There are so many things to consider when designing a kitchen.
Over the years I've dealt with a lot of bad design decisions in older homes I've lived in.
These experiences helped me pick out three elements that I think will make huge functional differences in your kitchen.
First, I had to decide what are my most important needs for the kitchen....
This will be different for everyone, but basically these elements will help us all be more efficient and it's even better if it's beautiful too.
Space for storage.
Because I'm a collector... ok some might say 'hoarder', I need lots of cabinets and pantry space for dishes, cookware, and appliances.
So lets think a little deeper on this subject... kitchen cabinets:
DESIGN POINT: Take those cabinets to the ceiling ........ you'll be surprised at how much more functional, CLEAN space you get from just taking that extra design step.
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| tracymorrisdesign.com |
keep reading for more important design points!
You've seen that space they leave between the top of the upper cabinets and the ceiling.
I know, this used to be a cute space to display collections... but how many times do you clean it?
It gathers so much dust and so does your collection. I'm not a fan of open cupboards in the kitchen because there's just too much dust and grease build up happening. The better, functional option is take the cabinet to the ceiling and lets move those collections to a glassed in cupboard space.
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| southshoredecoratingblog.com |
Functional Surfaces
Functional space is super important in the kitchen.
DESIGN POINT: the back-splash and counter tops {think durability, think clean}
Speaking of dust and grease build up... the back-splash, particularly behind the stove is a great place to do some design work. A tile back-splash basically throughout the kitchen is a good idea. It's easy to clean, is waterproof and looks fabulous. Go with neutral colors here, though. That is a huge point I'd like to make...tile is a long term design decision...much more so than say, paint. Use soft neutral colors that will go well with changing styles over the years.
There are three 'best' types of counter top surface to choose from. Granite, Quartz and Marble.
♦Quartz is the durability winner as its a combination of man-made and natural surface. Crushed quartz stone is mixed with resin and allows the production of various solid colors or the look of granite, but they are tougher than natural stone.
♦Granite can take heat from a hot pot, but my advice would be to try not to set a hot pot directly on any stone counter top. Hot pads! They're great. Granite is noted as the most durable of natural stone.
♦Marble is also very durable and resistant to damage. It is more porous and will stain easier though.
Careful with that red wine.
This decision comes down to your style... what do you love.
Air Quality
Also, a hard working ventilation system is super important for a healthy, cleaner kitchen.
This should be obvious but so many times in older homes I've seen that builders have installed a small hood vent over a stove, and yes, it's not even connected to a functional pipe up through the ceiling. In other words, your turning on a vent and it's not pulling air anywhere...it's just making noise. So funny, but then again...not funny!
DESIGN POINT: Note the vent below: There are 'glass' cupboards above that vent over the stove... there is no 'pipe' connected to pull the vented air out of the house through the ceiling but,
there is a vent above the hood, so this hood is filtering the air and blowing the clean air back out of the front of the vent system. {so that means there should be either a replaceable or cleanable filter inside that will need to be periodically checked.}
Be mindful when choosing your ventilation system and understand how it's going to function with your cupboard style and home plans.
There's A LOT of other design decisions to cover in the kitchen.
The three above are a good start.
If there's one room in the house where costs add up it's here but, the kitchen is the hub of the home. Spend wisely on surfaces that will last. You're home can be a great investment economically;
I mean, property values, right? LOL
If there's one room in the house where costs add up it's here but, the kitchen is the hub of the home. Spend wisely on surfaces that will last. You're home can be a great investment economically;
I mean, property values, right? LOL
happy home making,
xoxo, ande