Design Notes
The kitchen plays a central role in the home. It is a place where we come together to enjoy food and conversation. Designing this space involves multiple considerations, including the features to include, such as pull-outs and utensil drawers. There are also certain design features that transform an ordinary kitchen into the heart of the home, such as the choice of wood for the cabinets or the type of countertop material. Personalizing your space with the features that you love is what transforms your kitchen into the favorite gathering place for everyone. There are numerous ways to achieve the look you love, but we will focus on some of the more popular features in the kitchen. Let’s see what they are and how they might be used in your upcoming renovation.
Pull-out drawers
This feature remains a popular one, along with roll-outs, since it provides the perfect solution to storage needs for people of all ages. The younger members of your family can quickly pull out a snack and see all their options in one easy movement. For the more mature, it lets them see what they need without having to get down on the floor to pull out every item to get to what they want. Pull-outs are suitable for lower cabinets as well as pantries, accommodating a wide variety of needs, including food items, pots and pans, dishes, and more. A favorite is, of course, the pull-out spice rack, which lets them reach any spice with ease. Traditionally, they are located near the stove since that is where they will be used most. These pull-outs are not limited to spices, but also include baking materials and large utensils, such as spatulas and ladles. Some homeowners and designers have gotten creative by using a pull-out to store all their cleaning supplies, which solves the problem of a messy kitchen sink cabinet. Our designers have completed multiple projects using pull-outs and our clients love them.
Larder cabinet
Food storage is a priority in the kitchen. After all, where would we keep all the ingredients for those amazing meals? Traditional cabinets are great for storing dishes, pots, pans, platters, and the always-important food containers, but not necessarily for cans, flour, sugar, and boxed pasta. This is where a larder cabinet matters. It is a cabinet, typically full-height, dedicated solely to various food items. It can be free-standing or incorporated into the cabinet design, a favorite choice for our clients. Because they are shielded from the sun’s rays, these spaces make them perfect for storing items in a cool, dry environment. A larder cabinet can also be fitted with roll-outs, making it super simple to keep track of everything you have, which reduces food waste. Even if you have a pantry, having a larder cabinet gives you the ability to separate your items, such as canned goods and dry ingredients, from others like snacks and bagged items. Our experienced team at Greenbrook Design can help you create just the right size and style for your kitchen.
Drop in front apron sink
The kitchen sink is a staple for your design as it is where food is rinsed, hands are washed, and dishes cleaned. For many years, there were limited options for the sink, but now companies are offering a wide variety of styles and sizes. The farmhouse design has remained a beautiful choice for many homeowners who love the calm and charming vibes provided by it. This style brings back the classic drop-in front apron sink, but it is not limited to white. Stainless steel as well as porcelain, natural stone, and even copper. They are a beautiful touch to your home and bring unique character to the space as well. Plus, they add a little hint of Fixer Upper to your home!
Quarter sawn white oak cabinets
These are not your mom’s oak cabinets. Quarter-sawn white oak is a trending material for kitchen cabinet design. It is a stunning choice, with elegant grain lines that add significant texture and visual interest to the kitchen. The soft color scheme is another plus as it immediately lightens and brightens a space. It can also complement a wide variety of design styles, including farmhouse and traditional, as well as materials such as glass and metal. Quarter-sawn white oak is a good choice for two-toned kitchens, which remain a popular trend. Opting for painted perimeter cabinets and a quarter-sawn white oak island makes a dramatic statement that will be loved by all. Browse places like Pinterest and Houzz for inspiration.
Under cabinet lighting
Lighting is crucial in areas like the kitchen, which are typically task-oriented spaces. Under-cabinet lighting, often referred to as task lighting, makes it easier and even safer to complete chores like cutting food and cooking meals because shadows are minimized. Homeowners are realizing the value of incorporating these features into their kitchen renovation projects. Under-cabinet lighting works well in the evening too, as a soft light option, meaning you can find what you need and move around easily without having to turn on those bright lights. Be sure to discuss with your designer the possibility of including them in your upcoming project.
Gentle spray kitchen faucet
We know the kitchen sink matters, but so does the faucet. More homeowners are opting for a gentle spray kitchen faucet option which minimizes splashes and works well when rinsing dishes and food. As it is used throughout the day for a wide variety of tasks, having a gentle spray option is great for kids and those who enjoy cooking. Manufacturers have created various styles and finishes to accommodate customers’ demands, so you should have no problem finding one you like. There are also several models that come equipped with smart features, such as touch buttons and different faucet widths. Find the one you love for your kitchen sink.
Nature inspired quartz surfacing and veined
Countertops are considered the workhorses of the kitchen, as everything from food preparation to family gatherings is done on and around them. Nature-inspired design is a significant trend this year, and its influence is extending to countertop choices as homeowners seek beautiful veins that resemble natural or organic patterns. Quartz is currently one of the top options, particularly since it is both durable and low-maintenance. Neutral colors inspired by nature are also trending, as are textures, such as matte surfaces. These options also work well with multiple design styles and layouts, making them a versatile piece in the final outcome. Your designer will know where to look and what to recommend based on your personal preferences and layout.
Greenbrook DesignHomes are a collection of things we love, and sometimes those things can come from places outside the traditional sources, such as your typical home furnishings stores. Increasingly, designers and homeowners alike are discovering the benefits of antique stores. These places, often thought of as the last stop for items no one else wanted, have become a popular shopping stop for those who want to have something unique in their home and enjoy the thrill of “treasure hunting”. More and more design styles are also embracing vintage finds, seeking to blend them together to create something special, such as the grand millennial and mid-century modern styles. Millennials are also enjoying the freedom to branch out in their design choices, creating a home that is customized to their own personality. Antique shopping can be a wonderful way to uncover those special touches that can make all the difference in your home, so let’s explore how to get started and what to do with all of the treasures you find.
Walker WoodworkingMore designers and contractors are incorporating this secondary space into the kitchen to gain square footage and have an area that works as an extension of the kitchen. Let’s dive deeper into what a butler pantry is and what the benefits are for you.
Walker WoodworkingThis is why we have created multiple door profile styles so that each of our clients can find the one that perfectly tells their story to everyone. At times, they are not able to pinpoint one that speaks to them, which is why we offer custom door styles as well. Several of our clients have opted for mullion cabinet doors, which always add a beautiful touch to their space.
Greenbrook DesignRecycling old styles with a modern twist is a phenomenal way to honor the past while creating the future. Nostalgia is a valuable part of the creative process, especially in designing homes, our little personal factory of memories. So, don’t be afraid to try out some of these forgotten interior design styles that are making a comeback. It’s nice to freshen up your whole concept and take a little walk through a time capsule. Let your creativity fly in the limbo of styles, and wonder what else will be new soon.
Walker WoodworkingWe all have an idea of what our dream home would look like, after all, that is what places like Houzz and Pinterest are for, right? You wish you could have those little personalized spaces and upscale feel in your home that makes it stand out from the ordinary. Sometimes we believe that the home we envision is far too luxurious for our budget, but that is not true. But with a little creative thinking, anything is possible! There are many ways to stretch a budget through good planning and a few helpful tricks that can give you the luxury you desire without breaking the bank. Let’s explore the various ways to achieve designing a luxury home on a budget and bring your dreams to life.
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking