A sweet reader, Amie, wrote in recently, and asked a great Question:
…Love your work and the great things you’re doing! I’ve been following along for some time now and each space just wows me. We’re in the process of beginning our kitchen renovation for our house. I was wondering if you could give us some guidance with taking on our kitchen?…
This is really a great question! We like to bring in key design elements that apply well to any space.
So without further ado, here are a few that we love: Best tips for a kitchen design!
Start with a process… and plan.
Because we’ve done this for a while, we pull things out of thin air and skip important steps because magic. JK. I’m not that full of myself. It really all comes down to planning. What on earth am I talking about?! Map it out and think it through when it comes to smart design choices. Make sure that it not only looks attractive on paper, but also functions well for your needs.
Yes, this is a mantel. But we’ve had plenty of moments with a client, where we mark off the floors in a kitchen renovation for all things placement.
This may mean you start with a daydream. Get a Pinterest board going, download a program, and draw it out to scale. Revise what doesn’t work, and toy with your different ideas.
Then, taping things off in the space, make sure proportions work in real life before you begin. Check and then recheck. Consider everything and overthink. Side note: Overthinking catches a bad wrap in our society, when it comes to design paralysis. We say overthinking is the best thing you can possibly do in this stage. The key is being able to move forward, to the next stage… don’t let it hold you back.
Our best tip: Planning also applies well to everything ordered. Pot fillers. Ovens. Dish washers. Hardware. Tile. That fireclay sink you’ve been eyeing for half a decade… Don’t make a move on that demo, until you make sure elements are in stock and in hand. It can take weeks for cabinets to come in and you don’t want to be left without a kitchen for any longer than necessary. Check your list and then check it twice, and go ahead and order everything… that way you aren’t cooking on the grill and eating out for longer than needed.
A modern kitchen update – we were so thrilled to take this kitchen to the next level!
Contrast and Balance are two of our very favorite elements to consider, with everything.
These are two basic elements that you can apply to so many things. They both play nicely in the design when executed well. So when you’re looking at inspiration photos that you like, consider why you like them. Then consciously apply these concepts to the photo. Over time, it can become instinctual.
An example of balance would be looking for opportunities to bring in symmetry to polish off your design, like well-placed lighting.
Or, the way that the brass in your fixtures ties in nicely in other elements of the design. Make it intentional.
A light and bright kitchen makeover!
An example of contrast works well alongside elements like beveled tile and leathered granite. Or color applications with light and dark for added interest. They can come together in unexpected ways to play well and complete the look in an interesting fashion.
These are the details that make a space one of a kind, and pull the final look together in ways that are often missed. Look for opportunities to use these design principles in the tiniest of details.
Don’t be afraid.
I think that one of the key elements so often downplayed, is really going for what you want.
see our shades of blue kitchen design, here
So often, clients seem to shy away from going after what they really like, because they second guess themselves. There’s that darn overthinking to the extreme again. Know thyself. If that means planning ahead and saving funds for a year, do it. If it means hiring to your weaknesses, do it.
We need to speak to what we do for a second, and we’d have to say that working with someone who is willing to lend their expertise and hold your hand is an example of funds well spent. Most people think that a designer is a splurge, but they can often help you save money with discounts on sources, and avoiding costly mistakes. {They can also talk you off the cliff when you’re ready to lose your mind… so there’s always that.}
Consider what you’re comfortable with, and move forward with the right plan in place.
Renovations aren’t easy and it’s smart to have a system in place to help you get through it. — Back to that darn planning part, again.
We hope these are some tips that may help you get started, Amie! Thank you so much for tuning in, and we can’t wait to see what you do!
As always, let us know if you have any questions. Have an inspired day!
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