Design Notes
Designing a kitchen involves various elements that come together to create a space that is not only functional for your lifestyle but also a reflection of your personal taste. That’s why elements like color, hardware, and lighting are important—but when it comes to the working parts of the kitchen, buying appliances requires a little extra thought. It’s essential to determine which appliances will work best for you, where they should be positioned within the layout, and even how many you’ll need. These decisions can significantly influence your overall design and impact the choices you make during the initial planning phase of your renovation. Remodeling your kitchen is a sizable investment, making every decision crucial so that there are no major surprises and everything you want to accomplish happens as closely as possible to your budget. Appliances require pre-planning due to their size and specific 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 determines the placement of key elements, 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 positioned within a certain distance from each other. Knowing where you want your appliances will help your designer place each one exactly where it works best in relation to your daily routine and specific needs. If you enjoy a cup of coffee before heading out the door, it’s best to have your beverage station close to the refrigerator, where 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 that 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 in the kitchen island, makes it easy for everyone to use. Location and layout work together to provide your family with the best experience, so be sure to give them some thought before meeting with your designer. This will save time and money, both of which are valuable, during your renovation and will also streamline your results. Browsing sites like Pinterest and Houzz can also be helpful, as they provide a visual representation of what your space could look like with various options.
What appliance size is best?
To accommodate our varied lifestyles today, appliances are available in a wide range of sizes. From small refrigerators suitable for dorm life and a condo kitchen to the massive double doors with a deep freezer, the only thing you need to do is decide which one is right for you. When determining the best refrigerator size for your kitchen, consider the number of people in your household and your cooking frequency. It is recommended that there be 4 to 6 cubic feet of storage per person, and many refrigerators will list the total capacity of cubic feet on the information sheet. Another factor is the amount of cooking you will do. If you are not home often, such as if you travel frequently, 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, consider selecting a refrigerator that has ample room for fresh vegetables and storage for those delicious leftovers. When it comes to dishwashers, there is a traditional standard; however, some models come in smaller sizes, as homes often require space-saving solutions, particularly with the rise of the tiny house trend. This smaller choice opens up options for those who would prefer to use that square footage to save 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 in the kitchen island, which clears the counter. Discuss your daily kitchen routine with your designer so they can recommend the best selections for you and your family.
What style of appliances are right for you?
Style matters, especially in the world of design, and this has also influenced the appliances. There are several options available that can seamlessly integrate your appliances into your finished design. Stainless steel has remained a top choice for many homeowners, as it complements a variety of styles and color options due to its versatile finish. Another bonus is that it is fairly easy to clean, which is a valuable feature, especially when you have kids. When deciding which option to choose for your kitchen, it’s best to take a cue from your cabinet design. Are you going with dark wood stains? A 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, which allows them to blend in seamlessly with the design. This is also a great choice, regardless of the style you prefer, if you’re looking to create a unified space without interruptions. You can also mix and match, such as selecting panels for your refrigerator, but leave the dishwasher without it. If you opt for an open-style refrigerator and have a stainless steel model, be sure to consider the hardware, as black matte hardware may not be the best combination with it. Of course, there are still black appliance finishes available that work well with various styles and cabinet colors, and they also look great when paired with a more modern design. It also makes for a great contrast in your kitchen. If you enjoy retro, some companies have also introduced fun colors! Take time to browse through all of your options before finalizing your choice.
What to know about appliances
Appliances play a crucial functional role in your day-to-day kitchen activities, making them an essential part of the planning stage in your renovation. Be sure to spend time considering the features that are important to you and your family, including your personal preferences for style and size, as well as where it would work best for everyone. When working with a designer, be sure to convey all of this to them so they can assist you in making the best decision possible.
We use it every day but hardly pay any attention to it, yet it can impact the overall design of the home. We are, of course, referring to your flooring, and its importance should not be overlooked or underestimated. It is the largest design element in the home, which means it tends to serve as the foundation of the look and feel in the room. It has the ability to make or break your space and is subconsciously the first thing we notice in a room. Since it is used consistently, it must be durable and functional for the particular area, whether slip-resistant or waterproof. Flooring should also complement the overall design style you choose and be carefully considered before finalizing your choice. Here are some aspects to remember when making your selection.
The kitchen backsplash tends to be overlooked during the planning session for a renovation, but it has a big impact on the overall look of the design, and it should not be underestimated. To many, it may seem like such a small element, but it has the power to bring style, class, and protection to the heart of the home. When walking through a model home or flipping pages in an interior design magazine, the kitchen always has a backsplash that often draws our eye. Coming in multiple sizes, styles, and shades, the kitchen backsplash has come a long way from being a simple surface to creating a glamorous highlight that immediately draws the eye.
Walker WoodworkingThis deficiency has led to a readjustment of space, a call to renovate the home, and to provide a more functional design for everyone. There are also other reasons motivating homeowners to reevaluate their current living situation, such as greater flexibility at home, an open concept, personal space, and plenty of storage. While kitchens and bathrooms are still among the most renovated areas in the home, new emphasis is being placed on four additional sections in the home, which we want to highlight today.
Walker WoodworkingYou love your home, but there are some areas that are no longer working for you, if they ever did at all. You have made the big decision to renovate your kitchen, to give yourself the space you have always envisioned, but it feels overwhelming. How do you know which layout will work best for you? Which style best represents you, and what wood type will pair perfectly with certain colors? The kitchen can be a more difficult renovation because it involves multiple facets, such as plumbing and electrical. Adding in the appliances, lighting, and cabinets decisions can be enough to make your head spin. Planning is a critical part of a kitchen renovation, making it a key area of focus, which is why an experienced designer can help you accomplish your dreams on time and on budget.
James Martin Vanities has not disappointed us but provided many of our clients with a bathroom vanity that suited their unique needs, and the shorter lead times have allowed them to get the upgrades they needed within their timeframe. Our goal will always remain to provide our clients with the best possible products that fit their project, whether that is a custom, semi-custom, or predone option like the James Martin Vanity. We are here to assist you in finding the vanity that works for you, which is why we offer a variety of options. Are you ready for a change? Come visit our showroom where we have multiple vanities available for you to browse, and if you like one, you can take it home with you.
Greenbrook Design 