Kitchen Design
Kitchen Design is multifaceted, as no room is quite as multifunctional as the kitchen. The kitchen is often the hub of the home. This space has evolved from a strictly utilitarian unit into a versatile room to prepare food, entertain guests, and show off your design sense. Therefore, when looking into building or remodeling your kitchen, know that a successful kitchen design needs to blend functionality with your personal needs. It must be designed around you. So while you will find thousands of ideas and photos claiming to help you find the perfect design for your kitchen, you should understand the underlying fundamentals.
Kitchen Design Fundamentals
When researching ideas for your kitchen design, there are several fundamental aspects to understand. First, you should carefully consider your kitchen layout and where to place large appliances. Second, you should focus on storage. Kitchens contain a lot of pots, pans, utensils, and gadgets, and you need to have enough space to store all of your favorites within easy reach. Lastly, your room should reflect your personality with its decor and vibe. The ultimate goal of all kitchens should be to create the most functional yet beautiful space possible to meet your eating and entertaining needs.
How do I determine my kitchen layout?
If you’re starting a kitchen buildout or renovation, imagine exactly what you want before you start. When it comes to kitchen layout, always optimize your space; focus on functionality and where to put certain objects to cater to the needs of those using it. For larger layouts, try an L-shaped or U-shaped design with a big center island or peninsula. These shapes provide plenty of cabinet and countertop space, and you can add a bar-height counter to the island for an instant eat-in space. If horizontal space is limited, think vertical; stack counters and shelves high up on the walls, and even in the island. Incorporate innovative storage techniques. Reviewing our Gast Kitchen is a great way to get a feel for maximized kitchen layouts and help you decide what you want.
A 70-year-old concept that is still discussed today is the work triangle, which is simple idea that can save both time and energy. The work triangle connects the three main work areas: the sink, the stove and the refrigerator. As a general guideline, the distance between these areas should be no less than 4 feet and no larger than 9 feet. The sum of all three sides of the triangle should be between 13 feet and 26 feet. Given how highly effective this utilitarian design is, definitely take it into account when considering kitchen designs.
How can I add more kitchen storage?
Kitchen designs can be a complex undertaking given the sheer amount of items that the room usually contains. In order to store and organize all your cookware, bakeware and small appliances, you need many cabinets, drawers and shelves. To maximize your space, you can include cabinets in your island, install hanging pot racks, and insert pullout storage. You want to achieve clutter-free countertops, so also consider spaces you may never have before, such as corners or under the sink. You can also free up some space by storing infrequently used items outside of actual kitchens, like in storage rooms or basements.
What materials and finishes should I use in my kitchen design?
Picking interesting finish materials is key for helping your kitchen ideas stand out. When it comes to counters, quartz or granite and marble countertops are the most durable. Marble, concrete and limestone are in vogue but not as resilient. Cabinet doors can be any type of wood, or painted any color for a nice but inexpensive touch. Glass can be used in the doors to show off what’s behind, and frosted cabinets add a more modern element. If you’re looking for kitchen design ideas that have a bit of color, consider adding a bright mosaic tile backsplash or pick out a vibrant floor finish.
What kind of kitchen decor should I choose?
When looking for kitchen decorating ideas, take into consideration which kitchen remodeling ideas inspire you. Given the fact that this room is the heart of your home and where the majority of eating and entertaining takes place, walking into it should evoke joy and energy. Black, white and gray color patterns are simple yet elegant, whereas usage of colors can make for bright and cheery kitchens. Novelty signs and wall ornament can liven up any room, and items such as family pictures, placemats and tabletop decorations add subtle variety and personality.
Find out more about the cost to remodel a kitchen
Whether you want inspiration for planning a kitchen renovation or are building a designer kitchen from scratch, look through our kitchen Ideabook. Focus on different styles and colors and when you find a kitchen design that inspires you, save it.