Kitchen Design Tips

House Beautiful

Every kitchen I've designed, although all different in style and space, all started with the same issues:

dated finishes
not enough storage

not functioning well

poor layout

In every case when I start a project it always starts with the 20 questions!

Although it's obvious that the main function of the kitchen is to cook there are many nuances that go into a good design plan that works specifically for you.

How many cooks in the kitchen?

This is a baseline question because if the answer is more than one,  than I have to consider multiple work zones or stations are required to be used at the same time. 

Or, it may simply mean we take turns cooking, or we cook with the kids on the weekends, or I want to be able to bake with my grand kids when they come over.
All of these answers feed into the plan and each one translates into a different feature of the kitchen that changes as a result.

In this client's kitchen I added a second sink for prep, with the main sink on the back wall for clean up next to the dishwasher.  There's also 46" between them so that two cooks can easily work simultaneously.  I've also separated the cook top (left) from the wall oven (not shown) to ensure lots of space to move around.

Do you like to entertain?  

If so, how often, and how large a group?

Based on this conversation, I may create an island with bar stools so the cook can be part of the fun or we take down a wall between the kitchen and dining room to open up the entertaining space.
I may bring in a free standing credenza or sideboard that can act as a buffet to accommodate frequent large cocktail parties or a small bistro table for small dinner parties for four.
For someone that has frequent dinner parties, I may recommend coordination or extension of kitchen cabinetry into an open plan dining space.

In this client's kitchen (pictured above), I actually removed the raised bar counter on the peninsula because the client's never used it and their top priority was storage.  I was able to extend the cabinetry behind the sink to add an additional 7 foot x 12 inches of storage space that was just used for bar stools.

If you have the space, a Butler's Pantry between the kitchen and dining room is the way to go.  Leave some shelves open for display and easy access to items you use often.  This is also a great place for a small wine fridge.

Do you need to have a dining table in the kitchen?

You may think this is an odd question, but in a small space forgoing a separate table for a large island with required seating could be the best option.  

See below Before picture (with table) and After (with seating for 4 at the island).

This was an IKEA kitchen makeover.  See the whole project HERE

Change the material of the counter top and the height to create a cozy dining space.  The reclaimed wood on the back wall helps keep the white space with concrete floors from feeling too cold.  And check out that view!!

Nothing like Black and White and Marble all over to create big drama!
Over sized pendants are the right size for an island this large.
Keep in mind scale as well as function when designing your space.

What small appliances do you like to use?

Bread maker, toaster oven, food processor, stand mixer, crock pot,

all of these items can be stored out of the way if they are considered up front in the design plan.

Notice a coffee maker was not on the list?  In my world this daily use appliance should be out front and center, and space permitting, should be housed in a Coffee Station with lovely mugs, pretty serving pieces and a chocolate shaker for your latte.

This coffee station would wake up any kitchen!  Open shelves above give it a Bistro feeling.

This is a design concept I did for a client with a cabinet wall built to hide all the kitchen gizmos

Here pocket doors are installed so you can choose to display or hide the appliances.

Do you want a desk or computer area?

This is a big one!  Almost every client I work with has some requirement for a space to sort mail, pay bills, store paperwork, to place a computer or laptop, store cook books or other books.  Depending on the age of the children in the home, this may be the place for homework as well.  

A dedicated area can be built into the design of cabinetry if you plan ahead, even small kitchens can use a practical space like this that may have been otherwise unused.

These are just some of the basics for planning your kitchen design.
Find all the links to pictures above and lots of great ideas on my KITCHENS board on Pinterest.

The most important thing is to give yourself lots of time in the planning stage to consider all your options.  Spend time visiting showrooms and looking at lots of pictures so that you can really hone in on your desired style once the practical elements are figured out.

Of course, if it all feels overwhelming please contact me for some professional help!

Kitchen Kraze

Over the last few months I've seen a growing interest in kitchen renovations from clients, friends and family.  My Real Estate Agent friends also tell me that people are looking to buy homes with mediocre kitchens so that they can build the spaces of their dreams to meet their specific needs.  It's worth the investment too because a good kitchen renovation can increase the value of your home by up to 15%!

I love a classic white kitchen with marble counters, open shelving, and restaurant grade appliances - it's a favourite look in the design community and the shelter magazines because it's timeless, elegant and works for almost any style.  

BUT... I also want to see something different. 

So where to start, you ask??

With any kitchen client, the basic functional needs are similar:  good storage, ample counter space, improved lighting, and overall better flow and integration with the rest of the home for the way people are living today.  We spend a lot of time getting the layout right to maximize every inch of space and provide a highly organized work space customized to the client's specific culinary needs (or lack thereof!).

However, from an aesthetic point of view, the sky's the limit! 

Once we've determined we're going classic, transitional or contemporary, 

the options for finishes are extensive.

Here are some recent inspiration shots that were chosen for 3 different clients - all of whom said they didn't want a white kitchen.  

You'll see a variety of styles for classic, transitional and eclectic kitchen styles.

I love how the quartz top on the counter was used for shelving on the island.
Open and closed storage allows for function and pretty to live together in harmony.

I like the different materials used for the island to create interest and drama

Industrial pendants and metal cabinet doors really make a statement in this eclectic kitchen by Nate Berkus.

A classic white kitchen with a twist - the punch of blue cabinetry with wooden counter top on the island turns this traditional kitchen into a real showpiece!

How smart is this?  See how happy mom is?

I would love to see these finishes in a loft with concrete floors and exposed brick walls.

Aya Kitchens

I think grey is the new white - it's definitely a classic look!

Now, scroll back to the top and look at how different all the light fixtures are in each space.  Each kitchen style can accommodate a variety of lighting options based on the feel of the space.  

Lighting is an integral part of kitchen design; whether to add sparkle and drama, or to contrast with the cabinetry, enhance counter tops and of course, provide much needed task lighting.

This is just a tiny sample of how you can create a truly unique space that fits your family's lifestyle and your design aesthetic... 

and why it's a great idea to hire a designer to help you get the best looking kitchen in the neighbourhood!

images via