better than you did before you touch up a few essentials.