There is no doubt that the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home. It is where we cook our meals, entertain guests, and relax. If your kitchen is outdated and disorganized, it can affect the overall feel of your home. The good news is that making your kitchen more stylish is easier than you might think. Follow these top design tips and you are sure to have a room that everyone will love.
Create a focal point
A focal point can be a color or a feature item that you will design the rest of the kitchen around. Having a focal point can make the design process much easier. You may want something bright and bold or something a little more understated and sophisticated. A statement hood like one of the CopperSmith Range Hoods can have a huge impact on the look of your kitchen and set it apart from other average kitchens. Remember to choose something that you can live with for a long time. If you pick something trendy but not to your taste, it can be expensive to change it later when you get tired of it.
Balance workspace and storage
One of the most important aspects of any kitchen design is its functionality. Make sure that there is lots of storage space for all your utensils and accessories. You want to avoid having a lot of countertop clutter as well. A good layout will allow you to move easily around the room and access everything you need without bumping into things or being cramped for space. Ensure that there is a good balance between the workspace and the storage areas. Ideally, you will have enough counter space to cope with cooking for large events and still have enough storage to put most items away out of sight at the end of the day.
Consider the kitchen triangle
The kitchen triangle refers to the most efficient arrangement of the three main elements of a kitchen – the sink, the stove, and the refrigerator. The idea is to make sure that these three elements are located within close proximity to one another to create uninterrupted flow. There should be a clearly defined area between the three so that the elements are easily accessible while allowing ample space for users to move about freely. The kitchen triangle is important in a small kitchen as it prevents ‘traffic jams’ and it is important in a large kitchen as it minimizes unnecessary walking.
Choose the right colors
The color of your cabinets can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Make sure that the colors you choose complement your décor and create a stylish look that matches your personality. Soft neutrals work well in many kitchens but you may want to add a splash of color to create interest or draw attention to a certain feature in the room. There are design apps that can help you to visualize your kitchen in different color schemes. Otherwise, paint is relatively inexpensive so just experiment with different color schemes until you find something you like.
Pay attention to the lighting
You should have plenty of light in each area of the kitchen so that you can cook comfortably and safely at all times. That said, try to avoid stark, fluorescent lighting. Spotlights can illuminate and highlight key work areas and while pendant lights provide beautiful ambient lighting and create a dramatic effect when used in conjunction with candlelight. You may also want to install under-cabinet lighting to add a classy restaurant atmosphere. Try to have several different light options so that you can create different moods in the room as needed.
Invest in a solid countertop
Your kitchen countertops are one of the first things that people will see when they enter the
room. You can get classic natural stone with interesting patterns or opt for contemporary colored countertops made of glass or laminate. Stainless steel is an option that works extremely well with an industrial theme and butcher block countertops add a cool rustic feel. Remember to select materials that are durable enough to withstand frequent use and are easy to clean and maintain.
Be realistic about seating
Unless you have a very large kitchen it is unlikely that you will be able to accommodate more than one or two of your family members at one time. If you want to incorporate seating in your kitchen, you need to make sure that there is enough room to move freely around the kitchen. Bench seats are ideal if you want to have breakfast in the kitchen in the morning or enjoy a quick snack after work in the evening. Bar stools that can be nested under kitchen islands are another great option for providing seating that does not get in the way of the cooking.
Start designing your dream kitchen by creating a mood board or collecting images of your
favorite kitchens. Then, you can start looking for products and materials that will help you to achieve your design goals. Take your time to choose the right design and contractor. The result will be a kitchen that is lovely to look at, efficient to work in, and well-suited to your lifestyle and personality.
