Designing your dream kitchen is a big deal, as it is one of your home’s most valuable and functional spaces. A well-designed kitchen improves daily routines, increases home value, and showcases personal style.
While you can simply follow any kitchen design idea, learning how to design your dream kitchen gives you complete control of the project, from start to finish.
12 No-Nonsense Tips in Designing Your Dream Kitchen
Here are comprehensive tips for designing your dream kitchen from planning to materials and functionality.
Start with a Clear Plan
Before building your dream kitchen, you must start with a clear plan. Define your kitchen goals.
- Do you need more storage space, a preparation area, or better lighting?
- What will be the function of your kitchen?
- Will it simply be for cooking or for entertaining and working?
- Who will be using the kitchen? Will it be the entire family or include guests?
Measure Your Kitchen Space
Getting the accurate measurements is crucial to the success of your kitchen project.
Get accurate dimensions of walls, doors, windows, and ceiling height. Don’t forget clearances such as the space between counters and islands.
Create a rough floor plan showing the current layout to help plan changes.
Choose a Kitchen Layout
Deciding on your kitchen layout requires following the Kitchen Work Triangle (KWT) principle as a general rule.
KWT refers to the distance between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. The distance should be comfortable enough, not too far nor too tight, for you to move around, at least 4-9 feet away from each other.
- Galley layout – best for small kitchens
- L-shaped layout – suitable for an open-plan kitchen or corner spaces
- U-shaped layout – excellent for maximizing kitchen space
- Island – best for additional prep area and socializing purposes
- Peninsula – the best alternative for tiny spaces
Design with Functionality in Mind
Storage is crucial when designing your dream kitchen. Thus, it is important to consider storage solutions when designing your kitchen.
In addition, maximize counter space and keep counters clutter-free. If necessary, integrate an island or an extendable surface into your kitchen design.
Appliance placement likewise matters when designing your dream kitchen. The oven should be near the prep space, the dishwasher next to the sink, and the microwave should be at a kid-safe height to prevent danger.
Storage solutions to consider:
- Deep drawers for pots and pans
- Pull-out pantry shelves
- Lazy Susans for corner cabinets
- Drawer dividers and organizers
Choose Stylish Yet Durable Materials
You don’t want to keep renovating your kitchen due to damage to the materials. If budget is not a concern, choosing durable, stylish materials for your kitchen is best.
Cabinet material options range from solid wood to engineered wood that is flame-retardant and moisture-proof.
Best countertop materials include quartz, granite, butcher block, and concrete.
Flooring materials matter, too, when building your dream kitchen. You can choose from durable and water-resistant tile, cost-effective Vinyl flooring, or beautiful hardwood floors.
Never Forget Your Kitchen Lighting
Your lighting choices can make or break the kitchen space. To maximize natural lighting, maximize windows or use skylights.
You can also incorporate layered lighting into your kitchen.
- Ambient – ceiling lights or recessed lighting
- Task – under-cabinet or pendant lights over the island
- Accent – inside glass cabinets or toe-kick cabinets
Choose the Best Kitchen Appliances
When choosing the right appliances for your kitchen, it is recommended that you get energy-efficient kitchen appliances to save money. Don’t overspend on appliances with features you won’t use.
Furthermore, consider the size and placement of your standard and built-in appliances.
Incorporate Smart Features
Innovative kitchen features include:
- Smart appliances like ovens and refrigerators
- Lighting systems
- Water-saving faucets
Pay Attention to Kitchen Color and Style
Kitchen colors play a vital role in your dream kitchen. Thus, you must decide what color combinations to use on your kitchen design.
Whether you follow the current kitchen trends or the timeless kitchen style, it’s up to you.
Don’t Forget Ventilation
Never underestimate the power of having the proper ventilation in your kitchen. Your kitchen ventilation is not only for aesthetic purposes but also for safety.
Install a proper range hood vented outside, as poor ventilation leads to lingering smells, moisture, and grease build-up.
Visualize Your Design
Seeing your design ideas visually can help you make final decisions. You can start by exploring kitchen designs on mood boards like Pinterest or Houzz.
If you have a knack for designing, you can use a 3D kitchen design app like SketchUp, HomebyMe, or IKEA Planner.
You can also work with a designer or contractor who can provide expert input to speed up your kitchen design process.
Finalize Your Budget
Set a specific budget for your kitchen project. Include a buffer for unexpected costs, at least 10-20% of your estimated budget. Also, balance splurges on countertops and appliances with savings for cabinet finishes and fixtures.
Break down the costs accordingly:
- Cabinets and countertops
- Appliances
- Flooring
- Lighting and Fixtures
- Labor and Installation costs
- Unexpected costs
Always stick to your priorities and allocate more of your budget to high-impact items such as the cabinets and countertops.
Conclusion
Designing your dream kitchen means owning it right from the start.
With that said, you can add personal touches such as displaying cookbooks and plants inside for a biophilic kitchen design. You can also incorporate artwork or accent walls that will reflect your personality.
Yet, designing your dream kitchen does not mean doing it all alone. Of course, you can ask home professionals to help you build your dream kitchen from the ground up.
Use a Kitchen Design To Create Your Dream Kitchen
A kitchen design plays a vital role in creating your dream kitchen. Your kitchen design guides you in accomplishing each step of building or remodeling your kitchen.
Best Online Cabinets offers FREE kitchen design for homeowners planning to build their dream kitchen or remodel their existing kitchen space.
Contact one of our expert designers so you can start designing your dream kitchen.
