Your kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s where you spend a lot of time. Whether you’re preparing and cooking a gourmet meal or gathering around the island for breakfast, designing this space in a smart way is crucial both for looks and functionality. If you’re wondering how to design the perfect kitchen, we have some helpful, inspirational tips to keep in mind. From a completely new layout to updating the lighting, every detail matters in this important room. Read on to discover some tips to help you create a stunning kitchen you’ll love to use and be proud to show off.
Start with a Smart Layout
Photo Courtesy of: Becki Owens | Rebekah Westover
Photo Features: Hagen Chandelier | Mark D. Sikes Metal No. 2 Sconce | Mesh Counter Stool
If you’re designing a kitchen from scratch, it’s the perfect time to consider the overall layout for better functionality. Make sure that your new floor plan offers plenty of room between the cabinets and the island so it’s easy to move around the room. The pathways in your kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide or more. Anywhere around the stove should be around 42 inches wide, or 48 inches wide if you have more than one person typically cooking at a time. Place your island strategically, so that there’s plenty of space around it for chairs or for standing around and moving about the space. Don’t forget to include kitchen island lighting that will make prepping and eating easier. Look for pendant lighting that hangs above the island for a beautiful touch and additional functionality.
Photo Features: Costa Counter Stool
Pick the Perfect Island
Photo Features: Charlotte Flush Mount
Photo Features: Huntington Linear Chandelier | Huntington Wall Sconce
How to Design the Perfect Kitchen: Define Your Style
Photo Features: Chaya Rug | Moya Barstool
When exploring the right style for your kitchen update, you can also use the lighting as inspiration. Take the Stinson Linear Chandelier from Hinkley Lighting, for example. For a classic statement-maker, Stinson hits the mark. A robust open and airy cage, designed for maximum impact in a bold Black and Polished Nickel finish, is accompanied by refined sparkling crystal accents to create the perfect mix of traditional appeal and industrial panache.
Photo Features: Milo Flush Mount | Costa Counter Stool
Brass or gold faucets and a black leather-textured stone countertop would play nicely with this style. Explore various kitchen lighting fixtures and use them as a starting point to inspire you to incorporate different elements and materials together. This makes it easier to get a cohesive look since everything will flow beautifully together and give the room a sense of defined style.
Focus on Functionality
Photo Features: Cachet Lantern | Sal Task Sconce
When you think about how to design the perfect kitchen, always keep its functionality front and center. If you have the space, add a pantry with plenty of shelving and lots of room so you can keep dry goods and snacks neatly organized. Look into adding custom cabinetry so you can have all of your pots and pans together in one space. The more functional the room is, the more you’ll enjoy spending time in it and using it every single day. Even your lighting should be as versatile and as functional as possible. The Sal Task Sconce from Regina Andrew Lighting is an excellent choice thanks to its dual adjustable arms. Install this sconce on the wall and extend or retract it as needed to get more use out of your cooking space. Kitchen lamps from Regina Andrew Lighting can also come in handy. Place a small lamp on your countertop or island to get additional task lighting in this space.
Photo Features: Lupe Sconce
More Helpful Tips
Photo Features: Giada Runner
Learning how to design the perfect kitchen can be a challenge, but it’s also a lot of fun. Always think about how you use your kitchen first and foremost. Whether you solely use it for cooking or also for eating and entertaining, this is a major factor in how you plan the overall layout and design. If your kitchen is open plan, focus on the working portion first, but also how it will flow into the main living area or dining room. Be sure to choose furniture like dining tables and chairs that will coordinate with your countertops, cabinets, and flooring. It’s also important to remember to design a “working triangle” in your kitchen plan. The fridge, sink, and stove should be close to each other for easy functionality and a good flow.
Photo Features: Canal Mirror
Kitchens come in different shapes, depending on how your home is designed. A galley kitchen likely won’t have room for an island, while an open plan design will. Examine the size, shape, and layout together so that your new kitchen works well for your lifestyle. Once you have a plan in place, it’s much easier to choose things like the island, appliances, lighting, and finishes. You can start to pick out things like the flooring, wall color, countertop material, and more so everything seamlessly fits together. At Meadow Blu, you’ll discover a wide range of beautiful kitchen lighting, accessories, dinnerware, and much more to help you create the beautiful kitchen of your dreams.