The kitchen is often the heart of the home – a space for cooking, gathering and creating memories. At Gerstad Builders, we understand that a well-designed kitchen is more than just appliances and cabinets. It’s about creating a space that reflects your unique style, enhances your daily life and provides years of enjoyment. This guide explores key design elements and innovative features that can elevate your kitchen to new heights when you build a new home with Gerstad Builders.

The Center Island – Reinvented

Whether you are looking for a central gathering space or a comfortable location to bake your favorite treats, your kitchen island plays an important role in day-to-day life. Designing a kitchen island that meets your unique needs is one of the many exciting opportunities that come with building a new construction home.

If you want a pretty range hood over your oven instead of the traditional over-the-range microwave, you can opt for a built-in Sharp microwave drawer, which tucks this oft-used appliance out of sight, but certainly not out of mind (or out of reach). The convenience of a microwave drawer means it’s easily accessible to residents of all ages, while being lockable to keep little chefs safe when unsupervised. They also give you the freedom to have both an aesthetically pleasing range hood and less cluttered countertops thanks to the placement within the island.

Other popular island additions include a prep sink, which allows for additional workspace cleanup – or even easier functionality when you have more than one cook in the kitchen.

Love to host dinner parties and holiday gatherings? Always have a host of young children at your house? Add in a beverage refrigerator under the island for easy accessibility and temperature control while freeing up much-needed refrigerator space.

Finally, kitchen islands allow for additional seating. Barstools make the perfect place for friends to gather while you prep meals, or the ideal spot for kids to have a quick breakfast while you pack a lunch.

Appliances for Everyday Living

Quality appliances are a must for modern families, which is why Gerstad Homes has selected GE as our preferred appliance partner. GE’s appliances are known for being both energy-conscious and technology-forward, with a variety of lines to choose from at a wide range of price points.

Looking to switch to healthier cooking options during the work week? Choose to add an oven with a built-in air fryer so you can serve up delicious, quick meals that your whole family will savor.

Ready to try your hand at the sourdough bread trend? Many of GE’s newest ovens feature a proof mode, creating the perfect controlled environment to allow your sourdough creations to rise before baking.

If you’re a true foodie and love spending time in your kitchen, GE’s higher-end product lines, such as Monogram or Café, may be the perfect fit. From luxury options to modern colorways and high-performance features, GE’s premium lines ensure you can design the kitchen of your dreams.

And with so much room to personalize your kitchen, you may choose to add other popular appliances such as smart refrigerators, induction cooktops and high-end dishwashers to make your life that much easier. At Gerstad Builders, we are committed to providing high-quality, affordable appliances that boost your everyday living.

Countertop Options

There are endless choices when it comes to countertops, but here are a few of our top picks!

Known for its durability and natural beauty, granite is a great choice for kitchen countertops. While it stains easier than some of its competitors, granite is an elegant choice for households that want a naturally occurring option and don’t mind a little upkeep.

In comparison, Dal-tile and Cambria quartz options are resistant to stains and scratches and available in a wide range of colors. These materials are also durable and incredibly heat resistant, making them an incredibly popular choice for today’s homebuyers.

Cambria, one of our preferred countertop vendors, is a leading provider of high-quality engineered quartz countertops. Its unique designs, vibrant colors and exceptional hardiness make it a leading choice for households across the country. Aside from its luxury product, Cambria also offers a lifetime warranty that ensures that your surfaces continue to stand the test of time.

Wilsonart Laminate is another ideal choice, boasting easy maintenance, affordability and durability. Heat damage is a concern with laminate materials, so make sure to evaluate your countertop needs before buying.

Creating Your Dream Kitchen

Ready to make your dream kitchen a reality? Our design team offers consultations by appointment, or prospective buyers can tour our showrooms to explore kitchen options firsthand. From Aristokraft cabinetry to Moen faucets and various sink options, we focus on personalized design and attention to detail. To schedule your appointment to meet with our team, or to learn more about building your dream kitchen, contact us by calling 815-385-4495 or fill out our contact form online.

At Gerstad Builders, we believe that your kitchen should be a reflection of your unique style and needs. By incorporating innovative features like microwave drawers and air fryer ovens, and offering a wide range of high-quality materials like Cambria countertops, we strive to create kitchens that are both beautiful and functional.