Kitchen Design: Do's and Don'ts
Insider tips to consider when planning your next kitchen design or remodel.
The kitchen of #TheNewportCondo.
Whether or not you’re a huge cook, the kitchen is the center of all daily life- from cooking, eating, and cleaning to homework and entertaining. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation or building a new home, thinking ahead to optimize functionality and aesthetics is the best way to ensure that your kitchen is a space you enjoy being in. Follow our do’s and don’ts to curate a thoughtful and beautiful kitchen design.
Do’s:
Create the perfect atmosphere for any moment by making thoughtful decisions that utilize space wisely. Gone are the days where the kitchen was only a functional room used for cooking- it is now the heart of the home and central to daily life, celebrations and family events. With this in mind, carefully planning the design and flow of your kitchen to optimize entertaining space is essential. For this reason, we love including an island or peninsula in every kitchen where this layout is possible. Counter height is preferable, as it streamlines the room and offers mixed use functionality.
Curate a cohesive space by choosing one or two main colors early on in the process and allowing these to dictate the majority of your design selections- from flooring to backsplash and everything in between. As seen in the kitchen of #TheNewportCondo, pictured above, combining materials in a variety of the same neutral tones creates a visually pleasing balance.
Make sure to prioritize lighting- especially in full kitchen remodels or new builds. Under cabinet LED systems are an inexpensive way to take your kitchen to the next level, both functionally and aesthetically. For a bolder statement, pendant lighting over an island or peninsula is a fabulous way to add interest and a touch of personality to any space. While pendants can be pricey, this is also one of the easiest updates you can make to your kitchen by simply swapping out the pendant shade or fixture as long as the wiring is already there. And while we’re on the topic of electrical work- plan out your outlets! When undergoing construction for any kitchen project, we are always mindful to include a plethora of outlets for cooking, baking + entertaining with ease.
Incorporate greenery for a natural, fresh touch. Not only do plants serve as decor and add a pop of color, this is also a perfect opportunity to start that herb garden you’ve always talked about.
Create a focal point with your backsplash by selecting unique tile. Glass tile is one of our favorite ways to refresh any kitchen as well as give the illusion of more space and brightness by reflecting natural light.
Don’ts:
Less is more! Too much clutter can quickly make any space feel limited and small, not to mention unorganized. Avoid overdesigning- don’t try to completely fill your kitchen. This means not ever counter needs a bowl of fruit, not all of your wine glasses need to be displayed behind glass shelving and when it comes to small appliances such as blenders and mixers, opt for under cabinet or pantry storage.
Cabinets that fall short of the ceiling not only look cheap, they also waste prime organizational real estate. Maximize space and don’t allow for dust to gather in places that you cannot access by opting for ceiling height cabinets that give a sleek, open feeling to any kitchen.
Small walkways and poor space planning can quickly make even the largest kitchen feel boxed in and stuffy. Optimize all activity by ensuring walkways are at least 36 inches wide at least to provide an open and airy space. Designing wide walkways is a huge game changer when properly planned and executed.