Embarking on the adventure of a new kitchen? Considerations are boundless, but the big-picture questions center on materials, features, technology and green principles.
Style/Concept: Do you want a space that is sleek and modern? Or do you prefer a more traditional approach? One that has a cozy charm, or something in between? Your personal style should be reflected here, as well as your particular lifestyle. Do you want to entertain, and if so do you prefer a more casual atmosphere or a more formal one? Do you prepare large meals or are your needs for a more “on-the-go” lifestyle with convenience features? These factors tremendously affect the right features and style of the home’s “hub,” the kitchen.
Space planning: The layout of your kitchen is extremely important. To get this right, your particular routine should be examined. In your kitchen, does one person cook alone or do you have group involvement? Spend some time considering these key factors. Think about the overlapping of activities that does or can occur. The placement of your appliances and sink(s) will need to flow from these decision points.
Islands: Depending on the layout, kitchen islands can serve as great central areas, creating a hub of overlapping zones of activity. Depending on the number of cooks, size of the kitchen and type of cooking activities, a secondary prep sink in the island may make sense, or it may be a good location for the cooktop.
Cabinetry: Clean lines continue to be the popular choice for the exterior of the cabinets, but the interior features offer many options to suit your particular layout and needs. Maximizing storage and offering convenience features, like pot and pan drawers and pull-out trash bins, are big bonuses when it comes to redesigning the kitchen of your dreams. Take time to consider all the options when making these decisions, because the added features will definitely have an impact on the type of experience you enjoy for years to come.
Lighting: Lighting should serve multiple functions in the kitchen. First, there is specific task lighting needed to focus the light where you will be working. Under-cabinet lights are very helpful for this and must be considered when you are ordering your cabinets, so that a light rail or trim piece can be added to the base of the cabinets to conceal the light bulbs from view.
General illumination can be achieved with recessed cans in the ceiling. Dimers are always a must to give complete control of the amount of light needed for different occasions, as well as different times of day. This will have a direct impact on the mood or atmosphere of the space.
The last lighting consideration is decorative lighting. Perhaps pendant lights are appropriate over a bar or an island. This can help you create the “wow factor.” Don’t be afraid to use a large scale light to create a dynamic focal point. The finish of the lighting should flow with the design and coordinate with the other finishes in the space.
Appliances: Consider the overall budget of the kitchen and maximize the appliances in this formula. Professional level appliances are an investment that makes sense in some homes, but if the budget does not allow for them, most appliance manufacturers have a wide range of other options with wonderful features that may better fit your lifestyle. Current trends are toward downsized freezers, induction cooking and steam ovens. Drawer technology – used for refrigeration, microwaves and wine storage – allows for flexibility by placing these smaller appliances throughout the work environment, creating convenient zones within the kitchen.
Green products: Sustainability is a buzz word in the kitchen. Low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paints and cabinet finishes, as well as convenient features for recycling, have come a long way. In addition, the new movements toward fresher food from home gardens or farmer’s markets necessitate upgrading refrigeration equipment to prolong freshness.
Countertop and backsplash: Details are always important in any design and offer ways to illustrate your own signature style. Backsplash tile can be a great way to bring texture and color into the kitchen—glass tiles, metal, stone or porcelain are just a few of the choices. If you plan to add a backsplash tile, be sure to let the granite company know that you won’t need a granite backsplash. This will save you money and give you a cleaner look than stacking tile backsplash over the top of a granite one.
Granite and marble counter surfaces continue to be very popular, as well, as other solid surface options such as Quartz, glass, soapstone, wood and metals like stainless, zinc and copper. Discuss the benefits of each and the maintenance required to be sure that your investment will last.
Plumbing: If you want real convenience, a pot-filler, which locates a faucet over your stovetop, is a real luxury. Touch technology, offered by Delta and Brizo faucet, allows hands-free flexibility in the food prep area. Consider a matching soap dispenser to create a clean uncluttered counter space. Pull-out sprays with a high arc neck allow easy access to a variety of water streams. Although stainless steel is still very popular, other finishes available are classic chrome, satin nickel, oil rubbed bronze and wrought iron.
No matter how big or small your kitchen project may be, remember to make it work for your lifestyle. The key to success is always in the details!