Designing a kitchen is an exciting project but it also comes with great responsibility. A kitchen is one of the most used areas of the house so it’s important that your kitchen design is the perfect balance between function and aesthetics. We’ve rounded out the things you need to consider when designing a kitchen. Whether you’re building a new home or redecorating, these tips can guide you towards having the kitchen of your dreams.

A layout fit for your lifestyle

Kitchens are very personal in a sense that they perfectly reflect the lives of the people in the house. Do you cook a lot? Do you have kids? These are just a few questions you need to ask yourself as you try to understand what you need your kitchen to look like. A rule that most people stick to is the working triangle where the kitchen’s three main work areas, the sink, stove, and refrigerator form a triangle. Moreover, you also have to take into consideration the size of the space that you can work with in order to maximize every inch of it.

Drawers vs Cupboards

Assess your current kitchen inventory. Do you have a lot of big items like pots and pans and equipment? Are the majority of your items small like utensils and tools that can be organized in drawers? From there, you can gauge what kind of storage your kitchen needs. Cupboards allow more organizational freedom but drawers provide easier access for storage below the waist. They each have their advantages and disadvantages so it’s crucial that you analyze your kitchen inventory in order to choose the right storage option for you.

Appliance Selection

Choose your appliances first before coming up with a kitchen design but also be mindful of the size of your kitchen space. You don’t need to buy them yet but it will be helpful to design your kitchen with these appliances in mind. This way, the correct size, space, and storage will be properly allocated for the appliances. You will have an easier time designing the kitchen around the appliances than the other way around. 

Benchtop Selection

The major factors that you need to take into consideration when choosing a benchtop material are budget, function, aesthetics, and threshold for maintenance. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for your benchtop needs but the good news is that there are various options available on the market. Don’t get overwhelmed by the amount of choices. As long as you narrow down your options to the ones that fit your checklist, you’ll find the right one for you in no time. 

Flooring

The flooring you choose can make or break the overall style of your space and future real estate opportunities. Aside from aesthetics, you also need to factor in durability, affordability, and functionality. Replacing flooring can be costly so it would be better to invest in something that can withstand traffic, heat, and time. If you find yourself having a hard time finding the perfect option, you will have to prioritize and compensate if needed. You can also protect your flooring by choosing a rug for your kitchen. This does not only make your flooring last longer but also add to your kitchen’s aesthetics.

Coordinated Finishes

The finished surfaces in your kitchen is what sets it apart and gives it personality. When coordinating finishes in the kitchen, things don’t have to be 100% uniform. The main goal is for all the components of the kitchen to complement each other while keeping their own distinct features. Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone and make bold choices.

Guest Contributor: Liz Buckley