Kitchen design significantly impacts the value of a home. The kitchen is the heart of the home and its layout and functionality are key for homeowners and home buyers especially in Vancouver area, Whistler and Okanagan markets. Since kitchen design has many facets, we have provided two blogs to include every aspect of kitchen design by m+ Architecture| Interior Design.
Vancouver Kitchen Renovation & Design
A kitchen is designed to be the heart of the home because it has evolved into all purpose room, for cooking, dining and entertaining, and often comes with a computer station or a fireplace.
Small kitchen and tiny kitchen design are becoming as popular as large chef style luxury kitchens, with homes becoming greener and more compact.
The best kitchen designs are realized by kitchen designers who offer expertise in every aspect of the design. This includes fixtures and finishes, appliances and furniture.
Choices of colour, sizes, configurations and other important details must work together seamlessly for desired use of a kitchen space and optimal flow to the living spaces of the home.
North Vancouver Architecture and Interior Design firm, m+ Architecture | Interior Design, helps you invest wisely in the design and in all finishes including countertops and cabinetry to maximize the natural light flow, the footprint of your kitchen and ease of use.
Clean and simple with an abundance of natural light is preferred in most kitchen design plans nowadays.
Open main floor plans are favoured because they promote entertainment, gatherings, social comfort, and easy sightlines for parents to keep an eye on small children
Smart kitchens are becoming increasingly more popular in both new built and renovation projects. Devices, sensors, smart gadgets, lighting controls and more offer easy atmosphere, security and comfort adjustments at home and away from home, using your smartphone or tablet.
Dark cabinet colours are making a comeback and the all white kitchen is fading in popularity. A variety of wood stains and paint colours are favoured in new kitchen designs and must be functioned correctly to keep the overall space feeling open and bright.
Kitchen cabinet hardware is a huge player in kitchen design. With so many options available in the market, it is very important to streamline drawer and door hardware to keep continuity and elegance throughout the kitchen design.
Kitchen Design Style. Finishes. Millwork Design. Lighting & Plumbing Fixtures. Kitchen Appliances.
Kitchen Design Style
Farmhouse and transitional paneled kitchen designs are still popular for several homeowners though the current trend shows modern kitchens with clean lines.
Upper wall cabinets are currently trending down in homes where storage space is not an issue. This allows for wide open sight lines and brighter kitchen spaces.
On the other hand, open shelving is trending upward for kitchen spaces that require additional upper storage, still allowing for the design to be airy and bright.
Open shelving looks beautiful with rough cut wood to bring in natural elements or metal tubing to compliment a more industrial design.
Ceiling treatments like wood beams can embrace an open floor plan and accentuate even the smallest details in every kitchen design. Dropped ceiling design over the kitchen island can define even the largest kitchens by making the island the focal point of the space.
Homeowners are often wanting connection from the kitchen to an outdoor space. Entry points such as glass doors easily allow the spaces to flow into one large space.
Kitchen design in 2019 is going to be practical, easy to function, unique and the focal design point of the home.
Finishes
Kitchen Countertops
Quartz and Granite are high end countertops chosen for top of the line durability and longevity. These materials come in several neutral tones of greys, taupe’s, creams and whites. Neutral tops promote cleaner lines.
Kitchen Backsplash
Kitchen backsplash designs are constantly changing.
Subway tiles are trending downwards, though larger tiles are chosen when this style is installed.
Homeowners are moving towards larger slabs of tiles or stone with various textures, colours and patterns. Trendy colours are in and neutral colours are still very popular to offer a classic look.
Backsplashes are often covering more wall area in newer designs and large slabs chosen can be marble, quartz, wood, stainless steel, glass and a variety of others.
Larger backsplashes fill in where upper cabinets are not part of the kitchen design.
Kitchen Flooring Design: Hardwood and Ceramic Tile
Hardwood flooring is still very popular and ceramic flooring comes in a wide variety of design styles and sizes, including a hardwood floor look. Floor textures, colours and designs within the floor greatly add to the overall design of a kitchen.
Millwork Design
Kitchen Furniture
Aside from standard kitchen cabinets, optimal kitchen furniture design and size includes a variety of elements to make the space functional for the homeowner.
Most family-oriented homes require a desk space in the kitchen as part of built in Millwork to be near young kids in the living or family room.
Breakfast bars and tables are another type of kitchen furniture that sit higher or lower than the kitchen countertops to make the space more functional.
Kitchen Islands
Kitchen islands are a focal point of the kitchen. Large islands serve multiple uses, especially where kitchen storage is minimal.
Many kitchen islands have storage solution cabinets and can be custom fitted for various under-counter appliances while also providing additional meal seating.
Kitchen designs can allow for islands to extend into living room spaces in homes with open plan designs.
Kitchen Cabinet Storage Solutions
A functional kitchen requires functional storage. Standard designs that have been around for years can waste much needed storage space.
Better storage solutions within cabinetry can include appliance compartments for small appliances, drawer dividers for cutlery & utensils, pull-outs for spices and roll-out trays for pots and pans.
Wastebasket cabinets for garbage and recyclables keep kitchen floor spaces clean and deep drawers make it easier to store food and small appliances.
Overall, effective kitchen storage options make the day to day easier and cooking prep fun.
Design the heart of your home with a kitchen design plan by m+ Architecture | Interior Design.
Kitchen Intelligence for modern day design and all budgets that’s built to last. Call today.
Stay tuned for the second blog on some great ideas for your home kitchen design lighting, plumbing and appliance selections.