While I’m looking forward to my big summer trip to explore a place I’ve never been before, I came across a different kind of international experience on Instagram the other day… a kitchen design idea that I had somehow missed, that was extremely popular in my native country. That’s a great thing about the Internet: just when you think you’ve figured out most things (well, in my case, design things), something simple, practical, and genius comes along and blows your mind. Then I decided to see what other amazing kitchen design ideas I actually haven’t found from around the world. A design quest, if you will. So, unlike Caitlin’s amazing 2026 Home Innovations post, which will be about kitchen ideas that other countries have been using for a while, I think this should be more popular in the US. Let’s start with the idea that inspired this post…
Kitchen Design Ideas: Finish Drying Cabinet
I saw this manufacturer Installed a Finnish dish drying cabinet in my new kitchen on Instagram, and I immediately loved it/couldn’t believe I hadn’t seen it before. So this isn’t a new idea, but it was somewhat new to me, and now I desperately wish I had a similar idea. This wonderful space-saving design element was invented by Maiju Gebhard in the 1940s to eliminate hand-drying dishes (my dream is to be with someone who doesn’t have a dishwasher). The idea is that this cabinet sits above the sink, with dish racks mounted on the sides so that the bottom of the cabinet remains open for water to drip into the sink (or any other waterproof surface). And this is also where they are/can be stored permanently! Look? A great kitchen design idea.
So simple but an incredible option that not only saves counterspace but also eliminates a lot of visual clutter! As someone who doesn’t want a drying rack on their countertop (personal preference), I can feel my heart pounding in my chest from pure excitement. The one I saw on Instagram is a little smaller, but others are larger and can hold pots, pans, you name it.
The only disadvantage I see is that you have to deal with water dripping on your sink, which can be annoying if you want a perfectly clean and dry area at all times. Second, you’re potentially not maximizing storage space with things like plates, since they won’t be stacked together/placed very close. I don’t think this is really an issue, given that it seems like these cabinets are mostly used in smaller homes/kitchens that don’t need as many items like plates. For example, I have 6 dinner plates, not 12.
Kitchen Design Ideas: Elevating Countertop Outlets
This product/kitchen design idea is commonly used in the Netherlands. Outlets aren’t usually the most beloved item in the kitchen, so the fact that these give you the option to use and then hide them is great. They are placed into countertops and then, with the option of a manual lift, push down or easy button, it is lifted up.
With this, I am of two minds. There are also some where the tops are of the same material as the counters, which is my favorite version. There are some that are brass or silver but still look good, then there are some that are just as much of an eyesore to me as the ones on the wall…in fact, probably worse. So doing it in a way that enhances the look of your kitchen, not detracts from it, will probably be worth a lot of money.
Here are some worth shopping!
White Motorized Pop Up Outlet with USB | Brass Round Kitchen Pop Up GFCI Outlet
Dual Sided Pop Up Counter Power Outlet | tamper resistant combination outlet
Kitchen Design Ideas: Fish Grill Drawer
From my understanding, these fish grills originated in Japan and are produced in series! This is a great way to grill that arose from the need to be able to cook fish in a more hygienic way, especially if you don’t have an outdoor grill. Of course, since fish is a major part of the Japanese diet, this feature is very important and useful. But at the same time, it doesn’t have to be just for fish – you can also cook vegetables, small amounts of other meat like chicken or beef.
@allstarsteven Random Things in Japan That Make Sense 🇯🇵🐟 Did you know that stoves in Japan have built-in fish ovens? Genius or exaggeration? Would you use it at home? #Travel #Japan #Japan #japantrip #japantrip #japanlife #japanculture ♬ Carmen Habanera, Classical Opera(1283412) – PerfectPanda
Here’s the issue for America. The Japanese version is not easy to get here and is usually always imported. Additionally, given that different countries have different regulations, they are also not certified and are difficult to install with US sizes and standards. If anything, I just wanted to include it to maybe create demand for US-compliant versions 🙂
Kitchen Design Ideas: Toe-Kick Drawer or Plinth Drawer
Another really smart storage idea! Especially if you’re short on storage, why not make the most of every inch of your kitchen and create slim bottom drawers from your cabinet toe kicks? The interweb tells me that it comes to us through Europe (places like Italy, Germany, Denmark, etc.). Especially in cities, where there are so many apartments that probably don’t have very large kitchens, smart storage is of utmost importance.
Of course, this is a consideration if you’re renovating or building a kitchen. Possibly a very difficult DIY with already existing shelves. Another thing to consider is how far the cabinets extend beyond the plinth drawer fronts. The last thing you want is to have your feet so close to the drawer that you constantly end up accidentally opening it. When we were at our AirBnB in Palm Springs for our retreat, all the drawers (including the ones that held Manny) we kept accidentally hitting them with our bodies and had to constantly close them. I know it sounds like a silly problem, but it was annoying.
You can draw handles or fingers, but just make sure it doesn’t look too busy.
Kitchen Design Ideas: Dishwasher Drawer
Well, these are certainly used in the US, but not on the scale I think they should be! They were created in New Zealand by Fisher & Paykel and are very common there and in Australia as well as the UK. I saw him for the first time in 2016 (in Australia) at my former parents’ house. I was shaken in the best possible way. That day I knew that if I ever got the chance to renovate a kitchen I would have a pair of my own. You have the convenience of doing smaller loads more quickly, as well as the opportunity to do two different types of washing at the same time. If you’re a family that has really heavy dishes every night, these might not be the best fit for you, but other than that, I love all the benefits of it. Plus, if you’re only using the top drawer, you don’t have to bend down as much 🙂
So what do you think? Are you interested in any of these? What are some other kitchen design ideas from other parts of the world that I missed??
I love you, it means it.
Opening Image Credit: Photo by Caitlin Green | From: Our new induction range review – all the details on our beautiful Aga Alice (and how cooking with induction and convection is different to gas)
