When my partner and I decided to buy a new house, I was thrilled but also a bit overwhelmed about all the decisions you need to make. Kitchens are the heart of the home, and I wanted ours to be both functional and beautiful. As I embarked on this design journey, I learned a lot about different styles, materials, and the essential elements that make a kitchen not just a place to cook, but a space to live and enjoy.
Choosing a Style: Finding Our Aesthetic
The first step in our journey was choosing a style that reflected our personalities and the overall vibe of our home. Here are some of the styles we considered:
- Modern: Sleek lines, minimalist designs, and a focus on function define modern kitchens. Think handleless cabinets, integrated appliances, and lots of stainless steel and glass. I loved the clean look, but worried it might feel too cold for our home.
- Traditional: Rich wood cabinets, detailed moldings, and classic fixtures are hallmarks of traditional kitchens. This style feels warm and inviting, but I was concerned it might look too busy in our smaller space.
- Transitional: Combining the best of both modern and traditional, transitional kitchens offer a balanced look with contemporary elements and classic touches. This seemed like a perfect middle ground for us.
- Farmhouse: With its rustic charm, shiplap walls, apron-front sinks, and open shelving, the farmhouse style is cozy and inviting. It felt like it might bring too much country into our new build house, but I loved its warmth.
- Industrial: Exposed brick, metal accents, and reclaimed wood create a raw and edgy look. It’s great for lofts and urban spaces, but I worried it might clash with the rest of our decor.
After much deliberation, we settled on a transitional style. It offered the warmth of traditional elements with the clean lines of modern design, perfect for our eclectic tastes. Above a little impression on what we love.
Planning the Layout: Function Meets Flow
Next, we tackled the layout. We wanted a space that flowed well and maximized efficiency. Here are some key considerations we kept in mind:
- Work Triangle: The classic design principle where the sink, stove, and refrigerator form a triangle. This layout minimizes movement and makes cooking more efficient.
- Open Concept: We loved the idea of an open kitchen that flowed into our living and dining areas. It would allow us to interact with guests while cooking and make our space feel larger.
- Storage Solutions: Adequate storage was crucial. We planned for a mix of cabinets, drawers, and open shelving to keep everything organized and easily accessible.
- Counter Space: Ample counter space was a must for meal prep, baking, and entertaining. We incorporated an island to provide extra surface area and seating.
Selecting Materials: Balancing Beauty and Durability
Choosing materials was one of the most exciting parts of the process. Here’s a breakdown of our choices:
- Cabinets: We opted for clean classic cabinets in a matt black, providing a timeless look that paired well with both traditional and modern elements.
- Countertops: Quartz countertops won us over with their durability and low maintenance. They offer the look of natural stone without the worry of staining or scratching. We chose a light beige tint with some subtle veining.
- Backsplash: Subway tiles in a herringbone pattern added a touch of elegance and visual interest to the space. They’re easy to clean and provide a classic look that complements our cabinets. We chose a color that combined well with our countertops.
- Flooring: We chose PVC wood look for its durability and warmth. It ties the kitchen to the rest of our home, creating a cohesive look.
- Appliances: Black clean appliances were a given for their sleek appearance and functionality. We invested in high-quality, energy-efficient models to ensure longevity and cost savings. We chose two ovens, because I love to bake.
Final Touches: Making It Ours
The final step was adding personal touches to make the kitchen truly ours. We incorporated:
- Lighting: Pendant lights over the island and under-cabinet lighting for ambiance and functionality. Lighting can dramatically change the feel of a space.
- Hardware: Stainless steel hardware and clean lines on our cabinets provided a modern contrast to our black cabinets, adding a touch of sophistication.
Designing our kitchen was a journey of discovering our style, understanding our needs, and finding the right balance between aesthetics and functionality. It’s now a space where we cook, gather, and create memories, perfectly reflecting who we are and how we live. If you’re embarking on your own kitchen design adventure, my advice is to embrace the process, trust your instincts, and enjoy creating a space that feels like home. As we bought a new build, we had to buy our kitchen early on in the process but we are allowed to change colors until one month for placement. So the process is not over yet… haha
Flavoured Interiors 