The first step in designing the perfect kitchen is to gather ideas. Have a folder full of screenshots with kitchen layout concepts or a Pinterest account full of pins with beautifully decorated chef’s kitchens? Then, you’ve already started this step!
Right now, it doesn’t really matter if you are working on paper, electronically, or using a combination. File folders, three-ring binders, pictures saved on a phone or computer… I’ve seen it all work well. (Plus, we’ll discuss organization techniques in the next blog). What’s actually most important is staying focused on your needs and budget. It’s easy to get distracted by photos of gorgeously decorated designer kitchens on Pinterest or Houzz. We need to stay concentrated on how you will live in your kitchen, how your beautiful space will function.
To do this, we must separate function (the kitchen layout – how you live in your space) from form (the finishes – how your custom kitchen looks). Finishes are fun! Function should not be undervalued, though. I mean, a phenomenal looking kitchen that lacks storage is not a dream. So, we are going to ask a lot of questions and give you tons to think about.
We encourage you to write down your answers, plus discuss these important details with others who will be living in the home. After all, you need to make sure that your kitchen design works for the entire family—whether that includes a partner, fur-baby, aging in-laws, or littles. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and so do perfect kitchens.
So, let’s get started!
The Perfect Kitchen: Step 1 – Gather Ideas
Visualization is critical to creating your perfect kitchen. This vision—of both form and function–will help you better articulate your wants and needs to your designer and renovator. To start, think about your current kitchen…
Think about your current kitchen…
- What do I dislike about the layout of my current kitchen? (Remember, we are talking about function–the arrangement, size, and usability of the space, cabinets, appliances, etc.)
- How would I solve these problems in a renovated kitchen?
- What arrangement of the kitchen will function best for our family? (Where should the trash go? Do you need a space for the fur-baby’s water bowl? Do the kids do their homework in the kitchen while you are cooking dinner?)
- What type of storage do we need? (Space for small appliances, holiday dishes, linens…)
Think about how you live in your kitchen, how you use your space…
- What is your morning routine?
- Are you a coffee & toast or full breakfast kind of family?
- What is your afternoon/evening routine?
- What does dinnertime look like?
- What workspace do you need?
- What are your weekend routines?
- Do you cook often on Saturday & Sunday? (Pancakes, maybe?!)
- Do you entertain often?
- Are holiday meals hosted at your house?
- Do you have lots of family and/or friends over frequently?
Now that you’ve thought about your wants and needs, we can begin to consider specific kitchen design details.
Details about Your Perfect Kitchen
Size & Room Function
Right now, try to stay focused on what you need, not necessarily everything you want.
Kitchen Function
- How will you use your kitchen when you cook?
- Will there be more than one person at a time working in the kitchen?
- Who will use the kitchen?
- What do you need to store in the kitchen? (Lots of specialty dishes, small appliances, tons of snacks, etc.)
- Do you need an eat-in kitchen?
- What type of pantry space will work best for your family?
- Are you going to have a Butler’s Pantry?
- What appliances do you need? (Toaster oven, coffee maker, mixer, etc.)
- Where will your trash go?
- Do you need a recycling bin?
Interior Finishes
So far, we’ve focused on the function of your kitchen. While this is extremely important, finishes are the jewelry that turn a house into a home. So, now’s the time to go back to Pinterest and Houzz and even tour already built homes to discover which kitchen styles you love!
Some things to think about…
- How important is the look of your kitchen to you?
- What kind of style do you want? Traditional, Modern, Transitional? Or would you prefer a Modern Farmhouse, Craftsman Storybook, or Urban English Cottage?
- Is decorating with the latest styles in granite, quartz, and floor tile important to you, or is something more timeless closer to your taste?
- What color palette would you like in your kitchen? (Think about cabinets, wall color, hardware finish, tile, wood floors, accessories…)
- What types of appliances do you prefer?
- What type of lighting would you like?
As you daydream about your dream kitchen, be cautious of becoming too emotionally attached to finishing touches. Budget plays a large role when choosing finishes.
The next step…
The next step towards designing your perfect kitchen is to take the information you’ve gathered and organize your wants versus needs. To move on to this critical step, click here…
Follow us on Pinterest and Houzz!
Click here for more inspiration about visualizing your dream kitchen!
Subscribe to our newsletter and receive design inspiration, informative blogs, & more straight to your inbox!
Leave A Comment