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Photo used courtesy of Glenn Bashaw.
Cooking is often a family affair and the kitchen is the entertaining hub of any party.
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Photo used courtesy of Glenn Bashaw.
I’ve been renovating homes for as long as I can remember! My father was an engineer and contractor who was a consummate remodeler, so it’s fair to say I was raised noticing every detail of a house.
The biggest difference I bring to a renovation project, especially a kitchen remodel, is that I’m a designer first and a general contractor second. I’ll admit my most valuable body of knowledge is good old-fashioned experience. The most valuable training you can have as a designer is the experience of raising children, entertaining and truly living in your kitchen. With that said…here are three tidbits of kitchen design advice I give most frequently:
1. Be honest with yourself and understand your family’s kitchen style. If you are a messy cook, use “clean up friendly materials.” If your family generates large amounts of dirty dishes, get a large farm sink that will hold those dishes. If your family often accumulates clutter on the countertops, give yourself a large drawer with dividers to contain it all. No judgment allowed…own your quirks and use good design to accommodate them!
2. Gone are the days of the kitchen triangle. Our modern kitchens are much bigger and require more function than any simple triangle can handle. My approach to designing a kitchen is practical and logical. I design in zones. The typical kitchen will have a prep zone, a cooking zone and a clean up zone, but most larger projects incorporate serving, eating and beverage zones, too. Cooking is often a family affair and the kitchen is the entertaining hub of any party, so designing with these designated work areas gives the most versatility possible.
3. Pay attention to the small details. Something as simple as choosing an inappropriately-sized faucet can cause serious water damage to cabinets and make dishwashing more of a chore than it has to be. Choose appropriate knobs and drawer pulls for ease of use (also a great way to add personal style to your kitchen!). Incorporate ’kid-friendly’ storage and access areas so children can make their own snacks and help with clean up.
If a kitchen remodel is in your future, remember to keep these design tips in mind and don’t hesitate to get the help of a seasoned designer. A dash of good solid advice can go a long way toward designing the tasteful kitchen of your dreams.
Kathryn Salyer, owner of Kathryn Salyer Design, believes her role is to help clients express their own sense of style while keeping a strong focus on function and value. To learn more about Kathryn, visit kathrynsalyerdesign.com.
