Remodeling kitchen is one of the hardest tasks in a home.
Open kitchen designs are very popular. Whether you like a kitchen/dining area combination or prefer a living room that includes kitchen, dining, and living spaces there are multiple items to consider before you start tearing down walls. To create unity between living room and kitchen there are some rules to follow:
- Create comfortable seating that will encourage socializing
- Same flooring material can unify space
- Island cabinets can be accessible from both sides
- Lighting highlights areas of interest
Sometimes people have open kitchen design and would love to create division between rooms. Kitchen division not only serves a practical purpose, it also creates an opportunity to incorporate some neat architectural and decorative elements in the kitchen. Below, are some kitchen ideas:
- Use color to define zones
- Kitchen islands can be made into casual dining places
- Kitchen cupboards provide attractive storage spaces between living room and kitchen
- Hanging kitchen cabinets and connecting them together by an arch is a practical way to divide a kitchen and adjacent eating area
Small space kitchens transformations require very careful planning – and creativity. Whether the kitchen is an irregular shape or galley-style, selecting the right spots for appliances and finding room for storage and work is a key. The best small kitchens go far beyond that, and can outperform even the biggest kitchen out there. White color choices for a small kitchen such as white appliances and white cabinets will visually enlarge the space. Placing kitchen sink on an angle makes the most of the corner space.
Kitchen islands and peninsulas come in all shapes and sizes and can be difficult to choose from. A kitchen peninsula, which is an L-shaped extension of the counter, or a kitchen island, which is a freestanding structure, can provide extra work space, separate cooking and eating area, or serve as a spot for casual dining. Make sure to leave at least 12 to 19 inches of space under countertop eating areas to accommodate legs.
Kitchen storage isn’t just about finding a place to hide all your things. It is essential for every kitchen to create well-designed storage that will create an efficient kitchen to work in. A great storage ideas for the kitchen include:
- Pullout trash bin and recycle bin
- Tilt trays for sponges and scrubbers underneath the sink
- Spice drawers near the cooktop
- Pullout appliance shelves
Some of us choose to hide items behind closed doors and some of us like to display nice kitchen items out in the open showcasing collections to add personal touch to the kitchen. Built-in kitchen cabinetry and shelves are ideal for customizing kitchen. If your kitchen lacks display shelves one easy solution is to turn unused spaces above kitchen cabinets or doorways into display areas. You can choose glass doors for your kitchen cabinets to highlight shapes and sizes of kitchen items but not fully reveal them.
Choosing a color for your kitchen means more than just paint. Kitchen cabinets, kitchen tiles, and even kitchen appliances can make a strong statement, define spaces, or get you in the cooking mood. You can add a splash of color on one kitchen wall, kitchen moldings and trim, kitchen appliances and as a backslash to create a visual impact in your kitchen.
An appealing dining area in the kitchen is a good reward for everyone that enjoys a good meal in it.
In a long, narrow kitchen it can be difficult to find the room for a dining table and multiple chairs. A banquette is a nice alternative. Upholstered, comfortable and inviting eating nook can also serve as a spot for homework, entertaining, or cookbook storage. Transforming a small and dull kitchen into larger kitchen is to widen or open up the entrance area leading into it.
Kitchen countertops are perhaps the hardest-working and most visual surfaces in the kitchen. There are numerous materials to choose from. There is no one perfect surface, but a review in your lifestyle, your budget, and the other materials featured in your kitchen is a good place to start. Slate countertops complement natural textures in the kitchen. Color variation exists, so it’s best to view a larger sample when making a selection. Also, make sure slate has been properly sealed. If you choose to use concrete countertop for your kitchen make sure is not the same one as you see on your sidewalk. It is a lightweight composite to which color can be added. When it is cut and polished, it has the appearance and look of natural stone, as well as durability and easy care. Using ceramic tile for your kitchen countertop will result in heat and water resistant surface and it is available in many colors and decorative styles. Marble and stone, both of which offer plenty of beautiful variations in color and texture, make top-notch kitchen surfaces. Granite, limestone, and slate are particularly good choices. A more affordable alternative to a single slab is cut tiles, though they will eventually require grouting.
It is important to decide on lighting needs before making decisions on fixtures in the kitchen. Even the sunniest kitchen during the day will eventually require additional task lighting. For a dramatic effect, use accent lighting. Proper lighting enhances a kitchen and makes it a pleasure to work and spent time in.
Kitchen dos:
- Vary counter heights for specific tasks
- Install kitchen appliances at convenient heights
- Plan open storage for easy accessibility
- Organize the kitchen so that traffic patterns do not interfere with work areas
- Have at least 15 inches of countertop to one side of a build-in oven for placing dishes
- Natural light enhances openness
- Pullout trash bin
- Spice drawers

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