The kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms in any home. Not only is it where meals are made; it often is also the place where family and friends gravitate during a party, where kids learn to make cookies and where that first cup of coffee is made in the morning. Before deciding to remodel a kitchen, there is much more to consider than just cabinet materials and wall colors. Function and atmosphere should play a big part in the overall design. Here are four things to keep in mind while dreaming up your kitchen design.
The most important step in building the kitchen of your dreams is finding the right kitchen design company to make your dream a reality. Find an experienced contractor who is willing to work with you to make sure your new kitchen reflects your personality and needs.
Posted on behalf of J. Christopher Services
The kitchen of the 21st century is a place where you not only cook meals, but also entertain and eat quick meals with your family. Now, more than ever, the kitchen is the heart of the home, the hive of the home’s activity. So today’s kitchen must be efficient and it must be aesthetically pleasing.
The top kitchen design trends of 2013 reflect this sensibility. We’ve come up with a list of 10, based on an informal survey of websites and blogs.
1. Neutrals – Predominant colors for walls, cabinets and floors are white, beige and gray – lots of gray, in fact, ranging from dark charcoal to a light dove gray.
2. Mixing it Up – While neutrals may be popular, so is mixing cabinets. One wall may have floor to ceiling cabinets, another glass cabinet doors and another may be made of a different color wood.
3. Efficient Cabinets – Cabinets and drawers have separators and compartments to store and organize things like silverware and paper bags. Every space is utilized, even the narrow space by the stove.
4. Quartz Counters – Homeowners are discovering that quartz is as hard and resilient as granite, but not as expensive as marble.
5. Statement Making Lighting – With the neutral palette, lighting is taking center stage, and not just lighting, but big, bold shapes and colored pendants.
6. Splashes of Color – Again with the neutral palette for walls, cabinets and counters in kitchens, there is also a trend for splashy color, such as colored glass backsplashes or glass cabinets with a colored background to show off dishes or collectibles.
7. Brass Fixtures – It might have a traditional or antique look or it might be very modern, but one thing is for sure, brass is the material of choice for kitchen designs.
8. Furniture or Architectural Elements – From corbels to pillars to turned legs, furniture elements are turning up in kitchens everywhere. Some kitchen designs are even using tables as kitchen islands for extra counter space and seating.
9. LED Lighting – Kitchens are being built or remodeled with LED lighting, which is more energy efficient and produces less heat than halogen or xenon lighting.
10. Electronic Faucets – Homeowners are appreciating the efficiency of electronic faucets, modern versions of those usually found in public restrooms. The water comes on and stays on while you fill the pot, preventing handles from getting messy.
Designing a kitchen can be a daunting task. It takes a lot of careful planning to balance functionality (appliances, layout) with aesthetics, and with so many kitchen décor options on the market, it can be hard to put together a complementary design. One foolproof approach to designing a distinctive kitchen is to fall back on two popular kitchen design themes.
1) Modern
Modern kitchen designs are characterized by a high emphasis on functionality, lots of straight lines, and a clean, streamlined look. The goal is to create a kitchen space that is uncluttered, understated, and minimalist. Lots of storage, cutting-edge kitchen gadgets, and eco-friendly materials and features are some of the hallmarks of modern kitchen design. To get the sleek look of an ultra-modern kitchen, incorporate stainless steel appliances, a dramatic lighting scheme, and glossy surfaces or accents.
2) Rustic
Rustic kitchens are inspired by the farmhouse and cottage interiors of bygone eras. Earthy hues, natural materials, and rough-finished surfaces are used to create a warm, earthy space with pastoral charm. Exposed ceiling beams, wrought iron crockery, and lots of natural lighting are all typical elements of a rustic kitchen. Walls may be white-washed, made of untreated wood, or incorporate exposed stonework.
Reclaimed, untreated wood is actually a distinguishing feature of rustic kitchen designs and can be used generously for tabletops, countertops, kitchen furniture, and flooring. Rustic kitchens can also have natural stone floors. You can use vintage kitchen equipment to heighten the nostalgic appeal of your rustic kitchen, or incorporate modern appliances. French Country, Scandinavian Country, and Tuscan style are three interior design schemes that can be used for rustic kitchens.
Remember, the above kitchen design themes never go out of style and sticking to one of these themes can be a good way to simplify your design project. This does not mean that your kitchen has to lack personality. By using carefully selected accessories and artwork you can add a personal touch to your modern or rustic kitchen design.
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