Create A Culinary Classic
5 Indispensable Tips For Designing Your New Kitchen
Written by Belinda Albo – Interior Designer and Author
Read Belinda Albo’s Bio

It’s the heart of every home. Where friends and family come together over good food to nourish themselves and their relationships with each other. And today, as more and more people are rekindling their passion for cooking, baking and entertaining from the home, many kitchens are being redesigned to meet these individual needs. If this sounds like you then read on, because you’re going to find some insightful tips that can help realize your vision.

The first thing to think about when designing a kitchen is: form follows function. A well thought out plan will guarantee that your space runs efficiently.

Sink or Swim: Did you know that
you use your kitchen sink more than any other item in your house? That being said, you should try to select a sink that is also pleasantly appealing as a decorative accessory. Don’t be shy to add interest and panache to a basic kitchen necessity. For instance, you can emphasize the area by selecting an oversized sink basin and match the look with a large gooseneck tap with a pullout spray nozzle.

Finishing Touches: Mixing light and dark cabinetry finishes together help give your kitchen additional charm, elegance, and customization.  The key is to avoid mixing stains and finishes equally. When mixing stain cabinet finishes, make one of the finishes more predominant.

Higher Ground: To give your kitchen a grander appearance raise your cabinets higher to the ceiling and add a minimum of 5 inch crown moulding, if you are after a refined and custom finish.  This works especially well if your ceiling is 8 ft or higher. For added kitchen character, add beadboard (decorative wood paneling) around your island gables or as a backsplash.  This will give your island furniture-style embellishments that add character to your kitchen.  Use decorative columns around a sink or stove and use a cabinet style vent hood if you are looking for extra detailed finishes.

The Hub: A free standing island creates an inviting area in your kitchen: a place where you want to hang out and where friends will gather as you cook. If you’re thinking about incorporating an island into your design, be sure to allow for a minimum of 3 ft. 6 inches of space around it for circulation.  Also, if you have room, extend the counter for stools and added seating.

Set The Mood: Finally, try to integrate different types of lighting. Lights on dimmers give you the ability to create an intimate setting when required or a brightly lit space for when you need to perform kitchen duties.