The world of kitchen design is constantly evolving, and it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to planning out the perfect design for your home.
Focusing on the perfect layout and overall aesthetic is often the primary concern, and while these are vital to the success of the final design, so often there are important details that get somewhat overlooked.
We’ve compiled a list of the top kitchen design tips from our best kitchen contractors! Many of these tips are less commonly considered, yet can vastly transform the overall look, so let’s dive in.
Here at GreatBuildz, a free service that personally matches homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura & San Diego with reliable general contractors, we talk to homeowners every day about the best ways to approach kitchen design – here are some key points to know.
Kitchen Design Tips For Your Next Renovation
A Well-thought-out storage design
No matter how beautiful your kitchen looks, using it will be a nightmare without a properly thought-out storage design. The functionality of your kitchen depends on it.
When you are busy cooking up a storm, you need all of the necessary tools and components easily accessible – and easy to find. A place for everything and everything in its place, as the saying goes.
An expert kitchen designer will ensure that they understand the scope of all appliances, utensils, and other cooking apparatus that you intend to store and use in your new kitchen and work the storage design around this inventory.
Truly functional storage is about more than having ample space. Internal cabinet design, such as rollouts, pullouts, and swing-outs can help to organize all of your things in an efficient way that will make cooking – and tidying up afterward – a breeze.
Statement vent hoods
A ventilation hood is essential for removing grease, steam, and cooking smells, but it’s fast becoming a trend to make this kitchen design element to the next level. More and more people are incorporating stylish vent hoods – statement designs that can really accentuate the theme of the kitchen aesthetic.
The kitchen renovators at Houseace explain that “Custom hoods are growing in popularity and can introduce a beautifully ornate piece that would otherwise be generic or clinical in appearance. They are not only located in a central part of the kitchen but frame the primary cooking appliance and are at eye level – so either way, take the time to choose a vent hood that resonates with your overall design vision.”
Whether designing from scratch or remodeling an existing kitchen, new statement pieces like this can really transform the space.
Lighting for mood as well as function
It’s common for people to opt for cost-effective recessed ceiling lighting for their kitchen, and while this is great for brightening up the whole space, it does little for ambiance. It can also be blocked by your own shadow when preparing food.
Lower hanging light, particularly over food prep areas and islands not only creates a beautiful, gentler ambiance but is also useful for task lighting that is localized and functional. It also gives you the option to choose from an extensive range of stunning statement lighting fixtures that can greatly enhance your design – like the jewelry of the kitchen! Consider adding some under-cabinet lighting for even more calming mood lighting.
Concealable microwave space
Microwaves are a must-have appliance in most kitchens and are used frequently. It makes sense to position them in easy-to-access locations. Unfortunately, unless the kitchen remodel design has incorporated a microwave in the layout, they usually end up taking up valuable counter space and make the space look cluttered.
Consider including a cupboard or hatch in your design to perfectly place your microwave so that it is easy to access and use, but can be concealed easily, too. This helps to keep the food preparation space clear as well as maintaining a minimalist kitchen design. There are many options to choose from, such as lift-up cabinet doors or sliding panels.
Power outlet coordination
The most common color choice when it comes to power outlets is white, but there are so many other options to choose from! White power outlets against a backsplash of a contrasting color just let the whole design finish down.
Thankfully, these days, there are a whole host of modern finishes to choose from, and any good electrician should be able to source the power outlets that will best suit your design theme and color palette.
Whether you decide to go for a complementary color or a metallic finish to tie in with your appliances, steering clear of traditional white power outlets will complete your vision of a kitchen design with seamless style.
Trash-free kitchen design
Kitchens that haven’t been designed to incorporate adequate space for trash and recycling storage end up with boxes and bags full of recyclables bursting out of cupboards or hanging around in the corners.
So, as part of your kitchen renovation design, make sure that you consider how much space you need for your trash and recycling bins and where they are best placed. You could even go as far as to incorporate inbuilt dividers to make recycling even easier.
Let’s tie the room together
Once you have determined the overall layout and aesthetic you want to create, make sure that you don’t skimp on the details. Kitchens need to be ultra-functional spaces to cater to the multitude of tasks that they host; plus there are so many interesting ways to enhance their visual design, too.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, ensure the perfect finish and don’t skimp on the finer details!
When it comes to planning and coordinating a kitchen design and remodel for your home, you shouldn’t have to go it alone – GreatBuildz can help simplify your contractor search. GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura & San Diego with reliable, thoroughly screened general contractors and provides project support from start to finish.
Call now (818.317.3567) to chat with our local team about your next renovation project or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
