Kitchen Design
Kitchens are one of the most popular rooms in the home today. Over the years kitchens have been designed to be roomy, compact and now roomy again, but with all the bells and whistles. One thought still remains true today and that is the kitchen is still the “heart of the home”. It is where friends and family gather around to chat while your preparing a snack or meal, and its one place in the home where a busy family reconnects throughout the day.
Your kitchen design for the most part will be the most complicated space to redo in your home. With the many options that are available to us not only in materials, appliances and accessories, you’d better have your notebook ready. Speaking of notebook that is an excellent way to start your kitchen design. Whether you’re giving the kitchen a new facelift or your doing a structural remodel, you’ll need your notebook to keep things organized. Prior to getting started it’s a good idea to jot down notes regarding items you’d like to see done in the new kitchen, ideas that you might have, and cut out pictures that you’ve seen as well. If your doing the job yourself having this booklet ready will help you sort your priorities and keep you focused and on track. If your using the assistance of an architect or interior designer the notes will be helpful for the same reasons, and to let them get a feel for your preferences and priorities.
Where to Start? If your working within the same footprint of your current kitchen space then that simplifies things for sure. If you’re moving walls and cabinets and creating a new floor plan, then you’ll probably need the assistance of an architect or a contractor. I’ll list some thoughts and questions that you should ask yourself before you get started: Will you have an eating area within the kitchen space? Will you require a table? If so what size and shape. Will you want a breakfast bar seating area? How big? Will the kitchen be formal or casual? New appliance purchases? Using existing appliances? Your style in cooking: Simple/Family/Gourmet/Order in? Storage needs: Buy in Bulk? Shop weekly or monthly? Will other activities take place in the kitchen: Homework? Sewing? Computer? Etc. Do you require built-ins? Recycling? Organizers? Garbage Disposal? Have a “Wish List” for those extras you hope to include. After you’ve reviewed some of these tips then you’ll be onto your material selections.
Once you have your colour scheme in mind, of course taking into consideration the adjoining rooms to the kitchen then you’ll be on your way with a path to follow. Cabinets, countertops, flooring and appliances will be your biggest expenses. When picking the Cabinet, countertops and flooring, take your samples onto the next store so you can put the countertop alongside the cabinet for example, then the cabinet next to the flooring etc. These three areas must work well together, whether they are harmonious or bold with sharp contrasts. Some of your choices here will probably be made with your budget in mind, and others with your heart. Be prepared for compromises, as well as a possible wait time for delivery of products or services. This will be an area that tests your patience for sure.
A quick overview is granite is still a number one choice for countertop material and tile, laminate and vinyl for flooring. Hardwood you would only want to choose in a kitchen if you were going to be prompt at picking up wet spills as soon as they happen. Cabinetry has turned to cleaner and uncomplicated lines, showcasing hardware instead. Mouldings and trim work is a wonderful way to add style and class to your kitchen cabinets, ceiling and floor line. Built-ins are great and add an architectural flair to the kitchen, particularly if you are housing any kind of computer/TV./display area. A kitchen island has been a favourite for many years now, but the size and scale are increasing to be longer and wider using decorative cabinetry and faucets and taps. They are particularly useful if you entertain a lot or if there is usually more than one person cooking at the same time. Don’t forget lighting, it can be the sparkle in your room that makes it come alive. Pot lights are great for task work, and pendants and chandeliers come in beautiful designs today, probably one to fit any décor.
A kitchen renovation can seem overwhelming at first, but I feel the key to a successful project is keeping yourself organized, focused and on task. You’ll always find things that you’d love to have and probably your budget isn’t going to be your best friend. There are great products and choices out there today so don’t be afraid to venture out ~ Your Dream Kitchen is out there!
Written by Sharon @ IDQ
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