Many dreams of a new kitchen but are often at a loss for how and where to start. Unfortunately, this can make an otherwise exciting process more daunting than it should be.
Check out this post if you’re at a loss regarding how to design your new kitchen. Below you’ll find some ideas to brainstorm to help you figure out how to create your ideal space.
7 Tips for Designing Your Dream Kitchen
1. Make a List of Essential Elements
One of the best things you can do for yourself when planning your ideal kitchen is to list the key aspects you want. This could be better lighting or new cabinets. By writing it down, you’ll get a better idea of what you’re looking for and how you can fit it into your kitchen.
For those not sure where to start, consider details such as:
- Pet-friendly features (like a roll-out food bowl cabinet)
- If you want a built-in fridge
- Wine storage
- Utensil racks
- Lighting needs
2. Create the Layout
The layout is a vital detail but one that tends to get overlooked. If you’re not careful, the space might end up getting too crowded or even have the opposite effect of being too big and open.
Some things to contemplate include:
- A kitchen island
- How much foot traffic there will be
- Where you’ll place the main appliances
- If you’d like vertical storage
An architect or interior designer service might be worth using if you want to make sure everything is perfect. They can calculate whether things will fit and can even give some other design suggestions. If you prefer to do it yourself, you can download special software to make a realistic portrayal or go the old-fashioned way and draw it out on paper.
3. Consider Roll-Out Shelves
This might seem a bit strange to add, but pull-out shelves could make your dreamy kitchen even dreamier. Unlike traditional shelves and cabinets, this option creates plenty of space for you to hold culinary items. Besides the space they roll out, which makes it much easier for you to find and reach things.
Another perk of this option is that they can fit almost anywhere in your kitchen. So whether it’s standard cabinets or a blind corner caddy, you can find some that work for any area.
One of my friends who wanted to install pull out shelves in Fair Oaks, CA contacted a local seller who could walk through the process with him and even bring up designs that might be of interest based on his preferences. These high-quality pieces are built to last, so you can be sure your investment will be well worth it.
4. Plan a Color Scheme
Even if you don’t want vibrant hues, you should still consider the kitchen’s overall color scheme. This will help you find appliances and decor that match the ambiance you’re trying to go for. For instance, if you’re going for a French country kitchen, look for gold and olive hues. On the other hand, if you’d like more of an industrial look, gray and white shades are ideal.
You can refer to a color wheel if you’re not sure where to start. This will help you see what hues will match and inspire you to check out tones you might not have initially considered.
5. Determine a Focal Point
Every kitchen needs a centerpiece. Whether it’s a stunning chandelier or a bold backsplash, it’s important to consider what you’d like yours to be.
To figure out the right one, consider what you want to show off most in the room. For example, do you want specific colors or patterns showcased? Also, consider where the focal point will be placed – will it be front and center or off to the side but still noticeable?
6. Research Flooring
Many think that the main highlight of a kitchen is its appliances or cabinets, but the floor plays a major role as well as it brings the room’s aesthetics together. But while you need to make sure that the flooring matches, you also have to ensure that it’s durable against heavy impacts or spills.
There are plenty of options to choose from, depending on your preferences. One is ceramic. While the grout between the tiles can get easily dirty, it’s a very strong material. Hardwood is also quite popular and comes in several hues, but it can be expensive and gets damaged easily if you’re not careful.
7. Stick to a Budget
It’s easy to go overboard when planning a new kitchen, but it’s important not to. When starting, always make a strict budget with essential aspects. As you move along, you can slightly adjust it depending on things, but sticking to the budget will help prevent you from being overwhelmed and going over your financial limits.
Creating the kitchen of your dreams doesn’t have to be daunting. Keeping these tips in mind allows you to determine what you want easily.
