The kitchen has become a place where homeowners can spend time with the family, hang out with friends, get some peace and quiet, and entertain guests. As the heart of the home, it’s important for the kitchen to be both stylish and functional.
Here are some great designer tips to improve the kitchen:
Plan the kitchen flow
The layout of the kitchen should cater to the needs and lifestyle of its users. Designate zones within the kitchen to avoid clutter and to make it easier to use. Having a separate prep station, cleanup zone, and dining nook will make the kitchen easier to maintain and give it a nice flow.
Another great way to keep the kitchen organized is by making sure the most frequently used items and appliances like the microwave and utensils are as accessible as possible. Refrigerators and drink stations should be easy to reach by those cooking as well as by passersby.
Use space wisely
It’s important to know where the cabinets and appliances go when designing a kitchen. These items shouldn’t be in corners or confined spaces to prevent the doors from hitting the walls or the users.
If there is an empty space near the range hood, place a shelf for herbs, spices, cooking oils, and utensils for easy reach. The shelf can also be used to store regularly used pots and pans. Have a metallic strip put on the backsplash to easily store knives and to keep these out of children’s reach.
Put in some outlets along the backsplash or kitchen island for blenders and stand mixers or for charging phones and other gadgets. For those who don’t want a backsplash full of outlets, they can install pop-up outlets that withdraw into countertops.
Choose the right island, countertops, and backsplash
The kitchen island is one of the most important parts of the whole space. Figure out if the island will be used as an informal dining space, an extra area for cooking, storage or all of the above. The proper island for the kitchen depends heavily on how it will be used.
When choosing the kitchen’s countertops and backsplashes, it’s best to pick materials that fit the style and function of the kitchen.
For countertops, materials such as marble and quartz are both durable and can make any kitchen look sleek and tasteful. Meanwhile, stainless steel, concrete or concrete-look quartz will give the space a more modern feel. Trying out different countertops in eye-catching colors can add interest to the entire kitchen.
The kitchen’s backsplash can do a lot to set the mood of the space and make it feel more inviting. Think beyond tile and consider using materials like glass, wood, stainless steel, and the like.
Pay attention to lighting
It’s best to have as much natural light in the kitchen as possible. Install task and under-cabinet lighting to illuminate countertops and make cooking preps easier.
A great way to keep lighting functional while adding to the aesthetic is by adding a dimmer switch.
Don’t be afraid to use colors
Adding color is one of the many ways to showcase a homeowners’ style and personality. Install boldly colored appliances like a truffle brown Miele refrigerator or custom colored pieces by SMEG, La Conrue, and Bertazzoni.
For those who want a subtler approach to color, try adding simple accent hues along cabinets and furniture.
For more expert advice on kitchen improvement and other real estate queries, get in touch with The Kimberly Lowe Group, an expert team of trusted Arizona real estate agent, today. Give them a call at 480-363-1622 or send a message to sold(at)thekimberlylowegroup(dotted)com.
