- Focus on the cooking area. Add a unique backsplash detail, select the range/cooktop or double oven set up you have been dreaming about. The point here is to make this area extra special for the person doing the cooking while others gather around in the kitchen.
- Create a comfortable gathering area. While the host is cooking, cleaning, etc. it is very important that family members and/or guests are in the kitchen too, but out of the way. The best way to accomplish this is with a comfortable gathering area, like an island or half wall, that naturally lends itself to congregation. A Grande Decor kitchen designer can help you accomplish this with whatever existing floor plan exists. Here is an example of a kitchen in Ardmore we did using this exact idea: http://www.grandedecor.com/projects2011-6.php.
- Put things within reach. Make sure the utensil drawer is close to the dishwasher, big pots are stored near the sink, frying pans near the stove, bakeware is close to the oven. Grande Decor is a cabinet dealer for Kemper Cabinets and the amount of storage options available are limitless.
- Set up a coffee station. Assuming you are a coffee drinker and have a coffee maker, having access to the machine without having to pull it out every morning is such a simple, but super helpful, novelty. The best place to put this is in an un-used corner. Something else to consider is a cabinet to house this countertop appliance, it will be behind doors when not in use.
- Dazzle with touches of your own style. Make some statements throughout your kitchen without over doing it. Add an accent tile throughout your backsplash made by hand with recycled glass, pick out a light fixture with crystal and sparkle that hangs above your island, choose cabinet hardware found at a local antique shop. The options here are endless to add special touches that make a difference
6. Store your essentials close. Put your spices into a cabinet storage unit with easy access, have a spot near the cooktop for your olive oil, consider a tilt down drawer at the sink to store sponges, work with your Grande Decor designer to have a trash bag storage spot behind your pull out trash can drawer.
7. Take care of your wine. Incorporate wine storage. Whether you prefer it to be on display or behind closed doors, this is an item worth finding a home for.
8. Think of yourself when it comes to the floor. Typically we are seeing wood, ceramic tile or luxury vinyl in kitchens today. Wood is softer under foot, but will scratch or ding if glass is dropped on it. Tile is tough and beautiful with tons of design options. It can get cold, but that can be combated with radiant heat. Luxury vinyl is a popular choice these days, combining style with comfort and affordability.
9. Don’t forget about the other things you do in your Kitchen! It is ok, we all do it…pay bills, clean paint brushes, charge our laptops, cell phones, iPads, DS’s, you name it! Having an area designated for this is a dream! It is out of the way, organized and accessible.
10. Combine good looks with hard work. It only makes sense to get the most out of a new kitchen. Make the design work for you right off the bat, then add those special touches to make it fabulous. A Grande Decor kitchen designer will help make your dreams real!
