We are back with another exciting blog on kitchen design for your new built or renovation project.
As we mentioned in the first blog on kitchen design, kitchen layout and millwork design in this day and age requires to be functional and elegant. That said, every single element contributes towards these goals from finishes to fixtures and appliance selections.
Lighting Fixtures
The kitchen is a multi-functional room in the home and requires a proper lighting mix.
Recessed downlighting, island-highlighting pendants and under-cabinet LEDs will make sure it’s fit for all of those uses.
Ambient light is the main source of light in addition to natural light. This needs to be cast as evenly as possibly from the ceiling and can be done with a variety of fixtures such as chandeliers, pendant lights, recessed lighting or flush mounts. The higher and brighter, the better to fill your kitchen with light.
Under-Cabinet Lighting & Task lighting ensures work surfaces and cabinetry are properly illuminated so you can safely find what you are looking for and prep food. Kitchen task lighting can include strip or puck lights. Try for a mix of recessed downlighting and hanging lights.
Common kitchen under-cabinet lighting options include:
Strip Lights: Versatile and great for illuminating a cabinets interior, especially low cabinets that hardly receive any ambient lighting. LED strip lights are also used under the cabinet to fully illuminate counter spaces.
Puck Lights: Round and oval, puck lights are great mood lights and can be used to illuminate countertops in the form of a scallop, spot or pool of light.
Accent lighting includes toe kick lights, cabinet lights and any other light that might accentuate favourite design elements or act as a guide for certain tasks or night time movement.
Illuminate key kitchen areas over your island and under your cabinets by layering light in the kitchen. Use funky and unique pendant lighting over the kitchen island.
Light islands according to whether it has a cooktop or it’s simply a space for seating and socializing.
Linear suspension lights work well in the kitchen if you have higher ceilings and can hang one at least 40” above your countertop.
Recessed lights or hidden linear LED lights are refined, out-of-the-way lighting that can be installed anywhere. It is particularly important where you want to illuminate areas of visual interest like open shelves and glass cabinets.
Over cabinet lights are placed between the cabinet and ceiling, to provide even illumination to accent decor and architecture.
Toe kick Lights: A great way to illuminate a pathway via rope lights or LED tape.
Application of the right lighting layers in your kitchen will help you navigate every space and prepare every meal with ease.
Plumbing Fixtures
Kitchen Sinks
Composite sinks made from the same material as countertops are extremely popular and a nice alternative to the always popular stainless steel and farmhouse sinks.
Kitchen Appliances
Appliances: Features. Styles. Colours. Sizes.
Appliance styles are changing.
Stainless steel appliances are trending downwards, though still popular and there appears to be a departure from traditional all-white appliances with a commercial range look.
Many options for kitchen appliances are available on the market with great features in different colours and sizes.
Unique colours and the choice of different colour appliances like ruby reds and bright blues are trending upwards. Retro trends like vintage refrigerators and stoves are back on top again, partly for character and certainly for a variety of sizes.
Induction cook-tops with separate single wall ovens are on the rise and chosen more often now than in-home commercial ranges.
Steam ovens and countertop equivalent, Instant Pots are becoming the new “must-have” appliance. They cook food much faster, retain food nutrients and flavor better than conventional ovens.
If space is limited, a French Door wall oven is stylish looking and can come equipped with Bluetooth which allows you to control oven functions remotely from your smartphone.
Extractor fan
Location of extractor fan is generally located on the outer wall and it’s better to have directly above the cooking area.
Extractor hood
Extractor hood is better than the extractor fan. It is vented through an outside wall, removing air from the kitchen. It should be placed 900 mm (3’-0”) above the cook top.
Wrap up
With all the moving parts, intricate details and the overabundance of options available, it is worth your time to contact an expert to design your kitchen. m+ Architecture |Interior Design in North Vancouver, help optimize your space while keeping you on time and on budget, and they know how to add value to your home or restaurant.
Design the heart of your home with a kitchen design comprehensive plan by m+ Architecture | Interior Design.
Kitchen Intelligence for modern day design and all budgets that’s built to last. Call today.
