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.
Walker Woodworking When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.
Walker Woodworking What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not a lot of room, to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may present more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the necessary storage for you to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize the space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.
Walker Woodworking We always say details matter, and that goes beyond a project. Your home is filled with details that tell your guests who you are and what matters to you. Artwork, pottery pieces, and furniture are just a few things that give homeowners a chance to show off their style. Another area is hosting, and tablescapes have become a beautiful, fun way to share your own unique design choices with family and friends. Whether it is for a small gathering to enjoy time with those you love or to celebrate a special occasion, there are many ways to create the perfect look. By combining different colors, patterns, or materials, you can create a tablescape that will dazzle your guests, whether you prefer an elaborate or simple design.
Greenbrook Design Window treatments have made an interesting journey through the years in interior design. From floor to ceiling and mere window length, they have travelled the full circle of style. Today, window treatments can come in a variety of forms and options, plus they do more than just block out the sun; they can finish the look of a room and add the necessary touch that brings out the homeowner’s personality. Windows are our connection to nature and are an essential part of the home, which means they deserve proper consideration and care. They are also an area of the room that naturally draws the eye of the homeowner and guest alike. Most of the time, however, windows tend to be overlooked.
Greenbrook Design There’s nothing quite like the warm weather and smell of blooming flowers that come with springtime. While you may have grown used to cozying up indoors during the colder months, now you can start spending more time tending to your garden, playing with your kids in the yard, and kicking back on the patio while enjoying the sun.
But in order to fully enjoy your time outside (and potentially save yourself from having to pay for expensive home repairs in the future), you will need to perform some basic home maintenance. To help you get started, here are some key areas to tackle this spring, brought to you by Greenbrook Design.
Greenbrook Design 