Kitchen Design Tips

“DESIGN THE HOME YOU LOVE” SERIES

Kitchen Renovation

The kitchen is where life happens. From rushed breakfasts, before you head out the door to family meals, to sharing a cup of tea with friends, the kitchen is the activity hub of your home. It needs to both work hard and look good. The kitchen is typically where you see the highest financial return on investment. It's often the most fundamental room in the house, so it's understandable why most homeowners choose to invest their money and time here. Whether you are considering simple updates or a complete remodel of your kitchen, you should approach this space in terms of making it not only highly functional but also a beautiful, welcoming place to gather.

KITCHEN DESIGN BASICS:

  1. Eliminate wasted steps: when designing a kitchen layout, think about the tasks you frequently perform. You'll save yourself a lot of time and energy by placing items needed to complete a task close together.

  2. Design wide walkways: ensure your kitchen floor plan includes enough room between cabinetry and the island to move through the space easily. As a general rule, paths throughout a kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Aisles within the cooking zone should be 42 inches wide for a one-cook kitchen and 48 inches wide for a two-cook configuration.

  3. Remember that the "kitchen triangle" is a good design principle but can be ignored depending on the space and cooking style.

  4. Find a focal point: Choose one focal point within your kitchen design that draws the eye or makes a bold statement.

KITCHEN ELEMENTS:

  • cabinet upgrades

  • island or peninsular

  • upgraded hardware

  • eye-catching backsplash

  • attractive stools

  • task lighting

  • decorative lighting

  • general lighting

  • chopping block

  • colourful cookbooks

Home Renovation

KITCHEN TROUBLESHOOTING

- Not enough storage
Free up valuable cabinet or drawer space by utilizing creative storage solutions such as stencil holders, wall hooks and pot racks

- Insufficient task light
Sufficient lighting is essential in the kitchen. If your space does not have enough lighting, consider adding hanging pendants, a chandelier, recessed spotlights, or under-cabinet lighting

- Outdated kitchen
Changing colour or hardware on your cabinets is an easy upgrade which makes a huge difference. You can also paint your lower cabinets or island a

contrasting colour for added interest.

- Lacking counter space
If your kitchen feels cluttered or you prefer a minimal look, clear your counters of everything but the essentials. You can use trays or cutting boards t keep items that stay out on the countertop organized. if you have the space, add a small table that can function as a working island. This will increase valuable working countertop space.

- Exposed appliances
Install your microwave into an island or stash it away in the pantry. Any other small appliances, which are not used every day, store them in a closed cabinet. For a complete look consider integrated panels for your fridge and dishwasher.

Interior Design

Now that you’ve explored some key tips for designing your dream kitchen, check out more about the latest trends that inspire homeowners. From sleek organizing solutions to luxurious walk-in pantries, discover how you can elevate your kitchen with fresh, innovative ideas. Check out our latest blog post on Kitchen Renovation Trends to start planning a kitchen that blends beauty with practicality!

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Natalya Ness

Co-Founder and Principal Designer of STORICA Design Studio

ARIDO, NCIDQ, BCIN

https://storica.co
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