When I design a kitchen for a client, there is so much prep work that goes into defining and creating that perfect kitchen. We talk about how the kitchen will be used, what they need most, and those details they’ve always wanted. Doing all of this work and research ahead of time will guarantee that the result will be the kitchen they’ve always dreamed of! So here are my four pro tips for creating your perfect kitchen.

1. KNOW YOUR STYLE

The first question I always ask a client is, “How do you use your kitchen?” In other words, is my client a person who loves to bake? Do they enjoy having a glass of wine each night? Will their children be involved in meal prep? Are they mostly an “order takeout” kind of family? There is no wrong answer! But the information will help us decide the best way to design that room. If they love to cook, a range with specialty storage all around it would be perfect. If the kids will be in the kitchen a lot, then an island with great seating would be great for their kitchen. Knowing how you use the space will define what you need!

2. INVEST WISELY

Even the most wealthy clients have a budget in mind when they are creating their dream kitchen. It’s important to invest in the things that will get the most work in the kitchen. So if you’re a gourmet cook, you definitely want to put a good portion of your budget into the appliances. If you are a little bit OCD about storage, then cabinetry needs to get the most attention. If you’re a baker, you may want real marble countertops and a steam oven. And if you entertain, a large fridge and a wine cooler may be just the thing for you. So think carefully about what you need and where you must invest.

3. BE EFFICIENT

A kitchen does not need to be gigantic to make all your dreams come true. Smart design should create an efficient space that will function perfectly for you. Consider things like a pot filler on the wall behind the range. Create that perfect triangle in your kitchen so the fridge, sink, and range are in the most efficient location. Be sure that the things you’ll reach for more frequently are right where you need them! That is almost more important than the tile you select, the countertop materials, or the paint colors!

4. REMEMBER THE DETAILS

Those little details in a kitchen can make you so happy - or they can frustrate you if they aren’t what you need! Go over the electrical plan carefully so you know exactly where the outlets and lighting will be. Think carefully about the hardware on the cabinets and whether you want pulls or bars. Walk through the storage options so you are maximizing every square inch of the room.

Taking a more thoughtful approach to the kitchen’s design before you even work in the room will give you the end result you want!

Warmly,

Beth