A Kitchen Design that Fits Your Lifestyle

After dreaming about designing your kitchen, the time is finally here. Having the opportunity to build a custom home in the past, I was able to create a custom kitchen that fits my lifestyle. Whether building from scratch or renovating an existing kitchen, you need to know your budget and hire professional help. In most houses, guests typically gather around the kitchen, whether you like it or not. You also need to know how you will use your kitchen, does it fit your lifestyle, and would it be salable when you decide to sell your house.

Here are some tips before you start demolishing your kitchen.

1. Hire a Professional Designer. Interview at least 2 to 3 kitchen design professionals, and pick someone who truly understands your needs and style and someone who has a good list of experienced contractors and vendors to choose from. When I was building my dream kitchen, I knew the layout, design, and type of appliances i would like to incorporate. The designer was able to help me reconfigure the kitchen based on how I would use it every day and when I have parties in my house and gave my dream kitchen a personality based on my lifestyle and needs.

2. Have a budget in mind. Do some research on your own. You will need to know the different materials costs you may need to complete your kitchen. Have some alternative options.

3. Choose your design. Don’t go overboard with ideas. Stay with one design and work with it. Be careful not to choose a kitchen design that requires more than your space. As for cabinets, remember that you’re building cabinets for the space you have. You want to maximize the space as much as possible and consider access to pipes, clearance for opening doors and drawers, hiding unsightly pipes, and ventilation.

4. Choose your appliances and sink early when designing kitchens, the appliances and sink matter because the designer needs to incorporate those measurements into the cabinetry and space you have. There are several styles and options when it comes to appliances. Choose the one that fits your needs and lifestyle. I also recommend not to use super high-end appliances in a low-cost home or low-budget appliances in a high-end home. It is your choice, but it might hurt you when selling your home.

5. Make all your design choices upfront. There will be unexpected corners, installation issues, and how it would affect materials that need staining or painting. Work with your designer and contractor. Don’t let them choose anything for you but let them guide you to eliminate costly changes in the end. Also, consider adding a natural element that adds warmth and contrast if you’re using colder materials like marble or if you do an all-white kitchen.

6. Choosing your Cabinets, floors, countertop, and backsplash. This is the part where the designer was able to help me make the right choices. Have you ever been in a home where the floors, countertops, cabinets, and backsplash is all overly beautiful that it didn’t make any sense? I choose porcelain tile for my floors with a more natural look and is easy to clean. The cabinetry is wood with a contemporary and timeless design, and leathered granite countertop that would give a “wow” factor, and a simple backsplash that serves its purpose. Cabinets and drawers were vital to me. I am not big on clutter, and everything must be stored. Shelves must be adjustable, dovetail drawers were deep, and lower cabinets have pullouts.

Remember, the right kitchen design can impact how much time you spend reorganizing and cleaning your kitchen. Also, don’t forget to plot space for your pullout garbage can and tall flat bakeware. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to send me a message.