Finding the right kitchen design ideas

Written by Mimi Bullock

While kitchens with wide-open designs are typically preferred, the smallest kitchens can be inviting and useful with good planning. If you’re looking for kitchen design ideas, there are some things you should know before you begin contacting local remodeling professionals.

Decide what features you want installed and what functions you want for your kitchen. However, keep in mind that most kitchen design ideas get scaled down because of cost and space. Think in advance about the components you just can't live without and plan from there.

Spatial considerations

Space matters in any room in your home, particularly the kitchen. It’s not just a place to cook – life happens there. You enjoy snacks, entertain friends, and help your kids with their homework.

One of the first decisions you should make is what you want to use this space for. Do you need a lot of dish and pot storage? Consider an easy-glide pot rack and stackable inner cabinet storage. Hanging pot racks provide a storage alternative for small or tight spaces.

Today's kitchen designs are accommodating more with less space. Do you need areas for sitting? If so, think about installing a kitchen island. Islands provide areas to sit down and talk while food is prepared in another area.

Design a kitchen with plenty of room for what's important to you and your family. You'll need space to move around while you cook, of course, but consider how much room you'll need to use appliances and open cabinets. Also, think about what extras you'd like while planning your space. Is a walk-in pantry an option, or would a lazy Susan be something you'd want for extra storage? Smart storage for kitchen design ideas

Cabinetry is one of the most important components in a kitchen – cabinets have come a long way from the days of pine doors and round knobs.

Families need durable, easy-to-clean cabinets that are practical, yet give your kitchen design a smart look. Roll out cabinets, tilt sink trays, and double drawers can be custom made with a nice front finish. Drawer pulls, too, should live up to whatever your family can dish out. If heavy duty cabinetry isn't important to you, then consider lighted cabinets with glass inlays or other decorative fronts.

Additional kitchen design ideas

If you are redesigning a kitchen, then you may want to replace the flooring. Split brick, stone, or faux stone flooring patterns are trendy and can make your kitchen looking brighter and more colorful. To gain better control over your kitchen lighting, drop pendant lights and recessed lighting are popular options you can consider for your design.

To get professional input for your kitchen design ideas from multiple designers, use BuyerZone’s quick and easy request for quotes service today.