As you plan your kitchen design, you should keep in mind the importance of incorporating natural light wherever possible. Strategically placed windows, skylights, or sun-facing walls are essential in promoting natural light to enter the space and create a bright, airy atmosphere. Not only does natural light make a kitchen feel and look bigger, but it also can reduce the need for artificial lighting throughout the day. When used in tandem with window coverings, natural light can also be filtered to fit the needs of the individual space. Also, you can place your key appliances near windows to take advantage of the natural light. This way, you could rely less on artificial lighting fixtures.Incorporating Natural Light
Incorporating Natural Light
As many of us look to minimize living space, it’s important to look for ways to design a multifunctional kitchen. Finding where to place windows and well ventilated areas is crucial in assuring natural light and air flow. If you are lucky enough to have a dinning area close by, you may use light as a way to combine the two spaces while maintaining its properties. As part of your kitchen design, you should look for ways to create an area dedicated for an island or eating bar for your friends, family and guests. With the transition of living spaces, the concept of multifunctional kitchen is gaining traction and acceptance.Creating a Multifunctional Kitchen Space
Creating a Multifunctional Kitchen Space
When it comes to kitchen design, most of us are looking for ways to maximize storage. One great way to do this and achieve a more organized kitchen is by taking advantage of the walls and utilizing every inch of available space. When installing kitchen shelves, make sure they are placed at an appropriate level to keep everyday items out of reach of small children or pets. Cabinets are another great way to add storage, as you can arrange them to reach both high and low levels. Finally, setting aside a spot where you can store electrical appliances as well as food containers is an excellent way to keep things tidy and orderly.Maximizing Storage
Maximizing Storage
Integrating appliances into the new kitchen can be a challenge. Despite the convenience that most appliances bring to kitchen design, many of them are bulky and eye-catching. An appliance garage is one great way to store small appliances that don’t fit elsewhere, keeping them hidden until you need them. Another great option is to match the appliances to your kitchen cabinets, creating continuity and allowing the appliances to blend in. Touch controls eradicated the need of hard to clean knobs, and display nobs become part of the kitchen decor.Integrating Appliances
Integrating Appliances
To create a visually interesting kitchen design, consider adding contrasting finishes to the area. For example, you could opt for natural wood cabinets as opposed to painted ones. You could also add texture to the space by selecting stone tiles or a concrete backsplash to contrast with the glossy upper cabinets. However, you should avoid going overboard when it comes to contrasts and instead focus on a few accents that stand out in the design.Contrasting Finishes
Contrasting Finishes
The concept of the kitchen triangle was created to help ensure that all three major work areas in the kitchen—the oven, the sink, and the refrigerator—are within easy reach of one another. It’s an important part of kitchen design, as it helps reduce fatigue and unnecessary movements. When it comes to optimizing the kitchen triangle, pay attention to the distance between the three areas, as well as the pathways between them and make sure they’re all easily accessible.Optimizing the Kitchen Triangle
Optimizing the Kitchen Triangle
Soft lighting should be at the top of your kitchen design checklist as it adds a soothing element to the space. While overhead kitchen lighting is essential for focusing light on the main work areas, you should also invest in some good task lighting fixtures to reduce eye strain. For example, you could place wall-mounted fixtures above the kitchen island or a dimmable chandelier in the eating area.Including Soft Lighting
Including Soft Lighting
Your kitchen is likely one of the most used rooms in your home, so it makes sense to stick with a neutral color palette. This allows you to switch out accessories as needed without having to worry about repainting the walls or cabinetry, which is wonderful for a low-maintenance look. You can also combine colors like gray and white for a modern look, or cream and beige for a more classic feel.Sticking with a Neutral Color Palette
Sticking with a Neutral Color Palette
Since the kitchen is one of the most heavily used spaces in the home, it’s important to choose materials and fixtures that are durable enough to withstand daily use. As you’re shopping for items to add to your kitchen design, look for items that have been tested for wear and tear. Also, keep maintenance in mind, as some materials require more maintenance than others. Finally, don’t forget to choose items that will also work with your overall design plan.Choosing Durable Materials and Fixtures
Choosing Durable Materials and Fixtures
When you plan the kitchen design, make sure you leave enough space for an eating nook if possible. This is a perfect spot for informal family meals as well as gatherings with friends. As you design the nook, go for comfortable seating and a pleasing visual layout. If there’s enough space, you can also add a few picnic-style benches that can be easily stored when not in use. If space is limited, make sure each piece of furniture is on wheels or at least easy to move.Including an Eating Nook
Including an Eating Nook
Unlock the Potential of Kitchen Design Ideals
The kitchen is a multifunctional space in the home. It is more than a place to prepare meals - it is often a social hub that encourages family gatherings and special meals. As such,
kitchen design ideals
should reflect its potential to facilitate meaningful experiences. To move towards the realization of these ideals, here are a few considerations for when beginning the design of a kitchen.
Layout and Size
The layout of a kitchen can be thought of on a grid system - with islands, cabinets, and appliances taking up different amounts of space. It’s important to maintain symmetry and balancing between all items. If more space is needed, knock out a wall to create an open-concept kitchen with more space.
Furthermore, consider the size of the occupants, appliances, and furniture in the kitchen. Human-scale
kitchen design
takes into account how people move through the kitchen and the types of activities that take place.
Functionality and Accessibility
When thinking about how a kitchen will be used, pay close attention to functionality and accessibility. To maximize efficiency in the kitchen, place essential items like the stove, sink, and refrigerator close together and set up a practical flow of traffic. Additionally, install plenty of storage in cabinets and drawers to minimize clutter.
Additionally, aim to make the kitchen
accessible
to people of all ages and sizes. Utilize counter space on an adjustable level that can be raised or lowered depending on the size and stature of the user. Surface materials such as countertops, handles, and hardware should also be smooth and easy to use.
Lighting and Aesthetics
Ambient lighting in the kitchen should be considered to create a sense of brightness and dimension. Placement of the lighting zones should enhance task lighting beneath cabinets and on work surfaces. It’s also important to consider the mood of the space with the use of accent lighting, especially if the kitchen contains a living area or gathering area.
Finally, aesthetics play a major role in the overall kitchen design. Traditional, modern, or contemporary
kitchen design
will all bring different atmospheres to the kitchen. Adding character can also be done with bold colors, unique textures or finishes, decorative hardware, and interesting shapes. With the right combination of aesthetics, functionality, and size, any kitchen design can be achieved.
