The Top 5 Kitchen Must-Haves (and the One Thing We All Secretly Want!)

If your kitchen could grant you anything, what would you ask for?

We recently asked our social media community to reveal their ultimate kitchen must-haves—and the answers did not disappoint. From cutting-edge appliances to storage that works smarter (not harder), these are the five things everyone wants in a dream kitchen. And trust us, number five might just change your life.

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1. A Personal Chef (Obviously.)

Let’s be honest—if you had one kitchen wish, wouldn’t it be someone else doing the cooking? While a live-in chef might be a stretch, a well-designed kitchen can make cooking feel effortless. With smart layouts, intuitive work zones, and a space that’s as functional as it is beautiful, even weeknight dinners can feel a little easier.

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2. Clever Storage (It’s Not About More Space—It’s About Smarter Space)

Forget the scullery—we’re not in the business of pushing people into tiny rooms to hide the mess. Modern kitchens are embracing open designs where everything happens in the main space—keeping loved ones together while still staying organised.

Hidden pocket doors are a game-changer, allowing appliances and everyday clutter to disappear in seconds. And if you want to maximise storage without adding bulk, deep drawers with extra-depth runners can increase your storage by 30% without taking up any additional room. It’s smart, sleek, and makes life a whole lot easier.

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3. Active & Passive Zones—Because One Cook Isn’t Enough

The days of a one-person kitchen are long gone. With more people spending time in the kitchen—whether helping, snacking, or just hanging out—it’s no longer enough to rely on the old “kitchen triangle” rule.

Enter active and passive zones: active zones are where the cooking and prep happen, while passive zones—like a drinks station or snack drawer—are for quick, easy access. This separation keeps the kitchen flowing smoothly, even when the whole family is involved.

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4. Appliances That Keep Up With You

Kitchen technology is moving fast—and it’s making everyday tasks easier (and a little more fun). Imagine an induction cooktop that follows your pots wherever you place them, or a steam oven that delivers the perfect crispy toastie while keeping the inside fluffy. And fridges? They’re no longer just for cooling—some can now keep produce fresh for months.

It’s no longer about having the biggest appliances—it’s about having the smartest ones that adapt to how you live and cook.

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5. A Bin System That Doesn’t Suck

It might not be the most glamorous feature, but a well-designed bin system is a kitchen essential. No one wants to think about waste management—which is why it works best when you don’t have to. Integrated, hidden, and built for multiple waste streams, a smart bin system keeps things clean and out of sight while making everyday tasks effortless.

And Coming in a Very Close 5th… A Personal Cleaner

Because once the cooking’s done, wouldn’t it be nice if someone else handled the mess? While a personal cleaner might still be on the dream list, smart kitchen design can make life easier. Durable surfaces, clever layouts, and thoughtful storage solutions mean less time cleaning—and more time enjoying.

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But Wait, There’s More...

Some other hot topics from the survey? Non-porous benchtops for easy cleaning, good handles for all those drawers (yes, lots of drawers!), a space for life—where you can add items that bring joy, a Zip tap for instant hot or cold water, and of course… function, function, function.

And let’s not forget the responses that simply said: “It must be designed by Minosa.” (We see you, and we love you.)

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This has been a really fun exercise, and we’d love to keep the conversation going. If there’s something missing from this list, DM us on socials, drop us an email—we want to hear what’s on your kitchen wish list!

#DesignLifeBetter #DreamKitchen #KitchenGoals

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Design Life Better, with Studio Minosa

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