Creating a concept

November 20, 2012 - kitchen, tips and tricks - Tagged: brushed nickel, color palette, counter tops, dream kitchen, functional family, hardwood floors, kitchen project, patio doors, pretty view, stainless steel sink, visual appeal - no comments

To create

a dream kitchen you need a concept and inspiration. With this in mind, this kitchen project materialized from being an outdated and impractical space into a perfect living and entertaining area.

The pre-renovated kitchen, inherited with the purchase of the house, lacked personality and the wall dividing it from the family room created two impersonal spaces. We knew from the start, the direction forward was to take away the wall and combine both areas into one large room. With a design plan, budget and style strategy our concept was created.

“Design is an opportunity to continue telling the story, not just to sum everything up”
Tate Linden

This kitchen was planned not only to be functional, family orientated and inviting, but also comfortable, bright and open. More importantly it needed to embrace the natural light and pretty view from the patio doors leading into the garden. The relationship between the outside and inside was an integral part of the concept.

Once the main objectives were finalized, the next major step was to put all the finishes together to create the overall feel and atmosphere. There are many elements to consider in creating a well-designed kitchen: color palette, cupboards, counter tops, flooring, back splash, fixtures, hardware, appliances, lighting, furniture and accessories. If these decorating fundamentals do not work or “gel” together as a whole, the entire space feels out of sync. Therefore, always be mindful of the following four tips.

Ensure there aren’t too many colors. This could make a kitchen look choppy. Balance is key and consistency is reassuring. Create contrast for visual appeal by using dark hardwood floors and light cupboards.
Attempt to use one type of finish – no more than two!If your appliances are stainless steel (unless hidden by paneling), marry them with a stainless steel sink, faucet and hardware. Satin or brushed nickel, aluminum or chrome would also work as they are in the same family of finishes.
Create different lighting scenarios.Poor lighting will destroy a space. Always have more than adequate lighting and think of ways to create varying atmospheres. Dimmers will allow you to generate many lighting scenarios. Also consider lighting for display cabinets or shelves, under cabinet lighting, and pendant lighting.
Think of the finishing touches.Once the main components are in place, the fun begins. Accessories will beautify any space: a sculptural fruit bowl, colorful vase with flowers, attractive counter containers, or interesting crockery displayed in cabinets. These items will personalize your space and help make it your own.

It is important to be aware that kitchens tend to be a little more complicated than other rooms as their core features are permanent. Replacing a back splash or counter top is a larger investment than switching a couple of cushions or swapping an area rug! However, if care is taken and attention to each detail is considered, everything will work together.

The end result will be nothing less than stunning, rewarding, enjoyable and a long-term investment.

It is important to be aware that kitchens tend to be a little more complicated than other rooms as their core features are permanent.