Renovating a chef’s kitchen in wine country presents exciting opportunities to create a space tailored for culinary creativity and entertaining. The abundant local ingredients and wine culture influence the design, from the high-end appliances and surfaces to the aesthetic details. Updating a dated kitchen into a chef-quality cooking space makes preparing delicious meals and hosting guests a joy.
Planning The Layout
The layout is the most crucial part of any kitchen redesign. For a chef, optimizing the workflow between the sink, refrigerator, stove, ovens and prep space streamlines cooking. Here are some layout considerations for a chef’s kitchen in wine country:
Triangular Workflow
Position the refrigerator, stove and sink in a triangular workflow to minimize steps between tasks. Place prep spaces like islands and counters in the center of the work triangle. This efficient layout lets a chef effortlessly glide through prep work, cooking and cleanup.
Double Islands
Incorporate double kitchen islands to maximize workspace. A large central island provides a spacious prep area and dining space for casual meals. A second island near the cooking area offers more countertop workspace for chopping, seasoning and plating.
Butcher Block Island
Add a butcher block-style island for extra chopping, kneading and food preparation area. The thick wooden block holds up to heavy prep work and doubles as a casual eating space. Position this sturdy island near the cooking zone.
Designated Prep Sink
Install a prep sink in addition to the main kitchen sink for optimized washing. Have a second shallow sink with a gooseneck faucet beside the cooking area for easily rinsing produce, filling pots and cleanup during recipe steps.
Built-In Refrigeration
Install spacious built-in refrigeration, like a double wide fridge/freezer combo. Plus, undercounter refrigerated drawers provide extra space for produce, cheeses and meats. Position the fridge close to prep zones and include panels that blend seamlessly into cabinetry.
Hidden Appliances
Tuck small appliances like stand mixers into customized cabinetry with built-in outlets. Roll-out shelving stores the machine off the counter while plugged in and ready to use. This hides clutter while keeping tools easily accessible.
Wall Ovens
Double wall ovens provide more interior cooking space for large batches and multiple dishes. Stacked convection ovens accelerate cooking times while warming drawers keep completed dishes ready to serve. Place ovens at a comfortable height for the chef.
Ventilation and Lighting
Proper ventilation eliminates cooking grease, smoke and aromas. A powerful range hood should reach across the stovetop area. Consider downdraft vents built into islands that pull air directly down. Place lights under cabinets and inside displays to brightly illuminate surfaces and cooking zones.
Selecting Surfaces
Choosing the right countertops, backsplashes, floors and cabinets creates a cohesive look and feel while withstanding heavy culinary use. Consider these surface options for a chef’s kitchen:
Stainless Steel Countertops
Commercial-grade stainless steel counters withstand hot pans, sharp knives and heavy prep work. The non-porous material resists stains, prevents bacteria growth and simplifies cleanup. Use stainless tops on prep and cooking zones.
Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block offers an attractive work surface made for chopping, cutting and kneading dough. Choose a durable end-grain construction in maple or walnut. Use butcher block on islands and section off smaller areas on the central prep counters.
Tile Backsplash
A tile backsplash complements the countertops while protecting walls above cooking zones. Choose heat-resistant tiles like metal, glass or stone. Installing a backsplash? Consider tiles in a mosaic, herringbone or subway layout for visual interest.
Porcelain Tile Flooring
Porcelain tile flooring brings ultra-durable, water-resistant and easy-to-clean qualities perfect for busy kitchens. Larger tile sizes have fewer grout lines that can stain or collect debris. Pair with radiant floor heating for a comfortable working environment.
Matte Lacquer Cabinets
Lacquer cabinets withstand heavy steam, grease, water and heat better than wood surfaces. The ultra-smooth matte finish also camouflages fingerprints and watermarks. Choose a lighter neutral base color and add glass-front upper cabinets to prevent a heavy look.
Natural Stone Sinks
Undermount natural stone sinks like granite composite or quartzite complement other surfaces. These dense materials resist stains, scratches and chips. Alternatively, stainless steel apron-front sinks offer a transitional, farmhouse look.
Specialized Storage Solutions
A chef’s kitchen requires well-organized storage to keep tools, cookware and pantry items accessible yet tidy. Here are some storage upgrades to incorporate:
Pull-Out Pantries
Install pull-out pantries with slide-out shelves and interior storage to neatly organize dry goods and small appliances. Customize with hooks, dividers, racks and other built-ins to maximise vertical storage.
Appliance Garages
Hide stand mixers, blenders and other small appliances inside appliance garage cabinets. When not in use, roll items into the cabinet and close the door to keep counters clear.
Knife Block Drawers
Build specialized wide, shallow drawers to store knives horizontally in fixed knife blocks. These interior blocks keep blades secure yet easily accessible. Customize the blocks’ width and configuration to fit the knife collection.
Vertical Spice Racks
Take advantage of vertical space by installing wall-mounted rails with mason jars or other containers to hold spices. Arrange by spice type or frequency of use.
Drop-Zone Drawers
Designate a drawer or shelf cubby as a landing spot for incoming items like mail, keys or receipts to prevent cluttering cookzones.
Deep Utility Drawers
Install oversized, deep drawers to neatly stash larger gear like cutting boards, pans and trays. Customize the interior with dividers, pegs or racks as needed.
Wine Fridge
Integrate wine storage into the kitchen with an undercounter or full-height wine column cooler. Select the ideal temperature zone and rack configuration to properly store bottles. Display prized vintages through a glass facade.
Stylish Touches
Aesthetic finishing touches elevate the space visually and nod to wine country living. Consider these stylish details:
Rustic Wood Elements
Incorporate reclaimed wood accents on islands or shelves for rustic flair. Or, install wood-look tile flooring such as porcelain planks for an earthier, more natural look.
Vintage-Style Hardware
Impart character through hardware choices like worn metal handles, knobs with key details or wire pulls for glass-front cabinets. Mix metal finishes like unlacquered brass, bronze and nickel for visual depth.
Herringbone Backsplash
The classic zigzag herringbone tile pattern makes a statement as a kitchen backsplash. Sophisticated and geometric, it pairs well with both traditional and contemporary spaces.
Textured Subway Tile
For a backsplash, consider glossy or matte-finished subway tiles with subtle striations for visual depth. Layer mosaics, pebble tiles or specialty shapes for added interest.
Wood Open Shelving
Lighten up the look by skipping upper cabinets entirely in favor of open wood shelving. This also displays pretty dishware, cookbooks and barware.
Pendant Lighting
Make a stylish impact with rows of pendant lights or a linear chandelier over islands and peninsulas. Choose modern, vintage, rustic or glass styles to match the kitchen’s character.
Wine Displays
Incorporate wine storage with style. Display bottles in glass-front cabinets with interior lighting or on open metal wine racks. Or, build a special nook for housing wine fridges.
High-End Appliances
A chef’s kitchen necessitates professional-grade appliances that perform and provide modern conveniences. Consider the following appliances:
Commercial Gas Stove
A powerful gas cooktop allows rapid boiling, searing and stir-frying. Look for options like 6-8 burners, griddle plates and multiple oven configurations.
induction Cooktop
Induction technology boils water instantly while remaining cool to the touch for safety. Capable of precise temperature control, induction excels for simmering sauces or tempering chocolate.
Double Convection Ovens
Convection ovens use fans to circulate dry, even heat around dishes for fast, consistent cooking results. Double wall ovens provide extra interior room. Stack with warming drawers or microwave or steam ovens.
Quiet Dishwasher
Look for ultra-quiet dishwashers at or below 40 decibels that won’t disrupt conversation. Models with adjustable racks and removable silverware baskets simplify loading.
French Door Refrigerator
A spacious 36-42 inch refrigerator with French doors maximizes storage for large batches and party platters. Store more with dual evaporators that control humidity and temperature.
Undercounter Wine and Beverage Coolers
Integrated undercounter wine, beer and beverage coolers keep drinks chilled and out of the way. Column-style units with glass doors elegantly display favorites.
Instant Hot Water Dispenser
On-demand hot water dispensers deliver piping hot water for beverages, soups and sanitizing. No more waiting for water to boil!
Smart Oven
A smart oven uses internal cameras and automatic cook programs to guide home chefs. Built-in meat probes maintain precise doneness during roasting.
Eco-Conscious Design Choices
Today’s chefs often seek sustainable kitchen materials and energy-efficient appliances. Some eco-options include:
Recycled Glass Countertops
Make a green choice with recycled glass and concrete countertops like IceStone. This durable surface contains up to 70% recycled materials including glass from waste streams.
Energy Star Rated Appliances
When selecting appliances, look for Energy Star ratings to reduce electrical and water consumption. ENERGY STAR certified appliances meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
Water Filtration System
Reduce plastic waste and save money by installing an under-sink or whole-house water filtration system. This eliminates the need to continually buy bottled water.
LED Cabinet Lighting
LED lights consume up to 80% less energy than other bulb types while lasting years longer. Light undercabinets, inside glass doors and drawers to spotlight workspace.
Smart Home Technology
Incorporate smart home tech like Wi-Fi enabled appliances, wireless lighting controls and leak sensors to monitor systems and conserve energy.
Stone Composite Sinks
Stone composite sinks made of natural quartz or granite particles offer durability compared to quarried stone. Composite manufacturing also reduces mining impacts.
Designing For Entertaining
A chef’s kitchen in wine country should facilitate entertaining guests with an open, inviting layout. Design choices to accommodate easy hosting include:
Spacious Islands
Large kitchen islands allow guests to gather around while the chef creates culinary magic. Include seating like stools or benches for built-in dining space.
Drink Preparation Zone
Designate space for an entertaining drink station with wine fridges, beverage coolers, glassware storage and an undercounter ice maker.
Dual Fridges
Install double refrigerator-freezer units or spacious built-in subs with French doors for serious entertaining and meal prep. Keep frequently accessed drinks in a special beverage refrigerator.
Walk-In Pantry
A spacious walk-in pantry neatly stashes extra servingware along with cooking ingredients. It allows the chef to work without guests underfoot.
Seamless Traffic Flow
The work triangle layout focused on seamless traffic flow also benefits entertaining. Guests can fill drink glasses and access the dining space without disrupting the chef.
Flexible Countertop Space
Leave sections of counter space open near party zones instead of lining the perimeter. This gives guests space to set down drinks and plates while mingling.
Custom Bar
Construct a custom bar zone fitted with wine racks, refrigeration, glassware displays and cabinets. Include comfortable barstools, pendant lighting and charging ports.
Open Sightlines
Minimize upper cabinetry and interior walls around the kitchen perimeter. This keeps the chef visible and allows conversation to flow.
Bringing the Outdoors In
Wine country’s natural beauty inspires kitchens that connect to the landscape. Integrate the outdoors with features like:
Panoramic Windows
Install large windows and glass doors to frame views of vineyards, gardens or other scenery. Abundant natural light creates an airy, spacious ambiance.
Indoor/Outdoor Living
Expand the kitchen outward via doorwalls that fully open, counter extensions and alfresco dining space. integrate the outdoors for seamless entertaining.
Natural Materials
Use natural materials like wood, stone, brick and greenery to evoke wine country’s rustic style. For example, add a reclaimed wood flank or shelving unit.
Outdoor Kitchen
Create an auxiliary outdoor kitchen with amenities like a grill, sink, mini-fridge and storage. Cook and entertain guests outside.
Retractable Screens
Retractable screens on windows allow fresh air in while blocking pests. Automated screens triggered by rain sensors close when needed.
Skylights/Solariums
Install skylights or construct solarium sunroom extensions to bathe the space in natural light. Grow herbs or plants under the sunny spots.
Wine Cellar
Incorporate a wine cellar room to store prized bottles at optimal temperature and humidity. Display favorites through a glass wall or door.
Chef’s Kitchen Renovation Costs
Transforming a dated kitchen into a chef-quality cooking space is a significant investment that boosts a home’s function and resale value. Here are cost considerations for a wine country chef’s kitchen renovation:
Overall Budget
A major high-end kitchen remodel costs $125,000 to $250,000 on average. Location, size, materials and appliances influence costs. A renovation spanning 500 sq feet with mid-range finishes averages around $150,000
Installation Factors
Construction challenges from plumbing reroutes, electrical and structural upgrades add 20-30% over material costs. Complex layouts and high-end finishes also increase installation labor expenses.
Appliances
Expect to spend $15,000-$30,000 outfitting a chef’s kitchen with commercial-grade appliances, ventilation, multiple dishwashers and specialty equipment. Built-in specialty fridges are $7,000-$15,000 each.
Cabinetry
Custom cabinetry handmade from solid woods like cherry or maple costs $70+ per square foot. For a 20×20 kitchen, that equates to $28,000 just on cabinetry. Luxury finishes like lacquer add expense.
Countertops
Natural stone countertops average $60-$100 per square foot installed. For 30 square feet of counters, that equals a $3,000-$5,000 investment. Premium stones like marble and quartzite cost over $100 per square foot.
Backsplashes
The average price per square foot for a tiled backsplash installation is $10-$25. More intricate tile layouts, specialty materials and natural stone tiles increase costs.
Flooring
Porcelain or natural stone tile flooring costs $15-$50 per square foot including installation. Materials make up just 20% of the price – labor accounts for most costs. Expect to pay $10,000 to $20,000 for a 200 sq ft kitchen.
Lighting
10-15 recessed LED lights cost around $1,000. Pendant lights range from $50 for basic models to $500+ for chandeliers and custom fixtures. Under cabinet lighting installs for $200-$500.
Integrating Wine Displays
In wine country, the kitchen offers opportunities to elegantly integrate wine storage. Beyond functional storage, properly displayed bottles become visual focal points. Consider these ideas:
Glass-Front Wine Fridge
Integrate wine fridges with solid cabinet facades and glass doors to spotlight favorites. Let controlled lighting illuminate bottles within. Install as stand-alone units or undercounters.
Wall-Mounted Racks
Secure commercial grade metal wine racks directly to the wall. Space pegs and shelves to hold bottles horizontally. Stain or finish natural wood racks to match cabinetry.
Diamond Cubbies
Construct angled diamond-shaped cubbies between cabinetry or open shelving. These tailored nooks keep bottles properly angled for cellar-like storage.
Wine Cellar Room
For serious collectors, build out a dedicated wine cellar room with customized racking, ideal climate controls and a tasting table. Display special vintages behind a glass wall.
Neutral Backdrops
Stage wine displays against soft neutral backdrops like wood plank walls or back-painted glass. Avoid busy tile patterns to keep bottles as the focal point.
Overhead Racks
Fill awkward sloped ceilings or tops of tall cabinets with overhead wine racks. Use space productively while putting fine wines on display.
Illuminated Displays
Install LED lighting strips above or inside displays to spotlight wines like fine art. Wall-wash bottles with soft uplighting or install strips inside glass cabinets.
Integrating Wine Themes
Beyond wine storage, incorporate wine country’s character throughout the kitchen with grape vine, bottle and barrel motifs. Subtle touches celebrate the surrounding terroir.
Barrel Stave Accents
Incorporate reclaimed oak wine barrel staves into kitchen islands or peninsulas for rustic decoration. Or, frame staves into pendant lights for a clever wine theme.
Bottle-Shaped Drawer Pulls
Replace standard hardware with custom metal pulls in fun bottle or cluster shapes. Choose unfinished metals like matte bronze that emulate weathered wine barrels.
Grape Vine Decor
Paint a backdrop wall in a trailing grapevine pattern. Or, display a real grapevine wreath for organic texture. Incorporate vine images into tile or metal backsplashes.
Wine Crate Storage
Upcycle actual wine crates from local vineyards into unique storage cubbies. Stack crates
