We have the joy of getting to help many families design their dream home and over the years we have learned that there is no room that causes more stress when it comes to making design choices than the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home and the room that most families spend the most time in. In addition it is one of the most important rooms for resale value of a home so it is important to make smart design decisions when creating your kitchen, while also making sure it is personalized to your families needs. Today we are going to share with you our top five tips for designing your dream kitchen.
#1 DESIGN FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE, NOT SOMEONE ELSE’S
This is such a tough one because we live in a world that is saturated with absolutely gorgeous images of kitchen all over the web, on Instagram, and in magazines. It feels like kitchens with high end features are the norm in America these days, but we are here to tell you that is not necessarily the case. It is so important when you are starting to design your kitchen that you think about the way you and your family use your kitchen and the stage of life you are in. If you don’t enjoy cooking, then don’t spend the money on a professional grade range. If you aren’t super organized and your cabinets are always a mess, then don’t go for open shelving or glass cabinets in your space. However, if you love to bake, then splurge on a convection oven. The key is to spend your money on the things that you are really going to love and use the most in your space.
#2 SELECT YOUR FINISHES WISELY
It is so easy to see a gorgeous counter top or sink or light fixture, and fall in love with the look of it before you think about the practicality of it in your space and life. Marble counter tops are amazing looking, but they might not be the most practical if you have toddlers in the house or love drinking red wine but are prone to spills. You may fall in love with a killer light fixture, but if requires special bulbs that you can’t buy easily, make sure you are dedicated to special ordering those bulbs before you order it. The key is to remember that your home is not just a show piece, but a place where you actually live. You want to make sure that the finishes you are selecting represent the stage of life you are in, while still being absolutely stunning. Trust me, you can combine practicality with beautiful design.
#3 WORK WITH A PROFESSIONAL AND RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH
I promise that I am not just saying this because I am a designer, but kitchen design and construction can be tricky and it helps to have a professional to guide you through the process. Whether you work with a designer or a contractor or both, make sure you do your research. Construction and labor costs can be some of the largest costs associated with a remodel and it is important to do your prep work before signing on with a contractor. We recommend that you get referrals (and check them) and interview at least three contractors before you make your decision. Make sure that you are checking for their credentials and insurance as well. Think carefully before you hire someone. We have had so many customers come to us after they have had a bad experience with a contractor. The cheapest is not always the best choice.
#4 PACK IN THE STORAGE
A lack of storage is one of the number one complaints we hear from clients. That is why it is so important to plan for as much storage space as possible in your dream kitchen. Make sure you are taking advantage of underutilized spaces that have storage potential. Add cabinets to both sides of your kitchen island so that you can maximize the amount of storage that key piece provides. Also, take your cabinets all the way up to the ceiling. This provides a ton of extra storage for serving pieces and other pieces that you do not use frequently. When we add additional sets of cabinetry above the standard uppers we like to add glass front cabinets to the top cabinets. It helps break up the wood and provides a great place to showcase collections or beautiful serving ware that our clients have but don’t use in their day to day life.
#5 DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF LIGHTING
Lighting plays such a critical roll in the overall look and feel of a space. It is so important to plan your lighting-from the types of lighting you need, to their location-carefully when designing your kitchen. Some of the overlooked spaces that we recommend our clients place lighting is under cabinets and in glass front cabinets. Under counter lighting has come so far with the increasing use of LED lighting. It can take what was once a dark and dingy space and really bring life to it. We also encourage our clients to think multiple different sources of lights for the primary spaces in a kitchen. The days of just installing some can lights in the ceiling and calling it a day are over. Think about pendant lights over the island or sink as well as chandeliers over the dining area. It is also important to think about the ambience that lighting can provide and put key lights on dimmers so you can adjust their strength according to your needs.