The kitchen is the hardest working room in your house; it needs to be functional, but it should also warm and inviting, especially since you spend a good chunk of your life in it. If your kitchen is not up to the task, it may be time to consider a kitchen remodel Los Angeles to include new technology, elevate the aesthetic, or just improve the flow. If you are not working with a professional designer, however, you may end up with a room that does not meet your needs. Here are some of the more common mistakes in kitchen design and how a professional can prevent them.
Ignoring Layout
This may be one of the biggest errors homeowner can have; the layout is the key to a kitchen that functions. For optimum efficiency, you should think about creating a work triangle, from sink to fridge to stove. That shape is most suitable for food preparation and cleaning, and by overlooking it, you may find yourself running in literal circles around your island to get anything accomplished and a meal on the table. Working with kitchen designers Santa Monica who understand the importance of flow can prevent this costly blunder.
Emphasizing Appearance
Some of the hottest kitchen trends in the past few years include open shelving or eliminating upper cabinets in favor of minimalism. While clean lines can make your kitchen look elegant and stylish, you may be losing needed space in the process. Another concern with cabinets is color; opting for vibrant colors or high gloss finishes may sound good in the moment, but over time, you may regret that choice. Kitchen designers are there to gently steer you in the right direction to use your space wisely and balance trends with timelessness.
Overlooking Lighting
Lighting is essential in a kitchen, especially when you are using sharp utensils or working over a hot stove. Some homeowners forget that lighting is not an either/or solution; your kitchen should have both ambient as well as task lighting. If you are blessed with natural light, remember that when the sun goes down, you still need to see to cook. A professional can make recommendations to incorporate enough lighting into your design, including task general, and ambient light, to make the space cozy while keeping you safe.
Staying Safe
You may not fully recognize the possibilities of kitchen design if you stick with your original floorplan. When you remodel a kitchen, you do not have to stick with the same footprint; you can move appliances and cabinets around or add a multilevel island to make it more functional or open. By working with a designer, the options are clearer, and you may have a better understanding of how a major overhaul can be a good investment for now and when you plan to sell.
Before you order anything, from sleek and shiny cabinets to refrigerator drawers or a marble countertop, stop and schedule a consultation with a Santa Barbara interior design firm that specializes in kitchen renovation. That way, you can have a better picture of how to use your budget and space for a kitchen that inspires you and works for your family.
