This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.
With fall in the air and the kids back in school, now is the ideal time to begin planning your 2013 kitchen remodel. Kitchen design trends can range from elegant to artistic to downright space-age: but above all, a good remodel should be about functional space planning and organization combined with the styles and textures that express your individual aesthetic. With so many ideas and options to choose from, redesigning the kitchen may seem overwhelming. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you get started – and to give you an idea of how to prioritize for a kitchen that is at once beautiful, comfortable, functional and built to last.
First, determine the major appliances you want in your new kitchen, and use these as the basis for the rest of your design plans. Ranges, cook tops and ovens come in all different shapes, sizes and brands, and can be sourced from a wide variety of different countries, many of which have a signature style all their own. If you are considering a splurge on anything in your kitchen, make it the stove: as something you use every day, the stove should be top-quality and designed to suit your ideal specifications. From there, look into other appliances – everything from built-in dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers to wine coolers, warming drawers, fridge and freezer draws and espresso makers for a unique touch. Adding wood cabinetry panels to your refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher can help larger appliances fit in with custom woodwork if you choose custom cabinetry, while any number of options for the sink – single bowl, double bowl, stainless steel, porcelain, copper, farm style – can compliment these choices and tie the whole space together.
Next, consider organizational touches to suit your lifestyle. Today’s modern pullout Lazy Susans provide much more accessibility to tight corners, while appliance garages are a clever solution for storing small appliances out of sight. Pullout shelving is a smart idea for the pantry, making it easier to access stored goods and maximize storage in tight spaces.
Finally, have fun with aesthetics. Wood, granite and marble countertops can be blended together for a beautiful custom look. For example, consider a neat butcher block for the island and a stunning marble or soapstone countertop for contrast. European hoods provide a distinctive look above the stove, while an exotic backsplash below is the perfect vehicle for expressing your creativity and adding a visual centerpiece to the space. Top it off with versatile pendant lighting for added flair, and consider LED under-cabinet lighting for a lifetime of cool temperature lit workspace.
If you’re working with a limited budget, keep in mind that it is easy to re-skin existing cabinet boxes for an updated look, and to find good deals on wooden countertops at popular retailers like Ikea. And whatever your price range, remember to maintain a triangle between the refrigerator, sink and range for good feng shui.
Make your vision a reality with help from the experts at Murfey Construction
Grab some home design magazines and create a binder of looks and styles you like. And once you get the design figured out, put your vision to work with help from an experienced builder and get the job done! For more information about San Diego kitchen remodeling resources, contact us at Murfey Construction today. Visit www.murfeyconstruction.com.