Kitchens have been serving as the hub of the home for decades, and today's modern abodes aren't any different. What has changed is kitchen design. We now better understand how to blend aesthetics and functionality to create a meaningful space where the family can congregate, cook, and eat.
These top tips will help you craft your space like a pro if you're considering redesigning or remodeling your kitchen.
5 Essential Tips for a Pretty & Practical Kitchen
How can you make your home's kitchen more than just a workspace for prepping and cooking? These design tips will tell you how.
1. Don't forget the almighty triangle. Some design aspects never go out of style, and the kitchen triangle has remained reliable. It argues that only a few paces should separate the sink, cooking area, and refrigerator and that these three elements be arranged in a triangle layout, helping to make your kitchen more efficient for prepping, cooking, and cleaning up. The five-zone kitchen layout, which incorporates the cooking, cleaning, consumables, non-consumables, and preparation zone, is gaining popularity as our kitchen sizes increase. However, for many homes, the triangle is still sufficient.
2. Blend the purposes. Your kitchen is undoubtedly a place to cook. Still, with a few thoughtful additions, you can make it a casual hangout space. A breakfast nook or an island with bar stools allows your friends and family to join you in the heart of the home so that the kitchen and its occupants don't feel so closed off.
3. Maximize space. Lower cabinets are often a must due to countertops, but they don't automatically replace upper cabinets. Upper cabinets can be a great way to maximize space. If you are worried about feeling closed in or that the cabinets will detract from design elements, consider using uppers with glass fronts or open display shelves where you can place decorative bowls, plants, or even your Disney plate collection.
4. Don't overlook the smaller appliances. When planning a kitchen, most homeowners tackle the major appliances like the refrigerator and oven. Then, when it comes time to place the (often unsightly) microwave, they're left with few options. Consider your microwave placement early on, deciding if you want a drawer or pull-out shelf microwave instead of an in-wall or countertop appliance.
5. Create a Materials Mood board. Walking into a home improvement store to look at options is usually a recipe for stress. You can become easily overwhelmed by all the choices, making it hard to keep track of prices, brands, and favorites. Instead, it's much better to enlist the help of a kitchen design expert if possible. They can help you gather materials and compile them into a mood board of sorts, making sure everything works well together before you install them in your kitchen.
Bonus tip – have a budget. Creating a kitchen where you can cook, dine, and enjoy one another's company begins with a plan and a budget. A kitchen remodel is a significant home project. Working with professionals who can help you design a functional, beautiful, and affordable space is highly recommended!








