How To Design A Kitchen - Tips From 26 Home Decor Experts
The kitchen is the heart of the home, a place where you cook, dine, and socialize with your loved ones.
Whether you are designing a new kitchen or renovating an existing one, there are many factors you should take into consideration to ensure the space meets your needs and reflects your personal style.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make decisions about cabinets, countertops, lighting, and more.
To help you make the most of your kitchen renovation we asked Minuca Elena to reach out to 26 interior designers and realtors and ask them:
What are the most important things to keep in mind when designing/redesigning your kitchen?
From considering the layout and flow of the space to selecting the right materials and appliances, these experts provide valuable insights to help you create a functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen.
They also discuss the importance of lighting and storage, two crucial elements that can make or break a kitchen design.
Tristan Gary Designs
Well, first, I would ask "Do you use your kitchen or is it there to look pretty"? I ask clients to really think about what is working for them in their current kitchen and what isn't.
How often are they running to another part of the kitchen when preparing a meal? What would it look like to have certain items, like oils and spices, closer to the range?
No matter how pretty a kitchen is, if it doesn't function properly, it's not a good design.
A few things to think about and plan for:
1. Layout
A good work triangle to make sure it's a usable space. If you have the space, do you have a separate coffee bar or cocktail station for entertaining? Do you have a baking zone? What's important for you in your home?
2. Storage
Do you have enough storage? Do you have a space for small kitchen appliances? Do you have enough space for sheet pans and muffin tins? Do you need proper knife storage?
3. Lighting
Once you have the core necessities, I would consider lighting to be a crucial component to the overall usability and enjoyment of any kitchen.
Layers of lighting give the ability to transition between a working creative space to entertaining and moody.
The layers of lighting can be cans or flush mount fixtures, integrated cabinetry lighting, under cabinet and toe kick lighting, pendants, and sconces.
4. Electrical plan
When planning a new kitchen, you definitely want to make sure your electrical plan accounts for enough circuits.
It's very important, for a well functioning kitchen, that you can use multiple appliances without shorting a circuit and running to your electrical panel for a reset.
And while we are at it, let's tuck those outlets away from the beautiful new backsplash, if you can.
We often include outlet strips under cabinetry, pop up outlets in islands, recessed outlets, outlets with USB and USBC ports. There are so many options to choose from that won't take away from your aesthetic, but could add to it instead.
5. Ventilation
Not only is good ventilation necessary per code, it's crucial for cleaning the air in the home.
We all love an open concept kitchen/living situation, but the air quality from cooking and cleaning can be significantly worse than outside in LA.
So don't skimp on the hood. Make sure your hood has the proper CFM's for your cooking surface.
Consider an induction cooktop instead of gas for better air quality, safety, and performance.
Debbie DeMarais - DeMarais HOME STAGING + DESIGN
Designing, or redesigning, a kitchen begins with understanding how your household actually uses a kitchen.
Put simply, you have to honestly acknowledge who is doing the cooking and the cleaning, as well as see the other activities that commonly occur in the kitchen.
This requires a certain objectivity to do correctly, which is often why it’s best to get an interior designer in to help right at the beginning of a project.
They’ll help you really drill down to who uses the kitchen most, how they use it, for what sorts of purposes, and whether ideas that you already have circulating should be understood as critical, or aspirational.
With that information in hand it becomes much easier to prioritize features and manage the project budget.
From a functional standpoint most people want to start by identifying the cooking appliances. Beginning with the range and/or stove, then moving to the vent hood, fridge and freezer.
This makes good sense because if you’re remodeling a kitchen and want to keep costs under control you need to work with the infrastructure that is there—the plumbing, electrical, and possibly gas lines that exist, with as few adjustments as possible.
Even in designing a new kitchen, beginning the design process from how those who are cooking will interact with the appliances can quickly clarify a great deal about the layout.
Then the lens should switch to the cleaning-up after cooking: the counter space, sink(s), faucet(s), dishwasher, and storage of cookware, dishes, and cooking tools.
This is where you think into cabinet design, accessibility of different items, and the best finishes for your functional needs.
If you have people with a limited range of motion, or some other form of special need(s) at home, it is critical that you factor that into your design plan — don’t just accept an average counter height or walkway width from your contractor; advocate for what your family needs!
In many ways, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where the most activity takes place regularly, and not all of that is related to cooking and cleaning:
Do people eat in the kitchen? You might need to plan for an island, or some bar seating.
Is it a spot to do homework? Then you’ll need an electrical plan that provides enough task lighting and data ports.
Do pets eat in the kitchen (and if so, where do you store that 40lb bag of dog chow)? Better factor in some easy-to-access storage for the food, and a nook for Fido to eat and drink in.
Do all your house guests tend to socialize within five feet of the stove? Then maybe you add in some work stations near the beverage bar so that they can chop carrots while sipping that Rosé!
Start thinking about your kitchen remodel or new kitchen project well in advance of it needing to begin.
Spend a few weeks (or months) just watching how your household uses the kitchen and noting what is always in service and what seems to be neglected.
Because ultimately, the most important thing to do when embarking on a new kitchen design is to clearly understand your specific needs.
Sherri Curley - The Practical Sort
Ease and flow
Prior to embarking on any remodeling project, work with your designer to get a sense of how the current layout is working for you and other users of the space.
What do you like? What’s working in terms of flow and accessibility; surface usability; storage locations; storage adequacy; types of storage such as shelves vs drawers and open shelving vs closed door; and lighting?
Where are the hiccups? What needs to change? Do you find yourself running around the kitchen, popping up and down step stools to grab commonly used utensils, bowls, and ingredients?
Does current configuration cause confusion or logjams as you work at the stove and your partner navigates to the refrigerator?
Do you like hosting parties, but the space is too constricted? You may need to enlarge the kitchen or simply reconfigure the flow.
Base the layout and storage options on user experience. How tall are you? That will affect counter and cabinet height preferences and usability.
If you plan for cabinetry that abuts the ceiling, place rarely used items there and possibly consider step stool storage.
Which hand is dominant? Do you prefer to reach for accessories to the right or left? Then ensure that there is available surface or storage space to those sides or directly beneath the work area.
Where do you like to prep? Near the sink, stove, dishwasher, oven, windows? Is it more convenient to house dishware close to the dishwasher for quick put away or closer to the table for rapid table setting?
Would an island provide extra surface and storage space or take up too much floor area, impede movement, and prohibit social gatherings?
Use these indicators to determine where to place your countertops and cabinets for greatest efficiency and enjoyment.
Surface Space
Is there enough continuous counter surface to satisfy your level of culinary proficiency?
Observe whether you currently have sufficient space for creating complex recipes calling for numerous ingredients and gadgetry or ease of throwing together quick meals on the go?
Both of my previous homes had inadequate, segmented countertops broken up by appliances, sink, and walls. As someone who baked and created gourmet recipes, I was frustrated by the lack of room to roll out dough, and conveniently set aside prepped ingredients.
Our redesigns consolidated the stove, oven and sink to one end of the kitchen leaving 3 ½+ feet of usable counter surface.
Surface material also affects prepping and cleaning. Grout lines are harder to clean and maintain while also complicating rolling dough, so tiled counters may not work for you. Stone slabs, composites, bamboo, or metal are durable, solid options.
Storage
Take stock of the types and quantity of storage that exists or you’d prefer in the new design. What makes the most sense for cabinet width and depth?
Deeper shelves provide more storage but anything beyond 18 “, the harder it is to see what you have or reach what you need. That leads to a greater chance of forgetting hidden items which results in expired products and duplicate purchasing.
To resolve that, install pull-out drawers or slide-out baskets. Pull-outs drawers reduce the need for kitchen gymnastics and potential injury when accessing hard to reach goods and lifting appliances.
Watch out for odd angled shelving which can complicate visibility, organizing efforts, and access.
How much storage is optimal for your current or future needs? How many family members or residents are in your household? The more people, plan for more storage.
How do you assess how much you’ll need? Begin by inventorying what you typically have on hand for food, beverage, and paper good pantry items.
Add in all cook/bakeware, dish/glassware, eating and prep utensils, food storage containers, small appliances, and anything else you prefer remaining inside the kitchen.
At the same time, pare down to avoid needlessly devoting space to unrepairable small appliances (coffee makers, electric can openers, toaster ovens), broken décor (vases, tchotchkes, candle holders, and stemware), unwanted dish sets, and expired, stale, or infested pantry items.
If you plan to replace any of those, add them back into your space planning.
Josh Lebovits - LP Property Group
In our business we regularly redesign kitchens with cost-savings in mind as we are often keeping the properties we renovate as rentals.
That said, the same things we think about to save money on kitchen design will apply to anyone who is cost-conscious and plans to redesign the kitchen in their own home.
While it might be nice to consider tearing your kitchen down to the studs and starting from scratch, you can make a major difference in the appearance of your kitchen without gutting it.
1. Take note of the existing locations of plumbing, gas lines and electrical, and try to redesign your kitchen in such a way that you will not need to move these items.
Moving gas lines, plumbing and electrical can be very expensive and will generally require permits, which can lead to project delays, higher costs and more headaches.
If you are able to redesign your kitchen while maintaining the existing locations of your stove's gas lines, dishwasher and sink plumbing, and the electrical serving your built-in microwave and stove hood, you will save money and complete your project more quickly.
This approach can also leave more room in your budget for fancier replacement appliances, fancier countertops, higher quality kitchen cabinets, cabinet hardware, etc., all of which can really make your kitchen pop.
2. In older kitchens that are being remodeled, there is often a desire/need to open things up to create more flow from the dining room/living areas into the kitchen.
While the gut reaction may be to tear one or more walls completely down, one way to achieve the goal of creating openness while saving money and reducing headaches is to create a "pass through window."
What many people don't realize is that the walls they want to take down are often structural/support walls, so taking them down means installing expensive headers (a very strong more expensive wood support beam) to replace the wall.
This is also something that will often require a permit as it is structural work. These walls also frequently have ducting and electrical in them, creating additional headaches when tearing them down.
A pass-through window, on the other hand, can be made quite attractive with a granite or other stone countertop inserted on the bottom which can be paired with bar seating, while at the same time avoiding the more expensive and time-consuming process of tearing down entire walls.
3. You don't always need to replace your kitchen cabinets to make a big difference.
Painting your existing kitchen cabinets with a high quality enamel (we like Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane) and the right sheen, and pairing them with modern cabinet pulls can make your kitchen look leaps and bounds better than it did previously.
I hope you can incorporate some of these tips into your own kitchen redesign! Best of luck.
Mike Powell - Red Flag Home Inspection
The most important thing to keep in mind when designing or redesigning a kitchen is that there are very specific criteria and design standards that professionals utilize to ensure proper flow and function of a kitchen area. Case and point: the "kitchen triangle".
Looks a little intimidating, doesn't it? There are pretty specific guidelines on the distances from other components of a kitchen. When there is an island, the lines from a, b, and c cannot deviate more than 12 inches inward.
None of these three legs should be less than 4 feet or greater than 9 feet. All three should add up to something between 12 and 26 feet.
It sounds nuts, but I have inspected homes that prove it's necessity. I have seen homes where you cannot open the dishwasher without first opening the stove door to allow clearance.
I have seen kitchens where you have to walk around components to take a boiling pot from the stove to the sink.
The heights of the counter tops, the distance from the counter tops to the vent hood, the spacing of the GFCI protected outlets (at each counter top space), and on and on and on.
It really is an endless array of opportunities to mess up something (functionally) that will haunt you everyday thereafter. Consider calling in a helping hand if you are not up to conducting extensive research.
Eric Sztanyo - Team Sztanyo
When doing any type of remodeling in your home, it is important to think about how it will impact the resale value.
Just because something is new and updated doesn't mean it will have a positive effect on your home's overall appeal down the road.
When redesigning your kitchen, it is wise to consider the style of your home and how a renovation will change the flow and consistency.
For example, a buyer who is looking for a midcentury modern home will not want a gutted and trendy new kitchen.
This expensive renovation may not add value to the home; in fact, it may decrease its appeal to many potential buyers.
Also, when it comes to your old appliances, fixtures, and so on, don't be so quick to throw them away.
Some people will buy your retro orange appliances, so doing a quick eBay or Etsy search is definitely worth your while.
Ana Ochoa - Sunrise Valley Farm Co
When designing or redesigning a kitchen, the top thing to keep in mind is how YOU and your family use the space. Kitchens are such a personal space, and what might work for another house may not work for you.
Ideally, there should be a triangle of easy-flow traffic between your sink, your range/oven, and your refrigerator. Design your space so you can easily walk/travel to each of these three main usage areas.
This triangle will maximize the flow between prepping, cooking, and cleaning, and minimize any frustration that often comes with a crowded kitchen.
Also, consider if your kitchen is meant to be a gathering space for your family/friends. If so, you may want to incorporate seating at a bar or island space.
Finally, my own personal love in a kitchen - consider an appliance garage or somewhere to hide larger countertop appliances, especially in a small kitchen.
Microwaves, toaster ovens, tea kettles, and coffee machines can easily disappear if an appliance garage cabinet is installed (just don't forget the outlets in the back of your cabinet!)
Angela Higgins - Nourished Home
1. Lifestyle
Spend some time really thinking about your lifestyle — how you live and use the kitchen, type of cooking you do, etc.
Also think about how frequently you cook, and when you do cook, it is all homemade from scratch or more quick, convenient cooking you like?
How many people use the kitchen and what are they making will also affect the design.
2. Layout
Before you dive into the decorative details, like colors and finishes, the overall layout needs to be figured out. Where is everything going to be placed?
Consider how the sink, fridge, stove and major appliance will be arranged in order to make the kitchen functional and fit your lifestyle.
3. Storage
A well-organized kitchen has everything you use on a regular basis at your fingertips. Making sure you have the right type of storage for all the items that are a must for you and your lifestyle.
Think about what items you use all the time and must have at your fingers tips each day.
Is it a coffee and/or smoothie station or space for fresh herbs to be grown? Are there items you want displayed, like a cherished set of bowls or a collection of glasses? Do you cook a lot and need a large area for spices to be stored?
These are the details that will make the kitchen feel complete.
Darla DeMorrow - Heart Work Organizing
1. Customize Your Storage
Build your kitchen with YOUR needs in mind. Do you prefer closed storage, open spaces, or a mix of both? The current trends may not works best for you, and you are the one who lives there.
2. Gather Samples
Get samples of every design choice you make, including flooring, cabinets, hardware, paint, and any other fixture you are bringing into your kitchen.
Before you begin construction, you should gather a tote bag or box of samples so that you can see how they all work together, and how they look in YOUR home, not just the showroom.
3. Fad, Trend, Or Classic
Classic designs are going to still make you happy over 10 years from now. These are the patterns and styles that repeat for decades and even hundreds of years, like classic subway tile, for example.
Trends shift over 5-10 years, placing your last update in a certain decade. Remember the red dining rooms of the early 2000’s? Brass and glass everything of the 1980’s? Avocado green appliances of the 70’s?
Fads sell product fast, but often last just a year or two. Recent fads include pompom fringe and ultra-shag rugs. Build your kitchen plan on solid classic design, and add trendy and fad elements on top.
Your biggest investment stand will the test of time, and design choices that need changing in a few years will be easy and less expensive to swap.
4. Hard Decisions
Kitchens are full of hard surfaces, like floors, cabinets, counters, and appliances.
Once you’ve chosen these finishes, add in softer elements like rugs, curtains, canvas art, and upholstered furniture to balance out the other surfaces, which make the kitchen feel warm.
KD Reid
Create a kitchen that truly serves your needs. Every configuration has advantages and disadvantages.
Space, money, and time constraints will all have an impact on the final design of a kitchen.
It's crucial to picture how you'll actually use the space, and planning it out is made simple by looking at the kitchen from above.
If you decide to upgrade your countertop with new marble or limestone in the future rather than dealing with plumbing or electrical issues behind the walls, it will be less expensive.
As your design aesthetic changes over time, trends will come and go, but having the ideal kitchen layout is ideal.
Zara O'Hare - Land of Rugs
First, it's important to consider the layout and flow of the space. The kitchen must be functional and efficient.
You also need a clear line of sight and easy access to all major work areas. This will make cooking and meal prep more enjoyable and efficient.
Next, consider the materials and finishes. The kitchen is a high-traffic area. It's important to choose materials that are easy to maintain. This includes the countertops, backsplash, flooring, cabinetry and appliances.
Another important factor is lighting. Proper lighting is essential for safety and for creating a welcoming atmosphere. A well-lit kitchen will also make it easier to see and work on your tasks.
Consider a mix of ambient, task and accent lighting. This will create a well-balanced and functional space.
Finally, don't forget about storage. A well-designed kitchen will have plenty of storage options. This allows you to keep everything organised and out of sight.
This includes cabinetry, pantry space. It also includes clever storage like pull-out shelves, spice racks and appliance garages.
Arch. Andrei Vasilief – Animo Regis
The two key things to keep in mind are usability and clever storage solutions.
Usability refers to the way you interact with the kitchen and how you use it. Everything should be placed in a logical manner primarily, rather than a simple aesthetic one. Five key examples of this:
1. Place dishwasher next to the sink
Not only will this simplify the plumbing, but generally we put dishes in the sink where we lightly clean them, and then place them in the dishwasher, so this will help make the process of cleaning up easier.
2. Don't place the sink too far from the stove and oven
It will make it simpler for you to directly put the utensils in the sink, rather than spreading them around the kitchen.
3. Leave plenty of free counter space on each side of the stove
This is the space we use to prepare the dishes and should be in proximity to the stove to streamline the process.
4. Put the stove, oven and sink in a straight line or an L line
This makes it easier to move around the kitchen and interact with everything in an efficient manner.
5. Think of the size of the fridge you need:
The volume of the fridge will determine how much it can hold, which will impact how often you need to grocery shop.
In a nutshell, think of how you interact with your kitchen and then plan around that.
Storage needs to be adequately designed so you get the most use out of it. Generally, we can divide the storage in a kitchen in three categories based on where it is located:
1. Storage at eye level
This will be the easiest to use and access, but it will be the smallest in all the kitchen (there isn't a lot of room to put storage at eye level in a kitchen). Simple shelves work great here, you can store the most used utensils here.
2. Storage below eye level
Difficult to access, ideally use drawers to make the most of it.
3. Storage above eye level
Easier to access, but there is a tendency to forget about this, it can be used to store items you use rarely.
Allyson Waddell - Realty Hop
Adding or upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can save money on electric bills while positively impacting the environment.
Efficient dishwashers can save up to seven gallons of water per cycle, and some refrigerators can consume less energy than a lightbulb.
If you live in a cold environment and spend plenty of time in the kitchen, it may be worth investing in heated floors. They can make cooking more comfortable and also add potential value to the home when it comes time to sell.
Future buyers may find the feature luxurious and be willing to pay more for a home with this added bonus.
Opt for timeless over trendy touches. If you’re not planning to put your house on the market in the near future, choosing color palettes and materials of high quality over something that is in-season can benefit you in the long run, as those features may still appeal to buyers a decade from now.
Most importantly, homeowners should only add features and touches that they find appealing and convenient in their daily lives. While there are steps they can take to increase their property’s value, creating something that positively impacts their life will bring the highest reward long-term.
Bella Zinti - The Homey Space
The first thing you need to do is to wireframe a kitchen design or concept. It would be best if there's a balance between functionality and appeal. The kitchen needs to be visually appealing while being highly functional at the same time.
First, consider the positioning of the kitchen's central parts, such as the sink, tables, chairs, countertops, and fridge. This is crucial. Your layout will ensure the functionality and efficiency of your kitchen construction.
Next is storage. The goal is to reduce the clutter in your kitchen and foster a safe environment for food preparation and cooking.
Another is paying attention to the lighting and flooring. Lighting will set the mood of the kitchen and help you cook and prepare food safely.
Flooring, however, is vital to consider because wrong flooring can compromise the safety of the entire household.
Lastly, it would be best to have proper ventilation to ensure air circulation and maintain your kitchen's smell.
Evan Smeenge - The Smeenge Group
When redesigning a kitchen, it's easy to go to pinterest and find the most beautiful, set your heart on fire, styles and implement them into your kitchen. However, I'd take a step back and follow two guidelines.
First, step back and make sure you aren't falling into a fad kitchen design. Some fads include sliding barn doors, all white kitchens, granite countertops, hanging pot racks.
These were at one point amazing in the kitchen, but as time has ticked, they have quickly become outdated.
You can avoid this by not over-doing the kitchen redesign with trendy styling, best seen in magazines, or tiktok, or yes, pinterest. Stylistically, keep it traditional and timeless.
Second is layout... realistically, this is the most important part of a kitchen redesign, but many people who are re-doing their kitchen are NOT adjusting their layout, so I wanted to highlight the stylistic elements first.
Layout starts with the kitchen triangle, first theorized by Lillian Mollar Gilbreth in the 1920s. This concept brought psychology and engineering to the kitchen design.
With those two guidelines, your kitchen redesign will be a huge success.
David Ashbolt - Materials Market
The most important things to keep in mind when designing or redesigning your kitchen are having a realistic level of investment, determining what your actual needs are, proper space planning and savvy material selection.
1. Don't go into a kitchen design or remodel with an unrealistic level of investment.
Make sure you do your homework and know how much things cost.
Be sure to plan for and include the cost of materials, labor, design fees (if you are hiring a professional designer), and contingencies due to delays or unforeseen circumstances.
2. Determine what you actually need in your kitchen to make it functional.
If you love to bake, make sure you select the right oven size and features. If you don't drink wine, you don't need to have a built-in wine fridge.
Know the difference between needs and wants and whether you can afford some or all of the wants.
3. Properly plan out your space.
Will you be knocking down a wall? How will your kitchen flow? Know how your kitchen will be laid out to be certain it will function in a way that best suits how you will use the space..
4. Be smart about the materials you select.
If you don't have a lot of money to spend on designing your kitchen, your choices will be limited.
Look for materials that have a high-end look but not the high-end price such as porcelain that has the marble look. Choose materials that are of high quality and will last.
If sustainability is important to you, ensure you're selecting sustainable materials such as recycled glass, bamboo, or Dekton.
Martin Boonzaayer - The Trusted Home Buyer
When it comes to redesigning or designing a kitchen, there are many factors to keep in mind.
From the layout of the appliances and cabinetry to the materials used for lighting, many elements need to be taken into consideration to ensure a successful kitchen design.
Here are some of the most important things to consider when designing or redesigning a kitchen:
1. Layout
One of the most important aspects of designing a kitchen is determining the structure of the space. This includes where the appliances and cabinetry will be placed and how much working space will be available.
2. Materials
The materials you choose for your kitchen should be attractive and durable that stand up to everyday wear and tear. This includes the countertops, flooring, and wall coverings.
While you may want to save money by opting for cheaper materials, it is essential to remember that the quality of the materials you will use will determine the overall look and feel of your kitchen.
You should also consider how the materials can be used to create a functional space.
3. Lighting
You should choose lighting that will complement the design and materials of the kitchen. Consider the location of windows and other sources of natural light, in addition to the type of lighting fixtures you will need.
4. Storage
You should create a plan for storing items and how much storage space you need.
Additionally, it is important to think about how the storage will be organized and used. This includes considering how the items will be accessed and how much space will be available.
These are just a few of the most important things to remember when designing your kitchen. With careful consideration and planning, you can create a luxurious and beautiful kitchen that you and your family will enjoy for years.
Mattie Sheppard - Real Estate Bees
The most important things to consider when redesigning or designing your kitchen is the layout, color scheme, size and style.
Will you keep the same layout and just update cabinets and fixtures or will you create a totally new concept?
Another thing to consider is the type of materials and products you are going to use.
Are you doing tradition such as wood cabinetry and flooring or are you going to do granite and vinyl plank flooring or even a mixture of both?
Are you going to do an open shelving concept or will it be traditional with cabinet doors?
You will also need to consider the style and color of appliances you are upgrading (i.e, stainless steel, black, traditional white or even wood grain finishes).
Whatever you decide to do, make sure it's designed and decorated appropriately to give an open warm inviting feel (if that’s what you’re going for).
Omer Reiner - Florida Cash Home Buyers
When people are redesigning their kitchen, they must try to keep the kitchen triangle intact.
Many people put structures in kitchens that interrupt these triangles, which can interrupt workflow.
In addition, when people redesign kitchens they should do everything to have matching appliances.
If they decide to change an oven or fridge, they should try to make sure both match.
Even the dishwasher should match in at least design and color.
Sammy Lyon - Lyon Ideas
When you are redesigning your kitchen, you'll want to consider how many of the appliances and utilities you are moving away from their original locations. This is one of the choices that will have a major impact on your budget.
If, for example, you are moving the location of the range/oven, you may need to move the entire gas line, which could add more time and cost to your project. The same is true of the sink and water lines, cleanouts and sewer.
Utilities are the often overlooked area of design, and a good designer will take these utility lines into consideration.
If the relocations are done thoughtfully, it will allow you to spend more of your dollars on aesthetic items like tiles and countertops, rather than the hidden costs of utilities!
Adam Watson - Hollywood Mirrors
When designing or redesigning your kitchen, there are several essential things to keep in mind.
These include:
1. The layout and functionality of the space
The design and functionality of your kitchen are crucial to its overall success.
This includes considering the size and shape of the area, the types of appliances and equipment you will need, and the general flow of the kitchen.
It's essential to create a functional and efficient layout that makes the most of the available space.
2. The materials and finishes you will use
The materials and finishes you choose for your kitchen will have a significant impact on its overall look and feel.
Selecting materials and finishes that are durable, easy to clean, and that complement the overall style of your home.
3. The lighting in the space
Proper lighting is essential in a kitchen to ensure that it is functional and comfortable to work in. This includes both natural and artificial lighting.
Consider the placement of windows, window mirrors and the type of lighting fixtures you will use to ensure that the space is well-lit and inviting.
4. The overall style and aesthetic of the space
The type and aesthetic of your kitchen should reflect your taste and the overall style of your home. Consider the colour palette, materials, and finishes you will use to create a cohesive and inviting space.
Bob McCranie - Texas Pride Realty
Cabinet space and counter tops should be abundant in any kitchen. If you can’t store your dishes and canned goods, you’re not going to be happy in the kitchen.
Many will point to appliances like six burner stoves or smart refrigerators with tv screens and such. But without the basics, storage and surfaces, the kitchen just won’t work.
Counter space should provide long stretches of flat surface to allow extensive food prep. Cooking is often a communal event with many generations huddled around bowls and mixes.
Cabinets should be deep, and if possible, should go the ceiling. Cabinet colors and counter top styles can change over the years, but the need for both are universal.
Kylieanne Simpson - KASdesigns Country Style
There are a few important thing to keep in mind when designing your kitchen. We are in the middle of our kitchen renovation and are focusing on the following:
Functionality and layout are so important for a kitchen to run smoothly and its layout should be thoroughly designed as the very first step. Step out the workflow to make sure it runs well.
Storage is essential and the more the merrier as far as I’m concerned. It nice for a kitchen to feel spacious and well organized.
Modern but functional lighting will really jazz up a space.
Think about some open shelves on wall if space allows to show off some of your bespoke pieces.
To really add character to your kitchen mix and match finishes. Add some wood, linen, marble or other natural materials to really add warmth. Give a space, warmth depth and style.
Nadia Watts Interior Design
I love to design kitchens since I find cooking at the end of the day for my family is a way for me to unwind and relax. I approach the design of a kitchen in an instinctive manner which connects form and function to the style and layout.
1. The layout
I visualize the natural flow of how one moves about a kitchen while cooking and using the space. This process is a guide for the layout of the cabinetry and appliances.
I consider the storage needs as well to ensure that it’s just as easy to get out a pot or pan as it is to open the refrigerator to gather ingredients.
The sink needs to be close by as does the range and oven. Otherwise, disaster ensues!
2. The style
Next I work on the style of the kitchen and how it will relate to the architecture of the home. The style will guide you to the right colors and textures of the design materials.
I envision the different elements and how they will relate to one another; the cabinetry, counter surface, backsplash, hood, lighting, hardware, and fixtures.
By doing this, I want to be sure that there is a nice cohesive balance between the textures and colors of the wood, paint, stone, tile, and metals.
Once the hard surfaces are selected, it is time to incorporate soft materials to finish the entire design. I love to introduce color during this part of the design.
For the seating, window coverings, and rugs, I will include textures of fabrics and leathers with a performance element since they are in the kitchen.
Additionally, I like to include personal elements in a kitchen. Perhaps it is a series of family photos or a painting from a favorite vacation destination.
Tatyana Dimitrova - Fantastic Services
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation for the new year, the first thing to do is create a good design plan. You’ll need to create a balance between aesthetics and functionality.
After all, a kitchen should be not only visually appealing but also convenient for cooking and food preparation. The key factors to consider are:
1. The layout
The first step is to set the kitchen layout before you get into the details. Consider where to position the main parts, such as the kitchen sink, countertop, fridge, table, and chairs.
The whole layout should look structured and streamlined. You don’t want to have the layout cluttered. This will ensure your kitchen’s functionality and efficiency.
Your kitchen should include enough space for you to work comfortably so you can complete your routines.
2. The storage space
Kitchen storage is a crucial part. There are many kitchenware and food items to store, and you need to utilise the space.
Consider adding overhead cabinets, more drawers, or enough shelves. Planning enough storage space in the design will reduce the clutter in your kitchen.
A practical kitchen affords ample space for you to store food, cookware and small appliances. Besides that, make plans for a safe environment that’s comfortable for food preparation and cooking.
3. The lighting
Kitchen lighting creates the perfect ambience and mood for your kitchen. Besides that, having a variety of light sources in your kitchen will help you prepare and cook food conveniently and safely.
The entire room can be enhanced with ambient lighting or pendants.
4. The ventilation
Ventilation ensures the right air circulation in your kitchen, and it’s vital when you cook food to control the smell of your kitchen. Opt for a quality range hood with a powerful extractor.
Josie Abate - Ambience
When designing your kitchen you want to make sure that the space functions well for both cooking and entertaining.
It's important to plan ahead in the design process by focusing on the space, lighting, storage, flooring, appliances and how everything will flow together.
At the end of the day, you want to create a kitchen that suits your needs best, it should reflect both your personal style and lifestyle.
Thank you so much to all the experts that have contributed to this expert roundup! With these tips and tricks, you can now make informed decisions that will result in a kitchen you will love for years to come.
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