Wellness design features are taking over kitchen remodels post-pandemic, with a growing consumer base prioritizing filtration systems and added storage space, Forbes reports. A walk-in pantry was the top choice among respondents of the Research Institute for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence’s latest poll, especially as more homeowners switch to bulk shopping to cut down on trips to the grocery store.
Health features like touchless faucets and built-in water filtration systems also ranked high on the list of kitchen must-haves, followed by under-cabinet lighting options and specialized spaces for pets.
Pet adoptions surged during the pandemic and those new family members needed a place for their food and water bowls and other supplies. Though many veterinarians don’t recommend feeding cats and dogs in the kitchen, where they can be tempted by trash can contents or stepped on by busy parents, setting up a zone for them outside of the work aisles can make sense. Pets enhance the well-being of their owners, making well-planned specialized spaces for them wellness features for both animal and human.