Your new kitchen starts with great design. Once you have this, you’re ready to explore the endless possibilities. Kitchens are rooms in which we spend huge amounts of time; therefore, not only do they need to offer cooking facilities, but also a space where we can enjoy family and friends.CONSIDER THE BEST LAYOUT FOR YOUR KITCHEN DESIGN How do you use a kitchen? Is it more often you stand and talk while preparing foods? If so, would your conversation recipient like a chair? Maybe an island with barstools is best for you. This works if you have an open-plan space, but not so good with a galley style kitchen. In a galley style, focus not only on the layout of where you’ll be working, but also on its relationship with a dining table. You’ll want your prep and finish area to be closer to the table, so you can talk comfortable with guests. Maybe a barista table and chair would be best to keep your guest at eye level while conversing. Remember the kitchen work triangle. This age old concept is used to determine efficient kitchen layouts, both aesthetically and functionally. The points of the triangle are the cook top, the sink and the refrigerator. These three points and the imaginary lines between them, make up what kitchen the work triangle.
LIST THE MATERIALS & upgrades YOU WOULD LIKE IN YOUR KITCHEN Think about your cabinet design, style and color and have a general idea of what “look” you’re going for: Hyper link to: modern, traditional, cottage/country, coastal and Mediterranean Ask yourself if you want to compliment the style/period of your home or contrast it? To match the decor of your other rooms, or to stand out? What elements do you want brought in: metal, wood, plastic or stone? How will you use color and texture to compliments those elements? Consider organizers for your drawers and cabinets. Hyper link to: Rev-A-Shelf Even think about what style of sink & faucet you want and the appliances you need. Once you know the look you want, we will help you select kitchen units, finishes and the likes in your budget. Note: The most popular color choice for a kitchen is white, off-white and light grey. This is a good option if you want to add your own color and personality in décor. This will retaining a classic kitchen design that won't date, is easy to redecorate around in future, and which won't put off future house-buyers. Grey kitchens are trendy and work with both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Dark kitchens are another trend as they add warmth to a home. Any choice you make will have benefits and it’s completely personal preference as to what you choose. Remember: If you like it, others will too. CHOOSE THE BEST COLOUR SCHEME FOR KITCHEN CABINETS Color is as important as the style of cabinets. It will be the first thing anyone notices about your kitchen. You may choose to add color to your walls or counters instead of the cabinets. Or you may choose to go with a monochromatic look. Your decision on what “look” you want the kitchen to have will help determine this. SELECT THE BEST KITCHEN WORKTOPS You’ll want to read our article, “Choosing the Right Countertop Material for Your Lifestyle”: Hyper link to: our web site Countertops need to work with your budget as well as taste. There are also alternative materials such as butcher block, stainless, concrete and stone. CHOOSE BACKSPLASH AND FLOORING What you put on the walls is vital in a busy working space. Do you want something porous or a solid surface? Is it going to be cleaned frequently or are you a weekend cooker? Do you like tile to the ceiling, just under the cabinets or is a 6” border what you like? Should it be a color statement or match the counter material? Flooring options vary greatly and you Square Deal Designer will work with you to determine if laminate, vinyl, rubber, concrete or wood is best for you. Your budget will help determine your final product, but most options come with a great deal of price variance. LIGHTING DESIGN TO ENHANCE YOUR ROOM Often your lighting placement remains the same; however, movement of upper cabinets, extending cabinets to the ceiling or placing an island in the kitchen require lighting modification. Ambient and accent are easy to add while installing new cabinets. Task lighting is essential for prep work, cleaning-up and cooking. Consider upgrading your lights to LEDs and adding lighting to show off beautiful tableware in a glass front cabinet. WINDOW TREATMENTS Your final decision is what to put on the widows to set them off. Window treatments need to handle the room’s moisture, be unaffected by splashes if they’re near the sink or stove, and should be easy to clean. Consider: shutters, blinds, drapes, or valences. We have a wonderful window expert to help with this and will share her information upon request. Window treatments are not inexpensive, but the right one will give you years of enjoyment.
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