Creating the perfect kitchen to suit you means finding the perfect blend of function, mood and harmony.
It’s often easiest to begin by choosing what kitchen style you want: galley, U-shaped, L-shaped, with island or without. Then, within that style, do you prefer modern, classic, traditional, contemporary or a more organic design? This is where consulting with an expert can make a big difference.
Ask yourself the important questions: What are your important must-have items? Do you need things like a warming drawer, wine fridge, convection oven, etc.? What types of things do you do in the kitchen? Is it just for family eating? Do you entertain there? And, of course, what’s your budget?
The first things to consider are flooring, cabinets, and countertops. These are the items that occupy the most visual space in the room. If you have an idea of the look you want to create ahead of time, selections can be much easier.
Flooring comes in four main types: hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile – and a myriad of options of each. Not a lot of people use linoleum anymore, and carpet is a definite no-no for kitchens. You can go with a sleek hardwood that gives you a modern feel, or something resembling barn wood for a more rustic appeal. Likewise, tile comes in a vast assortment of sizes, styles, colours and textures. Don’t forget about texture!
Countertops these days are generally granite, Caesar stone or marble, and laminate is still a popular choice, while funkier options like concrete, butcher block and even steel-top are less common but still seen occasionally in the most custom of kitchens.
Cabinets can really set the tone for your room. Are they white? Dark natural wood? Do they give a modern or a farmhouse feel? Do you want them the same colour as the walls? What about the hardware? Are you a fan of lazy Susans? And, of course, it’s not all about look, you’ve got to have enough counterspace to prepare meals and enough cabinets to store your cookware.
Plumbing fixtures can add a dash of form as well as function. Do you need an extra-deep sink? Two split halves? Do you like stainless steel or the silgranite? What about the finish: nickel, chrome, stainless steel, brushed gold or oil-rubbed bronze? Do you need a spray-nozzle? What about a pasta pot tap? Maybe a garburator? There are even touch-operated faucets these days.
Appliances don’t come in avocado green anymore, thankfully. Today’s appliances offer a cleaner look, mainly in white, black or stainless steel. In high-end kitchens, building ‘hidden’ appliances right into the cabinetry is also an option.
Lighting effects how everything else in the room looks and, of course, has a look of its own also. For example, there’s a big difference between a recessed pot light and a hanging chandelier. Both light the room, but bring a very different ‘feel’ to the space. Location of lights is key also to ensure adequate lighting on all countertops and food preparation areas.
Extras and finishing touches, such as wallpaper, blinds, Roman shades, faux finishings and artwork – both on the wall and surface areas – can help Do you like the look of a hanging pot rack? What about some decorative cookie jars or a spice rack? If you’re a connoisseur, perhaps a small wine fridge? Hanging modern abstract art versus a western-themed landscape painting can go a long way when it comes to unifying the design and adding a personal touch.
