It’s time to design the kitchen in your new home. You’ve been waiting for this moment ever since you’ve been dreaming up home and remodeling designs before you even bought the house. So, you want to do it right. More importantly, where do you start?
Homeowners often assume designing a kitchen starts with appliances and selections like cabinets, countertops, sinks, and etc. Beginning the design process does begin here to a certain extent but any project should start with the design itself. That’s the most fun part anyway! Many variables like limitations with space, especially a remodel, can come to fruition when planning. When it comes to all the elements in your kitchen – it can feel overwhelming to choose them all at once, without any pulse on the design. Think: Remodeling Ideas Sensory Overload!
APPLIANCES AND AMBIANCE
Once you have your preliminary kitchen design figured out, it’s best to select appliances in relation to the space so you and your designer can plan for proper size cabinets and function. Appliances are the bulk of the function in your kitchen and often referred as your work triangle: refrigerator, stove, and sink.
The sink is a crucial selection throughout the home design process. The work flow here involves plumbing rough in as well, and that’s a design element you’ll want to get out of the way first and foremost. This is also a good time to determine if you would like a secondary sink incorporated. Secondary sinks are great for food prep or as a beverage area.
Along with function, want to make sure have a good lighting plan to ensure there is enough task lighting and fixtures for ambiance. Lighting is key in design but as far as process goes, it’s often key to decide on lighting before plans are approved for permits/inspections and the contractor finalizes the drywall. As far as ambiance goes, I typically put all lights on a dimmer so you can amp up for full task lighting or dim down for a mood setter.
All appliances, cabinets, plumbing and electrical decisions need to be finalized with final construction documents to obtain permits along with ordering cabinets (typically has the longest lead time and determines a lot of the schedule sequence). One of the first tasks after demo and framing is all your rough-ins; plumbing, HVAC (hood), and electrical needs, as mentioned above.
COUNTERTOPS, CABINETS, AND BACK SPLASH
Okay, now for the fun selections like cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and floor treatments. Some clients love picking out these interior decorating selections, while others find it painful and exhausting. That’s why it is so important to work with a professional you trust. I always like to find an inspirational piece (photos are great too) to share. Whether the piece is a cherished heirloom, stone countertop, stylish backsplash or bright fabric, visual representation helps everyone stay focused on making the right selections to compliment your style. It’s just like getting a haircut! For instance, if you love a piece of granite/stone with a lot of movement for countertops you should not select with a busy backsplash. Why? The designs will clash with one another. It is best to focus on your favorite material to highlight and allow everything else to compliment it.
ALL THINGS COLOR
After you choose ideal materials for your kitchen, it’s all about color. This comes later in the game because by then the construction is completely finalized and you can start playing with paint-spiration (i.e. painting the walls) with your ideal colors. The paint you choose should always reflect the colors of the floor stain and other materials.
Mood-boarding – or finding colors, materials, themes, and images of pieces you like is a fun task to bring to any designer – and I especially love it! Inspiration photos help make us both feel happy and efficient, and we can visualize the entire space and discuss ideas before it comes to life. Let our team transform your living space!
