Designing a kitchen involves various moving parts all coming together to create a space that is not just functional for your lifestyle but a reflection of your personal tastes. This is why color, hardware, and even lighting matter, but when it comes to the working parts of the kitchen it is the appliances that require a little extra thought. It is important to know which one will work best for you, where they need to be positioned in the layout, and even how many. This matters because it can influence or impact the design choices made during your initial planning phase for your renovation. Remodeling your kitchen is a sizable investment making every decision crucial so that there are no major surprises and everything you wanted to accomplish happens as close to your budget as possible. Appliances require pre planning due to size and certain requirements such as power plugs and drainage. Let’s talk about some things you need to know before finalizing your choices.
Kitchen layout and appliances
The kitchen layout is important because it controls the flow of traffic and the placement of certain things, such as the sink and appliances. The work triangle still plays a key role in designing a layout where the sink, stove, and refrigerator are within a certain distance. Knowing where you want your appliances will assist your designer in being able to exactly how to place each one that works best with your daily routine and specific needs. If you enjoy a cup of coffee before heading out the door, it would be best to have your beverage station close to the refrigerator where the milk and creamer are stored. Do you prefer to rinse your dishes right away? Then, having the dishwasher next to the sink is the prime location. Do you have young children who need access to the microwave to make their own popcorn or warm up a piece of pie? Placing your microwave on a lower level, such as on the kitchen island, makes it easy for everyone to use. Location and layout work together to give your family the best experience, so consider it before meeting with your designer. This will save time and money, both valuable and valuable, during your renovation and will also streamline your results. Browsing places like Pinterest and Houzz can also help as it gives you a visual for what your space could look like with various options.
What appliance size is best?
To accommodate our varying lifestyles today, appliances come in a wide variety of sizes. From small refrigerators suitable for dorm life and a condo kitchen to the massive double doors with a deep freezer, you only need to decide which one is right for you. When determining what refrigerator size will work best for your kitchen, consider how many people are in your home and how often you cook. It is recommended that there be 4 to 6 cubic feet of storage per person, and many refrigerators will list the total cubic feet capacity on the information sheet. Another factor is the amount of cooking you will do. If you are not home often, say you travel a lot, then a smaller model will work better, use less energy, and leave room in the design for things that may be more important to you. If you prefer to eat at home instead of eating out, select a refrigerator with plenty of room for fresh veggies and storage for those delicious leftovers. When it comes to dishwashers, there is a traditional standard. However, some come in smaller sizes since some homes need space saving, especially the tiny house trend. This smaller choice opens options for those who would prefer to use that square footage, saving for more cabinet or storage space in their kitchen. Microwaves can also be bought in various sizes and placed on the counter, above the stove, or on the kitchen island, which clears the counter. Talk to your designer about your daily kitchen routine so they can help you decide which selections are best for you and your family.
What style of appliances are right for you?
Style matters, especially in the design world, and this has influenced the appliances, too. Several options are available now to integrate your appliances beautifully into your finished design. Stainless steel has remained a top choice for many homeowners since it works well with a variety of styles and color options due to its adaptable finish. Another bonus is that it is fairly easy to clean, and this is a valuable feature when you have kids. It is best to cue your cabinet design when deciding which option for your kitchen. Are you going with dark wood stains? Stainless steel can add visual interest and even contrast. Opting for a more minimal look? Try paneled appliances. They are custom-fit to cover your refrigerator and even dishwasher, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the design. This is also a great choice no matter which style you want if you want to create a unified space without interruptions. You can mix and match, such as selecting panels for your refrigerator, but leave the dishwasher without it. If you opt for an open style and have a stainless steel refrigerator, consider the hardware, as black matte may not be the best combination. Of course, black appliance finishes are still available that would work with several styles and cabinet colors. Plus, they also look great when going for a more modern design. It also makes for a great contrast in your kitchen as well. If you enjoy retro, some companies have brought out fun colors too! Take time to browse through all of your options before finalizing your choice.
What to know about appliances
Appliances play a key functional role in your kitchen’s day-to-day activities, which makes them an essential part of the planning stage of your renovation. Be sure to spend time determining what features are important for you and your family, your personal preferences of style and size, and where it would best work for everyone. When working with a designer, convey all of this to them so they can help you make the best decision possible.