Tips for kitchen design
• Get inspired with Houzz. Browse Houzz, the largest online residential design database for home décor and building inspiration. “Websites like Houzz can really help homeowners,” says Heidi Huddleston, certified kitchen designer and owner of Delicious Kitchens & Interiors, LLC. “Idea files can be created, which can help the designer define the style or ideas the homeowner would like to incorporate.”
• Keep workflow in mind. Accessibility to appliances is absolutely critical. “A kitchen is all about the workspace,” says Linda Cloutier of Linda Cloutier Kitchen & Baths. “It is important to know how you would like to use your kitchen and what workflow will work best for you. You do not want to walk across the room every time you need to go to the refrigerator!”
• Express your personality, lifestyle and design desires. Do not hesitate to tell a designer exactly what you want. “The information a client shares is the cornerstone of the design process,” says Sue Booth of Vintage Kitchens, LLC. “Homeowners should realize that they are the key to all the ideas. A design is only meaningful when it is attached to a person.”
• Incorporate great lighting. “A carefully thought-out lighting plan is crucial,” says Jenn Sanborn, ASID, of Sacris Design. “I start with beautiful decorative fixtures that are also functional—designs with no bare bulbs that can cause uncomfortable glare. Then the architectural lighting is incorporated for specific tasks.”
• Be realistic. Peter Ippedico of Crown Point Cabinetry says to approach kitchen design from an ergonomic and economic standpoint. “Be realistic about your financial commitment and what you can accomplish in a space. Find a design that works well for you and your finances, and do not be afraid to reveal your budget to a designer. It is important information that allows designers to present the most appropriate options.”
