We consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home, it’s the place where everyone always ends up, no matter how much you try to get them to congregate in the rest of your beautiful house. It’s where the action is, the good smells come from, and the work of life gets done! Sometimes, it’s also a space yearning for an upgrade. If you’re ready to transform your kitchen from just good enough to really fabulous, start dreaming about all you want to do! We recommend saving images that bring you joy, thinking about your budget, and of course, bringing in a professional. This means working with a kitchen designer in a showroom, and/or an interior designer who knows and understands your needs, and how to create the space of your dreams. It’s an expensive project, and you only want to do it once, so make sure you get it right.
- Workflow: Imagine your typical cooking routine. The “work triangle” – refrigerator, sink, and stove – should be arranged for a smooth flow, with easy access.
- Storage Solutions: Pots, pans, utensils – they all need a home! Think about built-in organizers, pull-out drawers, and hidden compartments to maximize space. Make sure the things you use the most are easy to access. Plan for spaces that can hold a soup pot, or a popcorn maker—find room for things you only use once a year.
- Appliance Power: Are you a baking enthusiast? Then a high-powered oven might be a must-have. How about trying to eat healthy? A lot of our clients are putting in a steam oven. Consider your cooking style and choose appliances that match your needs.
- Seating: Consider incorporating a breakfast bar, a cozy nook, or a banquette into your floor plan for additional seating and functionality.
- Lighting: Layered lighting is key. General lighting for the whole room, task lighting for under or in your cabinets, and pendant lighting over the island will help to create a bright and inviting atmosphere.
- Flooring: Consider longevity, ease of cleaning, and how the flooring complements your overall design scheme. Do you like the durability of porcelain tiles? The warmth of wood?
- The Perfect Palette: Do you want a calming, cool-toned kitchen, or a warm and colorful space? Choose a color scheme that reflects your style and complements the rest of your home.
Sometimes the best backsplash is the countertops.
- Hardware: Knobs, pulls, and cabinet handles can add a touch of elegance or whimsy. Make sure they are comfortable in your hand when you pull out a drawer!
- Backsplash Beauty: There are so many options here: do you like the clean look of a countertop stone that continues up? Or tile that brings in another element of interest?
As long as all of these points are considered, the end result will be the perfect kitchen for you. Just remember that even though a lot of people try to tackle a kitchen remodel on their own, partnering with an interior designer will help to remove the stress from you and ensure that all every detail is thought through.