When it comes to designing your kitchen, the layout of the room should be the first thing that you plan. First and foremost, decide what your kitchen will be used for. This will help you determine the activities your kitchen will need to accommodate. If you plan to entertain more in the kitchen, you will want to ensure you have adequate space for the occasion. Otherwise, if you want a kitchen that is more family-oriented, then you will need to consider a completely different design. After you have decided the purpose of your kitchen, begin laying out some rough diagrams. Think about the objects that will influence the design of the layout, such as windows, stove and fridge. In addition, consider the type of workflow you need for your kitchen. You should always strive to create a layout that is ergonomic and efficient. It should be organized in a way that it will facilitate an uninterrupted workflow, regardless of how much activity is involved. Choose the Right Kitchen Layout
Sure, you want your kitchen to look its absolute best. That means you have to sacrifice certain features if you want a kitchen that is stunning as well as functionally sound. When creating your wishlist for your kitchen, go with practicality first. Consider which features are priorities, and which features can wait for another time. When prioritizing your wishlist, focus on the permanent fixtures of the kitchen. This includes the layout, cabinets, finish, countertop, and lighting. Start narrowing down your choices by researching the various materials and designs. Take your list of must-haves rather than nice-to-haves and use it as the basis for your kitchen design. Prioritize Your Wishlist
The key to a good kitchen is one that is efficient. It should be easy to work with, clean and less prone to clutter. You can achieve this by planning ahead and considering the type of activities your kitchen will need to support. For example, if you do a lot of cooking, the stovetop should be within easy reach of the sink and countertop. For baking, place the oven directly on the countertop. If you don’t have a lot of counter space, consider installing a kitchen island. In addition, think about how to store items in your kitchen. Installing a pullout pantry can be a great way to store food items without compromising on kitchen space. It also allows for easy and organized access to the food items. Having the right types of appliances also helps. Invest in multi-purpose machines to save more space. Maximize Efficiency
Your cabinet finish can make or break the aesthetic of your kitchen. Cabinets are a huge part of the kitchen and can take up almost a third of its overall design, so be sure to carefully choose the finish. Different finishes will affect the style of the kitchen — warm, homey vibes for a rustic finish, and modern sleekness for glossy lacquer. Also consider colors such as white, grey, black, and brown. For a cohesive look, match the finish of the kitchen cabinets with the countertop. If the countertop is made of marble, let the glossy finish of the cabinets complement its texture. If you’re after a certain style, like vintage, beachy-chic, or minimal-modern, make sure that your choice of finish reflects it. Select the Right Cabinet Finish
Just like your cabinets, countertops are one of the major style elements of your kitchen. Not only will it affect the aesthetics of the space, it will also determine the functionality of the countertop. That’s why selecting the right material is a crucial path in kitchen design. Popular countertop options include granite, marble, quartz, stainless steel, laminates, and butcher block. Marble gives an air of sophistication, quartz is the preferred material for modern-minimal kitchens, while laminates are more budget-friendly and quite easy to install. Granite and stainless steel are more Industrial-style materials, while butcher block makes for a great farmhouse style. Select the Right Countertop Material
Open shelving is definitely a great option if you want to achieve a look that’s light, airy, and modern. Since the shelves are mounted to the wall, they offer a slight sense of convenience, too. Rather than rummaging through cupboard doors, you can easily view all your kitchen appliances, pantry items, and knick-knacks on the shelves. Most open shelving is installed above the counters. Place some of your beloved cookbooks, or perhaps a bowl of fresh fruit. Or, you can install a railing to hang mugs, pans, and other kitchen wares. If you’re looking for a fresh and modern look that offers some extra storage, consider investing in open shelving. Opt for Open Shelving
Lighting is essential for any kind of living space. Good lighting can create the right atmosphere for any activity, including cooking and dining. For a stylish and practical look, consider installing feature lights for an added touch of style. While task lighting is essential for performing tasks such as cooking and prepping, ambient lighting can improve the aesthetics of the kitchen. There are many different types of lighting available, from recessed downlights to pendant lights. However, avoid ambient lighting; while it may look great, it lacks the illumination necessary for tasks. As much as possible, include task lighting in your design, such as strip lighting or wall-mounted sconces for additional illumination. Install Good Lighting
Seating is essential for any kitchen. Not only does it provide a great way to rest while you cook, it can also provide a spot for casual dining. Casual seating can be as simple as barstools at the breakfast bar, or a full-on breakfast nook. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, consider a breakfast bar with seating for two. Or, if you have the space to do so, install a kitchen island with seating that can be moved out of the way when not in use. Alternatively, you can also add flexible seating, such as a bench that pulls out and doubles as storage. Add Casual Seating
Smart technology is becoming increasingly popular, and adding a few pieces to your kitchen is a great way to enjoy the convenience it can offer. From smart refrigerators to automated ovens, there’s no shortage of possibilities. You can even integrate your lighting, HVAC, and audio/visual systems for complete convenience. Smart technology doesn’t just make life easier — it can also help you save time and money. Smart appliances can monitor energy and water usage, and alert you when the levels are too high. Some systems can even monitor your grocery inventory, send notifications when you’re running out, and offer recommendations. Consider Smart Technology
No matter what design you go for, make sure to follow flexible and adaptive principles. Your kitchen should easily be able to accommodate shifts in function over time. This means that your kitchen should be versatile, and able to adapt and grow depending on the activities it supports. For example, a kitchen with ample counter space is an essential part of most kitchen designs. However, if the kitchen will only be used for more social gatherings, then you may opt to go for a smaller counter. The key is to make sure that the kitchen can easily accommodate your lifestyle and behaviors. Designing your kitchen can be a daunting task, especially when you have to consider all the elements. However, by taking the time to think through all the aspects of your kitchen, you can make sure that it fits your specific needs and lifestyle. Follow these top 10 guidelines for kitchen design to ensure that your kitchen looks stylish, functions well, and meets all your requirements. Stick to Flexible Design Principles