Designing a kitchen for your new home

Please remember, the kitchen is the heart of the home. The sink is the heart of the kitchen. Your other appliances do not get nearly as much use!

 Designing a kitchen for a new home is an exciting task, but it can also be overwhelming.  The architect likely has a rudimentary plan drawn up. Keep in mind, most architects have little or no kitchen design experience. It might feel a bit overwhelming at the point you receive architectural drawings for your new home. 

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it's where you'll be spending a lot of time, so it's important to get the design right. Here are some tips to help you design a kitchen that's both functional and stylish.

1. Determine your needs 

Before you start designing your kitchen, you need to determine your needs. What kind of cooking will you be doing? Do you need a large refrigerator or an extra sink? How many people will be using the kitchen? The answers to these questions will help you determine the layout of your kitchen and the appliances you need. It is always best to hire a professional kitchen designer at the early stages, but you are the boss. It is not the kitchen designer's kitchen; it will be yours. Make sure your designer listens to your wishes and transforms them into reality.

Choose a layout

I personally like a kitchen with an island that houses the main prep sink. I find that family and friends gather around the island, and having your prep sink in the island allows you to converse with your friends and family. Don't consider a small sink a prep sink. A functional prep sink needs to be fairly large. A minimum of 36" would suffice; however, if you love to cook and have a larger family or entertain frequently, a much larger sink might be in order. Don't worry about eating up counter space. Your sink will function as valuable counter space if the sink is properly designed. Consider right- or left-handedness. Yes, there is a huge difference between a right- and left-handed kitchen design. A right-handed person should place the dishwasher to the left of the sink. When rinsing a dish prior to placing it in the dishwasher, the dish will be in your left hand, closest to the dishwasher. Right-handed users work from left to right; consider that when planning as well. Look at traffic patterns. If there is a major traffic pattern from the eating area to the sink and dishwasher area, make sure the dishwasher is not in the way. You can flip it to the right in this case, as traffic patterns trump a slight inconvenience. Make sure your walkways are measured from counter to counter, not cabinet to cabinet. Leave at least 42" of walk space; however, I like to see 48" between an island and the back wall, especially if a cooking area is behind the island. Considerations as to how many people will be using the sink at the same time. This affects the size of the sink. Figure 48" as a minimum for two users.

Consider storage

Storage is essential in any kitchen. You need to make sure you have enough cabinet space to store your pots, pans, and dishes. You may also want to consider a pantry or extra shelves for storing food. Make sure you maximize every inch of space, and consider installing cabinets all the way to the ceiling to take advantage of vertical space. If the space allows, 12" and 15" deep pantries are truly wonderful sizes. You can see everything without needing rollout shelving. If you go to 24" deep, make sure you have rollout shelving. Consider deep drawers in base cabinetry. Most importantly, look at the cookware you have and imagine how it will fit in your new cabinetry. 

Choose appliances

Appliances are an important part of any kitchen design. Choose appliances that are both functional and stylish. Stainless steel is a popular choice for appliances, but you can also choose appliances in different colors or finishes to match your décor. Consider the size of your appliances as well, and make sure they fit into your kitchen layout. I am a huge fan of magnetic induction cooktops even though I have never used one. I hear they heat up and cool down faster than gas. Consider a warming drawer too. It will come in handy during holidays for sure! My wife is a big fan of the pot filler at the cooking area. It might be a great consideration. Remember, the most used appliance in the kitchen is the kitchen sink. An efficient custom workstation sink will not only save you countless hours of food prep time, it will keep your countertops clean and your back from aching. 

Choose materials and finishes

The materials and finishes you choose for your kitchen will have a big impact on the overall look and feel of the space. Choose materials that are durable and easy to clean, such as granite or quartz countertops. You may also want to consider adding a backsplash to protect your walls and add a pop of color to your kitchen.

Lighting

Lighting is important in any kitchen. Make sure you have adequate lighting for cooking and food prep, as well as ambient lighting for dining and entertaining. Consider adding under-cabinet lighting to illuminate your work area and pendant lights above your island or dining table for a stylish touch. If you have space, plan some over-cabinet lighting and make sure your lighting is on a dimmer. The over lighting is a great mood-setting light when the kitchen is not in use. 

Add personal touches

Finally, don't forget to add your own personal touches to your kitchen design. This could be a colorful rug, a piece of artwork, or a collection of vintage plates. Personal touches will make your kitchen feel like a reflection of your personality and style.

In conclusion, designing a kitchen for a new home is an exciting task, but it's important to take your time and make sure you get it right. Consider your needs, choose a layout, maximize storage, choose appliances, choose materials and finishes, add lighting, and add personal touches. With these tips, you'll be able to design a kitchen that's both functional and stylish and that you'll enjoy for years to come.