Whether you’re building a custom home or giving your existing home a major kitchen remodel, there are many things to consider. This course is your guide to planning your dream kitchen from start to finish.
Kitchens are much more than a place to prepare meals. They are a place to gather, entertain, and connect with family and friends.
Decide on a Style
Kitchens are used for much more than just cooking food- they can be the heart of your home. Creating the perfect kitchen with the guidance of custom home builder pictures requires attention to detail, creativity, and planning. A good home builder can help you design your dream kitchen to suit your lifestyle and tastes perfectly.
The first step in designing your dream kitchen is deciding on the style. Your builder can show you different samples of cabinets, countertops, and other materials to help you decide what fits your style. You can also bring in photos and other inspiration to help you narrow down your choices.
Another important part of your kitchen design is determining what your lighting needs are. A light-colored kitchen may need more lighting than a darker one, and you can choose from various lights to create the look you want. You can also add a unique touch to your kitchen with an eclectic light fixture, like a glass-covered pendant light with a colorful case or a modern circular chandelier with exposed bulbs.
Decide on a Layout
Once you’ve outlined your kitchen and chosen elements, the next step is to decide on a layout. Think about how you use your kitchen and how a specific layout will benefit your family’s lifestyle.
For example, if you have young children and like to host dinner parties or afternoon snacks, you may wish to include extra seating around an island or peninsula. Similarly, if you cook regularly and want to be more efficient when prepping ingredients, incorporating two countertop heights can help you streamline your workflow.
Another consideration is deciding where to store everything from non-refrigerator food items to utensils and cooking equipment. List what you need to store in your new kitchen and consider creative storage solutions that fit your space and budget. For instance, rolling and pullout shelves are great for organizing small kitchen appliances, while custom spice racks can add a sleek design element. Also, think about how you’ll handle trash and recycling.
Decide on a Budget
Once you have a good idea of the style you want for your dream kitchen, you can start to work on the budget. We recommend starting out big with your ideas and adjusting them to the realities of zoning, land, timeframe, and cost.
It is also important to think about what will be the best way to store your items, especially non-refrigerator food items, storable appliances, cooking equipment/utensils, and anything you keep on your countertops. From rolling storage options to customizable shelving, having the right cabinetry can make or break your design.
Remember to leave room for things like trash cans and recycling bins, as well as electrical outlets throughout the space. Kitchen walls completely covered in cabinetry can feel heavy, so it’s a good idea to break them up with windows or wine storage to add visual interest. It would help to consider how you’ll use the kitchen in the future when choosing a color scheme and style.
Decide on Appliances
Whether you’re replacing your existing kitchen appliances as part of a remodel or starting from scratch in new construction, the way you use your kitchen will help dictate what types and sizes of appliances can fit into your space. The layout is also a big factor, as cabinets and counters can affect where and how you use specific appliances.
The kitchen is a room full of gadgets, so your dream kitchen must have the right mix of functional gizmos to make it feel organized and streamlined. Keeping mugs and coffee accessories near the coffee machine will save you time and effort when making your morning coffee while keeping wrapping supplies, plastic containers, and dishware close to the dishwasher makes it easier to load and unload.
Finally, don’t forget to keep your lifestyle and budget in mind when selecting appliances. High-end options like Sub-Zero refrigerators, Wolf ovens, and Cove premium dishwashers can add to your kitchen’s value, but they’re not necessarily necessary for every homeowner.
