You’ve been dreaming about it for years, and now it’s time to make that dream become a reality: creating the kitchen you have always wanted. Asking the question “how to design a kitchen” might feel overwhelming and exciting at the same time. You have the opportunity to choose all the details in this new kitchen – everything from the layout to the finishes, colors, features, and more.
If this is your first home renovation project, you might feel like you are starting from scratch when learning how to design a kitchen. Or, if you have experience with other projects, you have a general idea about what to expect.
Regardless of the size of the project and your overall goals, it’s important that every kitchen renovation is unique. You can find a kitchen planner tool online. But a better solution is to work with an experienced home renovation team for personalized advice and ongoing support through every stage of this process.
Where should you start when you are ready for more information about how to design a kitchen? You can only get so far with a DIY approach and reading online. The best solution is to schedule a consultation with our experienced team at Magnolia Home Remodeling Group. We take the time to learn about your goals and preferences, then help design the ideal kitchen for your home.
Keep reading to learn more about our top tips for kitchen renovations.
Aesthetic vs. Practical
Not only do you want a kitchen that is beautiful and welcoming, but it’s also essential to consider the workspace and flow in the room. In addition, you will be spending a lot of time in the kitchen in the upcoming years and need to be sure that every detail of the new kitchen matches your preferred lifestyle.
Our team can help you find the ideal balance between aesthetics and practical features. Consider these tips as you plan this exciting renovation project for your home.
Interior Design
What is the overall appearance you want to create in the room? Not only do you need to talk to a contractor about the installation and functional details for the kitchen, but an interior designer can also help you know how to design a kitchen with eye-catching details.
Remember that first impressions matter. The room’s overall ambiance will set the tone that you want to share with family and friends. Choose specific colors, features, and hardware that are both luxurious and inviting.
Kitchen Storage
There are a lot of things that you need to store in the kitchen, including dinnerware, pots and pans, spices, pantry items, and more. You can choose from many types of kitchen storage options, including open shelving, oversized drawers, cabinets, and a pantry.
When planning a kitchen, consider the types of items you will store in this room. The floor plan is usually built around main features, such as the sink and appliances, then cabinets and storage spaces fill in the other areas of the room.
Kitchen Lighting
It’s uncomfortable and unmotivating to work in a dark, dreary kitchen. The lighting you install will make all the difference to create a positive, uplifting ambiance. Kitchen lighting is one area where you don’t want to cut corners in the budget.
Popular options for lighting in the kitchen include can lights in the ceiling, task lighting, or hanging lamps and statement pieces over countertops. Install different types of lighting so you can choose how bright you want to light up the kitchen, depending on the activity and time of day.
Work Surface
Where will you be standing when you are chopping vegetables, cooking a meal, or washing the dishes? It’s important to plan for plenty of work surfaces, so you have room to set down the ingredients and tools you are using for this meal. When preparing a big meal, you will likely use every inch of space available!
An open work surface is versatile, allowing you to do everything from cookie decorating for the holidays to fall canning if you want to make a batch of your favorite jam or salsa. Most people are glad they included a little more counter space to expand the work surface.
Many people like to create the ideal work triangle to improve the efficiency of the room. This means you have easy access to the main three areas where you are working: the work surface, the sink, and the dishwasher. This kitchen layout makes it easy to complete your meals and projects without feeling like you are moving back and forth across the room too much.
Kitchen Shape
When you are looking at the layout and floor plan, it usually starts with the shape of the kitchen. Then, you can build in the appliances, features, and cabinets around the shape that is available.
Galley kitchens are designed as long, narrow rooms, usually with counters, cabinets, or other services on either side of the walkway. Even though this kitchen design has a bad reputation among some interior designers, it might be the best solution depending on the size and layout of your home. Galley kitchens can be convenient with plenty of storage and workspace, especially in older homes.
Shaped kitchens can also have walls on 2 or 3 sides, with open access on the other side. For example, you might have a shaped kitchen with an open space that extends into the dining room, making it a combined kitchen and dining room.
Kitchen Islands
Everyone loves the idea of having kitchen islands to use as a workspace and for casual eating. Typically, an island is designed with a countertop and cupboards or shelving underneath. If your kitchen doesn’t have an island already, then talk to the home renovation team about adding this feature to your design.
Another option is to buy a standalone kitchen island. But most homeowners prefer a built-in design, as well as barstools so family and friends can sit up to the counter during food prep, conversation, or other activities.
Windows and Window Treatments
In addition to the electrical lighting you add to the kitchen, it’s also lovely to enjoy sunlight through oversized windows. These features brighten the room and give you a stunning view outside while cooking or washing the dishes.
Many people like to have the window coverings open during the day to bring in the sunlight. Also, invest in quality window treatments, so you have the option for privacy when the sun goes down. Not only are these window treatments functional, but they influence the overall design and appearance of the room. An interior designer can help you choose the right colors and materials, including blinds, shutters, fabric, and more.
Flooring and Finishes
The finishes in the kitchen put the finishing touches on this design. When you ask questions about how to design a kitchen, learn about your options for everything from the kitchen floor to countertops, cabinets, the kitchen sink, and more.
You’ll find a wide range of prices and many types of designs available. Take time to consider your options, especially since the smallest details make a big difference in your new kitchen’s overall look and feel.
Brands to Look For
What brands should you be looking for when choosing kitchen cabinets? The cabinets are one of the most prominent features in this living space. Plus, the layout is essential to ensure you have plenty of room for storing kitchen tools, small appliances, and more.
When talking to a home improvement contractor about how to design a kitchen, make sure to discuss the different brands and designs they offer. Here are a few popular features you might consider for your kitchen renovation:
Fabuwood Cabinets
Fabuwood cabinetry is gaining in popularity because of its quality products and wide range of design options. In fact, Fabuwood is one of the fastest-growing cabinet manufacturers in the United States! They have 5 separate lines of cabinets, with different price points and materials: Classic, Prima, Nexus, Geneva, and Value.
Modern Cabinets
If you want your home to look stylish and trendy, then modern cabinets are the way to go. These designs often include hardware for soft-close features, as well as white or bold colors. Of course, the trends change over the years, but current preferences include a combination of colors – such as white on the top cabinets and a darker color (such as navy) on the bottom cabinets.
Brighton Cabinets
Brighton Cabinets is another popular brand to consider. Not only do they offer the main cabinets and overall structure, but you can also choose from other accessories and features. Create the perfect customized cabinets that you will love!
Contact Professional Remodeling Contractors
If you need help with learning how to design a kitchen, then Magnolia Home Remodeling Group is the team to call. We offer personalized services and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. We invite you to contact us to learn more about the options by scheduling a consultation to discuss your upcoming home improvement project.
