Long gone are the days of small, one room kitchens at the back of the house. Today many people consider their kitchen to be the heart of their home. It’s one of the most highly trafficked rooms and often where friends and family tend to gather. As “the heart” and one of the most functional rooms equipped with big appliances, it’s no surprise that it is often one of the most expensive spaces in the home. With that in mind, you want to design a custom kitchen that you will love and enjoy for many years to come. Here are a few tips to consider as you design your dream kitchen:
Balance trends with classic features: Be wary of following all of the latest kitchen design trends. Kitchens are highly trafficked and frequently used – You don’t want to get tired of it once the trend goes out of style. Also, when the time comes to sell your home, some trends can really date it. (And with how expensive kitchen can be in the first place, you don’t want to feel the need to renovate to get top dollar.) Balancing design trends with some timeless pieces will help your kitchen withstand the test of time. This goes for everything from cabinets, backsplashes and countertops to flooring, lighting and plumbing fixtures, and appliances.- Include plenty of storage: While going with a contemporary, minimalist kitchen can be tempting, most people have a lot of kitchen tools and small appliances (toasters, mixers, crock pots, coffee makers, etc.) Consider what tools and appliances you have and plan accordingly. Some tools don’t fit well drawers so be sure to include cabinets, pantries and shelving.
- Open shelving vs cabinets: Open shelving can be very nice, but remember that whatever you put on it will always be visible and it will always be open to the elements such as dust and spills (especially if lower shelving). If you don’t like clutter or have a hard time keeping things tidy, cabinets may be better so you can tuck those plates and bowls away, giving you a clean, organized look with less effort.
- Functionality is key: Make sure you are fully optimizing your kitchen. Every piece of your kitchen should have a purpose. Consider how you prepare, cook and serve meals. What tools and appliances do you use most? Do you need a lot of counter space? Does your kitchen often become a “catch all” for mail, magazines, and paperwork? Think about how your kitchen will be used by all members of your family.
- Talk to your builder: Hire a builder with experience that you trust and talk to them often. As professionals in the home design and construction business, we can help you weigh your options and guide you to a kitchen design that fits your family’s needs.
If you’re in the market to build a custom new home in Pinehurst, NC, Southern Pines, NC or surrounding communities, give us a call. We have been helping clients in the Sandhills region design and build their custom dream homes since 1986.
Kathleen White
Financial Manager & Designer
AW Homes