How to Design the Kitchen of Your Dreams

HopeDesigns.ca

As Designers, we always suggest that couples visit websites like Houzz and save anywhere between 10 to 20 kitchens each.
That’s what I recommend doing.
Save them to your idea books. Do this on your own, separate from one another, then come together and compare what you both like about each of them.

Do you love that all white look? Do you prefer a more natural look? What is your design style: Modern, Transitional, Rustic, Industrial, Loft, Country? Once you know the look you love, then try and emulate that. Pick the elements of each of the kitchens that you’ve saved and pull from that.
Here are some ideas to mull over when coming up with the perfect design for the kitchen of your dreams:
Hardwood or Tile Flooring?
Hardwood has become extremely popular in kitchens over the recent past, which helps create a seamless look from the living area into the kitchen – especially with an open concept layout. However, the type of hardwood that you choose is important, as some materials are much more durable than others. When treated properly, hardwood flooring can last a lifetime.
But just aware that standing water should never be allowed, which means spills should be cleaned up right away. Of course, there’s always the possibility of cutlery falling on the floor and potentially scraping it or making holes. You can always go the ceramic or porcelain tile route, which provides a durable floor surface while offering a classic look at the same time.
Wood or MDF Cabinets?
Solid wood might be strong, durable, and feature gorgeous natural grains. But often wood can be vulnerable to damage in the kitchen, and can crack, warp, or buckle unless the heat and moisture conditions are controlled.
MDF (medium density fiberboard) is an alternative to solid wood, and is a high-grade, composite material made from recycled wood fibers and resin. MDF is more stable compared to solid wood and is better able to withstand changes in heat and humidity.
Granite or Other Material For Your Countertops?
While granite may have been reserved only for the wealthy a few years ago, it’s dropped in price quite a bit over the recent past, making this material an ideal one for kitchen countertops. This natural stone is very durable and can be treated to make it impervious to spills and stains. Granite is easily the most popular type of kitchen counter material today.
Other options for your counters may include:

• Ceramic tile
• Butcher-block wood
• Concrete

What Type of Backsplash Do You Want?
Your backsplash can make a huge difference in the overall look of your kitchen, and the material options are seemingly endless. They include:

• Ceramic tile
• Glass tile
• Porcelain tile
• Stainless steel
• Plastic laminate
• Any combination of the above

Kitchen Layout?
It’s always best to consult the pros when it comes to the layout of your kitchen. There are a number of layouts to choose from, including one-wall, galley, L-shape, horseshoe, or one that incorporates an island or peninsula. The layout you choose will depend on the space you have to work with, the configuration of your entire floor plan, and your needs and desires.
Kitchen Island?
Whether or not you choose to install a kitchen island depends largely on how much space you have to work with. Ideally, there should be enough room to move freely all the way around the perimeter of the island so that you’re not squeezing by, and all cabinet doors and drawers should be able to be opened without knocking into the structure.
What About Lighting?
When it comes to lighting in the kitchen, layering is everything. Ideally, you should have some recessed lighting throughout to illuminate the entire space. In addition, consider under-cabinet lighting, pendant lamps over the island, and perhaps lighting right inside your cabinets to make it easier to find what you’re looking for.
Type of Sink and Faucet?
It’s amazing how many options exist in the form of sinks and faucets for kitchens these days. Consider any one of the following:

• Pull-down faucets
• Single handle faucets
• Widespread faucets with two handles
• Wall-mounted faucets
• Kitchen pot-filler faucets
• Faucets with cold and hot water dispensers
• Faucets with water filters

Hope Designs – Helping Homeowners Design the Kitchens of Their Dreams
Confused? Not sure where to start? Don’t fret follow this link for other unique kitchen ideas.
Hope Designs has helped countless homeowners design the kitchen of their dreams with a few tried-and-true tactics and thanks to years of hands-on experience. To create your dream kitchen, call Hope Designs today!