Nate Berkus Shares Two Essential Features Every Kitchen Needs (If You Can Swing It)

If you have a kitchen remodel planned for the near future, you might think you have all you need. But HGTV star Nate Berkus hopes you'll prioritize two essential features. If you can swing it, the interior designer believes every kitchen needs a hand-glazed tile backsplash and high-quality cabinetry. In an Instagram post, Berkus shared images of kitchen designs he completed in the past and took time to answer people's questions, ultimately giving insight into what features truly make a difference when it comes to kitchens.

For the star designer, using hand-glazed tiles to create a backsplash is a way to go the extra mile to bring character and warmth to a kitchen. It's also been one of his favorite go-tos, as he's obsessed with hand-glazed tiles like Clé. Berkus likes to take that extra step when it comes to details, and is confident that even swapping out basic subway tiles for Zellige tiles or marble with light veining can really add depth to a kitchen that may feel a bit basic.

An essential feature just as important is high-quality cabinetry. Berkus has always been a fan of starting the design of a kitchen with quality groundwork. When asked about designing a "forever kitchen" in an interview with Studio 5 KSL, the first element he names as vital for a solid base is well-crafted cabinets. And, just by taking a look inside Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent's stunning family home, it's easy to tell how much the designer prioritizes adding high-quality cabinetry that goes all the way to the ceiling.

Making a kitchen feel super homey is important, but what's also just as important is creating a space that stands the test of time. As much of an investment as a kitchen is, it's crucial to prioritize quality as much as aesthetics. So much time is spent in the kitchen and it gets used daily, so you want to invest in quality materials that will hold up beautifully and withstand everyday wear and tear. Not only are hand-glazed tiles high quality, no two tiles are they same, which brings a one-of-a-kind uniqueness to the kitchen. These tiles are also light-reflective, so they'll also do an excellent job making the kitchen feel more expansive and brighter. 

Well-crafted cabinetry often serves as the backbone of a quality kitchen. It's a no-brainer to think quality cabinets will simply last longer and age better. Solid wood cabinets will show less signs of wear and tear and last much longer than cabinets made of particle board. And quality cabinets truly go beyond durability, they're able to offer a smoother operation of the kitchen with features like soft-close hinges and dovetail drawer boxes. In addition, they're also highly customizable to really cater to each and every person's taste and needs. It's no wonder why Nate Berkus wants everyone to consider these features essential for a "forever kitchen."