Women share their dream kitchen must-haves

Endless counters

Laura Willard, San Diego mom of two and SheKnows Parenting Editor, knows what she wants in a kitchen. "My dream kitchen has a huge refrigerator because nothing makes me happier than an extremely organized and clean fridge. It also has endless counter space, a large island with a bar where the kids can eat breakfast while I'm making their school lunches and stunning granite. Finally, it needs to have lots of cabinet space."

Double up

Many moms want top-of-the-line appliances, but this one wants something a little extra. "My must-haves would be a double oven with warming drawer, built-in wine storage, an extremely quiet dishwasher and miles of counter space," says Chicago mom and writer Lisa Steinke. "A personal chef would be nice, too!"

?I don't need all the bells and whistles, but I do want a lot of space. ?

Eat-in space

Kitchens aren't just for cooking. Many women would forgo a formal dining room if it allowed for more eating and entertaining space in the kitchen. "I don't need all the bells and whistles, but I do want a lot of space. I love an eat-in kitchen. So, I want room for a huge table or a gigantic island to enjoy time with my boys, friends and family," says Veronica Garcia, Texas mom of three boys. "The kitchen is the central hub of activity in our home. It's more than just a place to eat. It's a place to do homework, play board games, socialize and bond as a family."

Big fridge

For families, the focus seems to be on the fridge. "It's so hard to choose because there's always something new and exciting in terms of materials and finishes," says Crystal Davis, Dallas mom of 13-year-old twin boys. "But one thing that my dream kitchen would have to have is a really big refrigerator. My boys love to eat. So we'd need a large pantry and double-oven, too. And if I'm really dreaming, I'd love to have an outdoor kitchen with a beautiful deck for grilling and entertaining."

Airy and light

Many modern kitchens are often devoid of much natural light, but some women think it's essential. "I love the idea of a giant window in the kitchen to bring in plenty of light and fresh air. I don't see that very often these days," says Peggy Cashini, Orlando mother of two. "A six-burner stove is a must, plus a double oven. I love to cook for family and friends. I'd also like one of those drawer microwaves -- I've always hated how the microwave looks on the counter."

Update your kitchen cabinets

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