YOUR DREAM KITCHEN!
Creating the most functional, cost-effective and timeless design
Whether you’ve already experienced redesigning your kitchen or are new to the process, there are always an endless number of decisions and choices that need to be made. For some, this is the thrill of the project! For others, the sheer number of options might prove overwhelming and stressful. Here are some tips to help get you started on the process of creating the kitchen of your dreams and ensuring the most functional, cost-effective and timeless design that you will enjoy for years to come.
Gather Ideas:
When it comes to kitchen design, most people have a pretty good sense of what they like and don’t like. To begin the kitchen design process and prepare for your meeting with the designer/manufacturer, start gathering a file of kitchen design photos — either a hardcopy of magazine clippings or create a virtual “bulletin board” on Pinterest that can be shared. Pinterest is a popular, easy to use resource that is free to download and use. Once you get the hang of it, you can search for photos online and save them to your board with a simple click of the red “P”. It’s helpful to caption each image with a note about what you liked — “love the marble countertop”, “backsplash idea”, “cupboard design”. Ultimately, you’re making notes and sharing these images with your designer. Before you know it, you will be able to consolidate your ideas and see themes emerging. Are you a fan of the clean bright look of a white kitchen, the sleek simplicity of a modern design, or the more traditional look of dark wood? Black, silver or gold hardware? What backsplashes are you favouring, marble, herringbone pattern, subway tile? What countertop materials are catching your eye, marble, granite or Cesarstone?
Enlist the Pros:
Kitchen Designer/Manufacturer
Your kitchen designer/manufacturer can provide expertise on the kitchen design and layout ensuring functionality and storage for your needs. They also have the experience and expertise to make suggestions for changes to the existing space to accommodate a kitchen wish list (if needed), and also offer ideas for finishing touches including colours, hardware, counters and backsplashes.
Contractor
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Many kitchen design projects involve a contractor who will coordinate and manage all the trades that might be needed for any changes to the space before final kitchen installation such as: drywall that needs to be removed and new wall installation, electricians for wiring lighting and appliances, plumbers to install sinks and dishwashers, tilers for backsplash and flooring, and apply for any permits that may be needed. In older century homes, it’s not uncommon to discover asbestos lurking behind the walls. Your contractor will find this and any other problems and hire the experts to safely remove it.
Interior Designer
An interior designer can be invaluable in helping you create the look you want. They are experts with paint colours and can help you choose the perfect colours for your rooms. They can be involved in the project from concept to completion or hired on an hourly basis to provide input; from at-home consultation to going on shopping trips with you for countertops. Discuss fees in advance and determine how your needs can be accommodated.
Stay tuned for these future posts to help you pull together the look you want:
- Kitchen Layouts — choose the one that works for you
- Choosing cabinetry
- Choosing the right countertop — the pros and cons
- Interview with Cesarstone — Trends in Countertops
- Backsplash Patterns
- Hardware — Questions to ask
- Lighting
