5 Kitchen Design Features that will Change How You Live
5 Kitchen Design Features that will Change How You Live
It’s said the kitchen is the heart of the home. If that's the case, then there are a lot of home with heart problems! Cramped storage, awkward work areas, harsh or bad lighting, are just a few of the things that make your kitchen work against you instead of for you. And no one wants to work harder than they need to!
The good news is there are some simple ways to make your kitchen more efficient while also adding features that meet the needs of your current lifestyle. Beverage centers, a well-designed island or nook, and even updated lighting are just a few of the changes that can make your kitchen more functional and enjoyable to be in. Below are five features that can make a dramatic difference.
1. Built-In Bar or Beverage Center
Having a dedicated bar or beverage center is one of the easiest ways to make your kitchen more functional. By having this area on the perimeter of the kitchen, away from the main work area, guests can linger in the kitchen without feeling they are in the chef's way. And the chef doesn't feel they are separated from their guests so they're more able to enjoy entertaining. That's definitely a win-win!
A beverage center isn't just for people who entertain a lot. Having a dedicated area to get your first cup of coffee in the morning, or for the family to grab a beverage without walking through the main work area also makes the kitchen more efficient. Decreasing the traffic flow in the main work area, means fewer accidents, less frustration, and less time preparing meals due to fewer distractions.
2. Kitchen Island & Seating
A well-designed island or nook can help create a multi-purpose use space within your kitchen. Whether you and your family work on projects together or love to cook together, having a larger area to use means the project is contained to that space and doesn't infringe on areas other family members are using.
Does your family cook together? A larger island will make it easier for everyone to enjoy the fun.
The other advantage with a well-designed island or nook is you gain more storage space that is planned with the needs of your family in mind. Art and craft supplies, recycling bins, cookbook collections, and even pet food and treats can all be tucked away and easily pulled out when needed.
3. Updated and Easy-to-Use Kitchen Technology
Technology is growing as an integral part of the home kitchen. Electrical outlets with USB ports for charging cell phones and portable computers is an easy thing to add to simplify your life. Make that a pop-up outlet, and you not only get the benefit of having technology close at hand, but it can also be put away when not needed.
Appliances and plumbing fixtures are also becoming more efficient with smart-home technology. Touchless faucets make cooking and cleaning up less of a hassle. Appliances that are multi-functional are becoming more standard. Most companies are offering appliances that can be controlled by an app on your phone. Being able to control them when you're away from home gives you more flexibility with your schedule.
4. Statement Lighting in a Kitchen
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to make your kitchen more enjoyable. Outdated pendants lights or too many ceiling can lights give your kitchen the feeling of being stuck in a time warp. Style options in pendants range from subtle to bold, but they all help create an inviting space by giving you flexibility with the amount and type of light you have in your home.
Lighting in cabinets, under kickplates, and even in drawers now means you will have plenty of light at various levels. Having the larger lights on dimmers and even timers mean you can change the ambiance of your room as easily as flipping a switch. And more companies are recommending light bulbs that can be programmed to turn on before you come home so you won't be walking into a dark kitchen when you're out at night.
5. The Comeback of Color
White kitchens will always be popular, but more and more people are bringing color into their kitchens. It could be something as subtle as a dark cabinet color, or it could be as bold as a colorful backsplash. Either way, colors have the ability to make the space feel warm and welcoming. They also add the homeowner's personality to the room and make it unique to them, which always makes the room more enticing.
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, having a kitchen that is efficient and welcoming will make the time you spend in it more enjoyable for you, your family, and the friends and family you welcome in. Something as simple as changing the lighting in your kitchen can have a big impact. Good lighting is always a good way to improve the feel and mood of a room.
Larger projects like adding a larger island or nook, or even reconfiguring your cabinets to accommodate a beverage center could help simplify your life in the long run by eliminating the frustration of poorly stored items or even by making getting your daily caffeine easier. Good kitchen design is not just about creating a beautiful space. It's about enhancing your life with a personalized, efficient space.
If you're ready for an expert to bring function and beauty to your space, we've got your back! Contact me and let's get to know each other.
Until next time,
Beth