The kitchen is the most expensive room in the house to remodel, even if you’re not changing the layout. Make sure that you devote plenty of time to the design process, being in a rush to tear everything down is the enemy of creating a great kitchen!
Here’s my list of musts:
1. Layout is key. This is the time to revisit if the existing layout is the best, make sure you have a very functional work triangle and that the views from the other rooms are great (a fridge doesn’t make a great focal point!). Also, consider what your needs are: bar sink? an extra dishwasher? warming oven?
A galley kitchen was transformed into a very compact U-shape for more countertop space
2. The kitchen should relate to the architecture of the house. Even if you plan to live in the house forever, investing money into the kitchen should always have a good return if you plan to sell. Most buyers don’t look at a kitchen in terms of what they would do to it unless the house is a fixer upper.
3. Appliances can be the largest purchase in a kitchen or come very close after cabinetry. I don’t like to get married to a single brand, even if the handles are not exactly the same, I look for unique features I need in every single appliance I choose and often end up with 2 to 3 brands at the most.
Mix of appliances were a must for this super functional chef kitchen.
4. The choice of cabinetry is the single largest design statement in a kitchen, I usually go for the opposites, light cabinetry and dark counter tops or the opposite. Contrast makes a kitchen more dimensional and interesting.
Dark cabinetry and lighter countertops, in this case the island is different from perimeter cabinets
5. Never underestimate the importance of good lighting! With fluorescent lighting having come such a long way recently in terms of the choices available, it’s easier than ever to be both energy efficient and have bulbs that reflect true colors. Under counter task lighting is an absolute must and make sure it’s hidden, this should not be an afterthought.
6. The backsplash is the place to go for it! It’s not a huge area and the right material can give a lot of character to the kitchen, pick something you love. Most often than not, for me the backsplash is the starting point of the design palette.
The warm greys in this backsplash were the inspiration for the whole palette.
7. Accessories are the final touch to any room, the kitchen is no exception. Leave some room in the budget to warm up the space with some cool accessories, some of my favorites are: fabric or woven shades, area rugs, vases and always fresh flowers, fruit or vegetables on display!
A very colorful rug is the perfect punch to this neutral kitchen.
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