It seems more people are remodeling their kitchens now than ever!
Maybe it was that we were stuck in our homes and got bored a couple of years ago and are ready for a change, or maybe everyone is paying more attention to the heart of the home and trying better to accommodate all of their needs.
I am currently working on six remodel jobs that revolve around the kitchen. Most of these projects involve taking walls out and opening up the perimeter of the old layout. Whether walls are completely coming out, or just down to a “half wall,” it is apparent people are feeling like they need more room to cook and entertain.
Cabinet makers are stepping up to the plate and offering a variety of details. From door styles and finishes, hardware selections, pull out shelving options, tilt out trays, drawer organizers, and pantry and spice pull outs, the options are endless.
People are getting overwhelmed and don’t want to overlook any small detail with these expensive and lengthy projects. That is where a designer, like me, comes in!
Understanding how a client uses a kitchen is first priority. How many work at one time in a kitchen? Will you be entertaining as you cook? How many would you like to seat at a bar or table?
From there I create the work triangle, which is the space between the sink, refrigerator and cooktop. I consider traffic flow and how to design a plan that utilizes every inch for great organization options.
I always alert my clients to new ideas available on the market.
Things such as outlets on the island countertop as opposed to drilling into the side of the cabinet. Outlets under the wall cabinets as opposed to in the backsplash, which take emphasis away from your tile pattern.
There are some fabulous new sink options that offer a variety of sliding trays, cutting boards, colander and bowl inserts. These sinks require a larger cabinet and must be planned.
Symmetry plays a large part in kitchen design for me. The cooking area has become very dramatic with a decorative hood becoming a focal point. With that said, it is important to achieve a clean look around this area to allow the impact to be strong.
Understanding full extension drawer glides open up a world of possibilities that offer better organization results. Drawers for pot and pans next to the cooking area is always popular. Small spice containers can be placed in pull out segments that help keep them better organized. Who doesn’t get tired of spices falling out of a cabinet every time you open a door!
Multiple faucets can be a huge asset. Especially for a prep area or a beverage center. I love adding a hot water tap, especially if hot tea is a favorite beverage of my client.
Entertaining is still popular as everyone seems to congregate in the kitchen at gatherings. Take a look at the design of the seating area in the photo. As there are windows along the right side of this image, it made sense to turn the seating around from the normal direction facing into the kitchen, to allow the guests to enjoy the view.
The banquet is inviting, functional and eye appealing with some pop of color I added to the pillows. A kitchen should be functional and just as pretty as every other room in your home!
