Whether your style is contemporary interior design or traditional, you should always start with a list of what you want when designing your Kitchen. Before you even get to layout options, think about all the items that go into a Kitchen and what your preferences are.
Cabinets: Do you want wood, metal, laminate? If wood, do you prefer a stained finish, natural, or painted? Do you want a contemporary interior design look with a slab door or a traditional raised panel? What about specialty cabinets such as a bread drawer, knife drawer, or mixer cabinet. Think about how many drawers, standard base cabinets, and base cabinets with roll-out trays you want. On your upper cabinets do you want solid doors, glass doors, or open shelves?
Counters: There are many options for counters these days. Quartz has become very popular. However, this is on the expensive end. From plastic laminate, to solid surface, granite, and concrete, there is a counter out there that is right for your style and budget.
Backsplash: From tile to glass to metal the possibilities are endless. Have some fun here and let your style really show!
Appliances: Everyone knows to think about their refrigerator, cooktop, oven, sink, faucet, and dishwasher. Don’t forget about a place for your microwave, small appliances like blenders and mixers, as well as specialty appliances such as wine coolers.
Architectural Elements: You will want to consider all surfaces including flooring, baseboard, walls, ceiling, windows, doors, casings, hardware, etc. You will also want to think about the HVAC design.
Lighting: This is critical in kitchen design. You want to be sure to include minimally both ambient, which is often recessed lighting, and task, which is typically under cabinet lighting. For the “wow” effect consider incorporating accent lighting such as lighting inside glass cabinets or above upper cabinets. To learn more about lighting read our blog Lighting Your Space.
Furnishings and Accessories: Do you want a table in your Kitchen or maybe just stools at the counter. How will you dress the windows? We always recommend that clients bring fabric into the Kitchen. With all its hard surfaces, fabric adds much needed softness. Consider custom curtains in the Kitchen for a luxurious look. Other contemporary window treatments, such as roman shades and upholstered cornice boards, also work well in the Kitchen. Most of your walls will be covered with cabinets, but any free wall space is the perfect place to hang a beautiful piece of artwork that represents your personal style.
Before you do anything else on your Kitchen design, always start with creating your personal list. Otherwise the options will become overwhelming.
For other contemporary design ideas and to receive our free Kitchen Design Report visit our Interior Design Community at TheContemporaryCurtain.com
Design Team
The Contemporary Curtain
A brand of PKB DESIGN LLC
