If you're considering renovating your home, it makes sense to make the kitchen, the heart of your home, look as good as possible. From finding the right lighting combination to ensuring there's enough seating and storage, it's important to have a list of essential kitchen design ideas before you get into the details. Budget is also an important consideration. Researching what fits in your price range will help you choose the right material and style.
Once you've got your basics and budget covered, you can start infusing your space with personality, from a playfully designed glossy backsplash to eye-catching drawer handles and sink faucets with the perfect metallic finish. Here are the best ideas to help you complete your kitchen renovation in style.
Amanda Raynalinterior designer and founder of Amanda Reynal Interiors
add coffee bar
Megan Bob Photography, Kitchen Design Group
A growing trend we're seeing is incorporating your own coffee bar. This is the perfect addition for those who deeply enjoy the ritual of their morning cup of coffee, and for those who want to inspire themselves to stay at home instead of wandering through the drive-thru. A coffee bar is something you build in a nook or area adjacent to your kitchen. Alternatively, you can work within the framework of your existing space. Fill your coffee bar with a quality coffee maker or barista system, all your coffee equipment, and of course your favorite mugs.
Create smart storage
You can't go wrong with adding more storage. “There are so many new and clever kitchen storage ideas that our customers are happily using,” says Amanda Raynal, interior designer and founder of Amanda Raynal Interiors. “There are lots of ways to make the most of space, like storing dishes in a large drawer on the bottom shelf or hiding a coffee bar behind a door.” also added that drawers make it easier to access and hide everything.
Harden your hardware
By paying close attention to detail, you can create a space with a more intentional feel. For example, “hardware and 'faucets' can take your kitchen to the next level,” Reynal says. “Warm metals like brass are becoming more common, and there are also great options in shapes and brushed finishes.” From matte black to champagne bronze, check out the selection at your local plumbing and hardware vendor , check what's available, Reynal recommends.
Incorporate a seating corner
Kyle J. Caldwell, Elana Klein Carta Creatives
Whether you're working with a small kitchen space or want to create a separate vignette to meet your family's dining needs, consider building a highly functional seating corner. You can install a corner chair or add a movable corner section to an existing space. From there, a round table that fits perfectly into the space provides a new dining area.
Please turn up the lights
Reynal is very interested in lighting and encourages mixing different styles within a space. “Usually we light the island with pendants or multi-light chandeliers,” she says. “Full- or semi-flush, surface-mounted lighting not only illuminates the ceiling but also the area below, making a room feel brighter and brighter.” We suggest using lighting, especially dimmers. Under-cabinet lighting is also a must.
Consider all cabinet types
If you need cabinets, weigh all your options.Will a fully opaque iteration work? Or maybe some glass-fronted options will help kids navigate the space or show off your precious china collection. Yes, but can you upgrade your space? Consider its strengths (accessibility and aesthetics) and Understand the cons (dirty fingers and constant handpicking) before deciding. However, keep in mind that see-through “window” cabinets may be exactly what your existing space is missing.
Prioritize form and function
This is especially important when it comes to the more practical components of your kitchen, such as the stovetop hood. We love how this sleek white range hood sits well above the subway tile backsplash, yet doesn't compete with the kitchen's more interesting features, like the dark island and exposed brick beams.
Add a splash of color
Raynal has been incorporating more and more color into his clients' homes. Look for eye-catching wallpaper or paint all your furniture your favorite color. You can also choose subtle color touches, such as choosing a contrasting wood finish for your island.
“We're using woodgrain finishes on cabinets more often than before,” she says. “There are lots of new and updated wood finishes with contrasting wood grains that look both rustic and sophisticated.”
Add personality with a backsplash
A creative backsplash is a great way to add an extra pop of personality to your space, whether you prefer a crisp, clean look made with quartz or a more adventurous look like colorful glass tile . “I often choose a marble mosaic pattern backsplash to add interest and sophistication to a simple kitchen,” says Reynal.
Choose quartz countertops
It's no secret that white marble is a popular kitchen stone, but it's also true that it can be difficult to maintain. Reynal found a similar substitute in quartz.
Reynal says that while natural stone countertops add a lively, original element to a kitchen, engineered quartz options are a durable and attractive alternative. “This product can withstand high temperatures and is scratch and stain resistant, making it a very practical workhorse,” she says.
If you want the best of both worlds, Reynal suggests using quartz for the surrounding countertops and natural stone for the island in a harmonious or contrasting color.
think about flow
Are you modifying an existing space to accommodate an open floor plan? If so, think about how you want your new kitchen to function. If your kitchen is where your family gathers and eats, you'll want a large kitchen island with seating. On the other hand, if you want to utilize your dining space regularly, think twice before spending time and money on your kitchen dining.
Another important consideration is the layout of both the dining room and kitchen. The flow here should feel complementary and connected, rather than disjointed and jarring.
Selecting a panel-enabled appliance
Kelly + Company Design
Another game changer in the kitchen are panel-ready appliances, which are available from most appliance companies these days. “Having a cohesive look where all the cabinetry and appliances blend together will help the kitchen feel more like a room,” says Reynal. “The range comes in a variety of finishes, and in some cases bright colors, allowing you to add a unique focal point to your room.”
Choose the right flooring material
Gone are the days of closed kitchens. To make the kitchen feel like the rest of the house, Reynal suggests using the same flooring as the surrounding living areas to create a cohesive look. However, you may want a different flooring material in your kitchen.
“If you have tiled floors, adding underfloor heating is a good idea in climates with seasonally cool temperatures,” says Reynal. “With underfloor heating, even stone or ceramic tiles won't feel cold and uncomfortable under your feet. This is also an opportunity to add texture and pattern to the floor that ties the rest of your design scheme together.”
Don't forget the ceiling
Ceilings are often overlooked, but Raynal has some ideas for bringing them to life. “Just like I like to keep my ceilings light and bright, I like to recognize that and incorporate it into my design plan,” she says. “This can be as simple as painting the walls and cabinets a contrasting color, or as elaborate as adding beams, wood planks, or applied coffers.”
Make space for seats
“Depending on the size and purpose of your kitchen, we always recommend having at least two to three stools on your island,” says Reynal. “This could be a space for casual dining or a perch for guests to sit and chat with the cook while the meal is being prepared.”
If you have a small space but still have room for a table, incorporate a banquette into your kitchen, says Reynal. She says, “A chaise lounge can be placed under a window or in a corner, or as an architectural divider between an open-plan kitchen and living area.”
