Design Notes
The kitchen tends to be one of the busiest areas in the home, and over the last year, it has become more than just a place to cook food. It has evolved into a multifunctional space where everyone gathers to perform a wide range of tasks. With so much at stake, planning a renovation requires careful thought and well-designed plans. Many designers caution against following the latest trends, but there are a few additional design mistakes they also encourage their clients to avoid. If you are considering a renovation or a new construction project, here are our top five biggest kitchen design mistakes to avoid.
Plan Your Kitchen Layout
A kitchen layout is one of the most critical parts in planning a renovation or new construction. It dictates the flow and function of the entire space. There needs to be plenty of room to move around, especially if there are a lot of people living there, without tripping or stumbling into one another. It is also important to utilize the space you have to its fullest potential, which means thinking through the area and finding the best layout to ensure that your kitchen is at its very best. Appliances, cabinets, and even the pantry placement are key factors when designing the initial layout. The purpose of the kitchen also plays a critical role in the design. Take a moment to write down what you will be doing besides cooking.
- Hosting large family gatherings
- Additional seating area
- Workstation for the kids after school
Layout means working through every possible scenario and planning a flow that will accommodate your lifestyle. Think of it as mapping out your day-to-day routine with your designer and letting them help you create the best route.
Avoid The All White Color Scheme
White is a timeless color and is always in style; however, designers do not recommend using it as the sole color in your kitchen. Some of the reasons they recommend avoiding an all white kitchen are:
- Makes the space feel cold
- Lacks visual interest
- Difficult to keep clean
We don’t deny that white is a beautiful color, representing simplicity and neutrality, and it is also very versatile. It is also bright plus blends with any number of styles and layouts. It is a key ingredient in many of the looks we love, such as farmhouse and traditional, yet making it the sole star of your kitchen can leave it feeling lifeless and even sterile. Color adds warmth and texture to any space, especially the kitchen, and provides elegant visual interest. We are not saying that you need to avoid it altogether; in fact, white is a popular kitchen color when paired with other shades. It creates a stunning contrast with whatever it is paired with, such as dark woods, blues, and inviting grays. Choosing to utilize a bold or contrasting color for the kitchen island can help make a statement in your space and add warmth to the heart of the home. Backsplash and countertops are also great ways to bring color and contrast to the kitchen. Remember, white is good, but in moderation.
Ignoring The Work Triangle
The work triangle is a staple design element when creating the initial layout of a kitchen; it ensures that the refrigerator, range, and sink are all within easy reach of each other, creating an imaginary triangle. Utilizing the work triangle limits the amount of movement required to cook, as well as the number of people who need to pass by, which minimizes accidents. No matter the size of your kitchen, there is always room to incorporate the work triangle into your design. Some things to keep in mind when planning your triangle are:
- Sufficient counter space
- Don’t stretch the triangle too far
- Never interrupts the flow of traffic
Consider the steps you take to prepare dinner. Counter space plays a significant role, as you need enough open areas to lay out the ingredients and freely move things around or spread them out. The work triangle provides functionality to your kitchen and can even include smaller versions, such as baking zones. Extra preparation, sinks, and clear traffic flow are also helpful points to keep in mind. House Beautiful agrees that life is easier when you utilize the work triangle rule. Find out what else they had to say in this article, and how it can be blended with another helpful design element.
Lack Of Storage Space
Storage is vital to creating a great kitchen space that is both functional and practical. It also brings a host of benefits to the kitchen, including:
- Keeping a clean look
- A place to store dry ingredients
- Adequate storage for larger items
- Organization
- Time saver
Incorporating good storage into your kitchen layout means there will be sufficient areas to place the many necessary things that make up a kitchen. Plates, mixers, platters, baking sheets, utensils, coffee maker, large bowls, and more all need their own spot, or things can quickly become cluttered and dysfunctional, leading to increased stress and morning chaos. Having a designated place for everything gives you the ability to keep everything in order and alleviates stress levels. Also, consider where you want certain items and plan accordingly; for example, breakable glassware should be kept out of reach of children. Kitchen islands and pantries are great ways to gain additional storage for a large array of items and still create a space that is aesthetically pleasing to everyone. If you don’t take the time to plan for proper storage, it inevitably will cause problems and frustrations later for you and your family. Be sure to discuss with your designer the items that will need to be in your kitchen, including paper products and cleaning supplies, so they can create the best layout for your heart of the home.
Accessories That Are Not Practical
Renovating or constructing a new space is an exciting endeavor, and it is easy to get carried away when selecting the fun elements for the space, such as lighting and hardware; however, it can also be the most costly. The kitchen is a functional area of the home, meaning that the items should be more practical. It does not mean that there cannot be some fun things incorporated into the design, but if sticking to your budget is a high priority, consider going with more functional choices when it comes to things such as:
- Hardware
- Lighting
- Backsplash
- Appliances
While hardware and lighting are meant to be a crowning part of the design, indeed the finishing touch, that does not mean they have to be the most expensive or elaborate. A dark matte pull or brass knob can do just as good a job as an intricately carved piece. The same principle applies to lighting; it doesn’t have to be the biggest or most extravagant. This is better suited for areas such as the living room, where you go to relax or entertain guests. We are not saying that you can’t, especially if your budget allows for it, but if you are looking for ways to stretch your renovation budget, this is a good category to consider.
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.
