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kitchen decor

4 Ingenious Layouts for Your Kitchen

April 5, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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In many people’s childhood memories, the kitchen was where mothers prepared lip-smacking meals, and fathers repaired broken toys. It was also a gathering place for families to chat after a long day. But as time goes by, the kitchen has become a place where we eat on the run and where families rarely gather. If you’re one of those who seldom use their kitchen, it’s time to change that.

Oh My, It’s a Small Kitchen:

Look at that space; is it tiny and cramped? If you’re stuck with a bantam kitchen, don’t despair. There are plenty of ways to make the most of a tiny space. One of the A-list ways to achieve this is by using every inch of available space. Install shelves on the walls and use stackable containers to store dry goods. Get a space-saving and aesthetically pleasing table and chairs set so that you can eat your meals in absolute peace. Plus, make sure to use bright, light colors to give the illusion of a larger space.

What to Do with All That Space?

Do you own a mini football field? No, of course not. But if you have a large kitchen, it can give you the feel of a one. A lot of space gives you many options and you can give your imagination a field day. You can include an island with a sink and plenty of storage. You can get a bigger fridge and freezer. You can even make space for a second oven if you’re the type who loves to cook and bake. Numerous Kitchens designs and styles are limited only by the creator’s vision. 

Whether your kitchen is large or small, there are certain things that every kitchen needs. A good layout is essential for a functional kitchen. Keep reading to find out the most ingenious layout for your yummiest room in the house.

The Kitchen Triangle:

The kitchen triangle is the layout of your stove, fridge, and sink, and it’s one of the most crucial aspects to consider when designing your kitchen. The ideal kitchen triangle has these three essential components close to each other. That way, you can move from one to the other without walking all-round the kitchen. Focus more on the spices, less on the steps.

The One-Wall Kitchen

Bump and go. That’s what you’ll be doing in your one-wall kitchen if you’re not careful. As the name suggests, this kitchen has all the essentials set against one wall. The one-wall kitchen has upper cabinets or shelving positioned on top of base cabinets, creating a spick-and-span look. 

 Think vertical; you can go as high with the cabinets as you need and use the entire wall space. You can also consider adding a counter-to-ceiling backsplash for a unique look. The one-wall kitchen is perfect for small apartments or houses where space is at a premium.

The Galley Kitchen:

It’s a face-off. You versus the fridge. In a galley kitchen, everything is on either side of a walkway. Sometimes that walkway can feel like a tightrope. If you have a galley kitchen, there are plenty of ways to make the most of it. Use light colors to make the space feel bigger and brighter. Don’t forget to add plenty of storage. Cabinets, shelves, and drawers will help you keep your kitchen organized and tidy.

This smart as a whip layout uses every centimeter of space without waste and has no corner cupboards. The straightforward design also implies fewer unique gadgets, making it a cost-effective alternative and simple to install.

The L-Shaped Kitchen:

It feels like home; the L-shaped kitchen is the most popular layout for a reason. It’s comfortable, familiar, and efficient. It is one of the most popular layouts because it’s so versatile. It can be designed to fit any space. This layout is perfect for families because it provides plenty of counter space and storage. It’s also great for entertaining because it allows you to interact with your guests while cooking.

Although the corner clamors for creative cabinetry solutions to make it work, the L-shaped kitchen’s open-plan layout gives great freedom for appliance placement and work zones. You can also fit in a pantry or breakfast nook if you put on your creative hat.

The U-Shaped Kitchen:

The master of all kitchen layouts, the U-Shaped Kitchen is the most versatile and functional layout because it offers plenty of storage and workspace. With three available walls, this layout is perfect for families and entertaining. However, to avoid feeling trapped and claustrophobic, use soft colors and plenty of lighting.

Leave some space for a large window to let in the fresh air and natural light. While considering the layout, make sure you don’t cover all sides with cabinets. It’ll feel like the walls are closing in on you. Play with open shelves, glass doors, and even a floating island to add visual interest.

Conclusion:

You may have the most lavish tiles and shiny acrylic cabinet doors money can buy, but if the layout of your kitchen is not up to par, then the space will always feel cramped and cluttered. Kitchens are more about functionality (of course, after food) and less about the look.

That said, you can have both! You may create a kitchen that some of the master chefs would envy with just a little imagination and careful planning. More significantly, you can make one suitable for you and your family. So, what are you waiting for? Choose your kitchen’s layout and get cooking. 

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Layered Lighting for a Functional, Adaptable and Illuminated Kitchen

March 30, 2021
Lilly Miller
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Lighting is one of the most important elements of your kitchen. After all, the kitchen is usually full of knives, sharp cooking tools and hot surfaces that you don’t want to handle in the dark. However, besides boosting the functionality, your lighting can also improve the aesthetics of your kitchen. So, here’s how to properly layer lighting for a functional, flexible and bright kitchen. 

Recessed lighting 

General lighting is a must-have element since it gives you illumination for general kitchen tasks. It comes from above and provides lighting to the entire kitchen area. One of the best options for general lighting is recessed lighting. It provides plenty of light without cluttering the space and it looks quite minimalist and contemporary. Recessed lighting can even be used as task lighting if placed above the workstations like the sink or countertops. Wherever you put it, recessed lighting should be your first layer of kitchen illumination. 

Task lighting 

Task lighting is the next most important step towards the illuminated kitchen. If you’ve ever caught yourself almost mixing up a carrot and your finger, good task lighting will prevent these accidents from happening ever again. The best way to boost task lighting is with under-cabinet lights (that are often super affordable and quick to install). There are LED strips or light tapes that will provide you with the uniformly lit area where you do most of your cooking tasks. 

Illuminate the accessories 

One great way to boost interest in your space is to pay attention to accent lighting. It’s one of the hardest lighting tasks to pull off, but if you aim for quality instead of quantity, you’ll do a great job. This type of lighting sets the mood of the room, provides accents and dictates the atmosphere. You can draw attention to your art, accessories and statement pieces while “masking” some of the less attractive sides of your kitchen. For instance, if you have some decorative pots, vases, or figurines on top of your cabinets, put them in the spotlight with strip lighting, or illuminate wall artwork with individual picture lights. Pro tip: if you’ve just moved into your new home and want to properly illuminate your kitchen, make sure to install all of the new lighting fixtures before you get your electricity connection working. This way, you’ll be super safe while you or your electrician conduct wiring. 

Add a lighting focal point 

Improve both the illumination and style of your kitchen with a statement lighting fixture. Yes, recessed lighting is practical, but it doesn’t add much aesthetic appeal to the room. That’s why introducing a focal point might improve your kitchen’s style. Today, hanging pendants above the island (especially when grouped in twos or threes) are all the rage right now. They offer extra illumination, come in all imaginable styles and give a gorgeous final touch to the room. 

Light up your cabinets 

If you have gorgeous cabinets with glass doors, you might as well make the best use of them and give them some illumination. Place some lights inside the cabinet and you’ll not only improve the aesthetic appearance of your kitchen but also make it easier to locate stored items. Another great cabinet lighting idea is to place a light strip above the cabinets to give your kitchen a romantic glow. 

Install dimmers for a touch of atmosphere 

Speaking of the romantic glow, you can also install dimmers on your lighting. They are perfect for quick dinners over the island or a glass of water in the night. 

Illuminate your floors for maximum safety 

Safety in the kitchen shouldn’t be reserved only for the countertops. Installing “toe kick” lights under the base of the cabinets will prevent those nasty stubbed toes and add a stylish visual layer of light. You can even experiment with different lighting colors for a stronger effect! 

All of these different layers of light will not only make your kitchen more functional and flexible, but they will also make it more attractive and comfortable. So, layer your lighting and enjoy your beautiful kitchen today!

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Top 4 Things To Consider When Renovating a Kitchen

May 4, 2020
Lana Hawkins
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The kitchen is the heart of your home. In many ways, it’s the most essential room in the house. It’s where family and guests gather and where you can find inspiration for some incredible gastronomical creations. 

If you’re considering a kitchen makeover, you might find yourself overwhelmed thinking about where to start. There are so many elements that make up this space. You want the design to be attractive, comfortable, and practical. 

While you might want to reface the entire kitchen completely, that can be hard to do on a budget. There are four main things that you should consider when you’re renovating. Prioritize these, and your renovation will feel complete.

Cabinets

The cabinets are the first thing that anyone will notice when they walk into your kitchen. If these are outdated, it’s best to focus on refacing before you do anything else.

Consider the color and light. When you walk into the room, do you feel like it’s gloomy or cluttered? If so, brighten up the whole space. An easy way to do this is to paint your cabinets to reflect the natural light. 

Some people prefer not to have a lot of white in the kitchen since fingerprints and splashing sauce can easily stain it. If that’s you, then you might want to think about solid wood kitchen cabinets. These will add a classic and cozy aesthetic. 

The Countertops

Countertops are another crucial feature of the kitchen. When you’re renovating, you want to make sure that you invest in counters that are nice to look at and functional. Some materials are more durable and more comfortable to clean than others. 

Luckily, many countertop options are elegant and resistant to stains and scratches. Marble is one of these materials that are not only trendy but also great if you use a lot of sharp knives directly on the counter. 

The color and pattern are crucial. While granite countertops were very popular during the past few decades, many people are moving away from these today. This is because dark models tend to hide messes so well that it makes it hard to clean properly. 

If you have an island in your kitchen, you can switch up the look of the whole space by choosing a different top for it. This will add some pizazz to the room. If you get tired of the funky countertop on the island, it’ll be much easier to replace than all of the counter space. 

The Floors

The kitchen floor is a major statement. The materials you use under your feet will affect every other element of the design. In addition to focusing on its aesthetics, you want to ensure that it’s durable. 

According to HGTV, stone or tile is the best option for dense traffic areas in your kitchen. They’re durable and come in a variety of colors so you can play with the design. 

One of today’s kitchen trends is to have wood flooring to add a warm look. The prefinished wooden floors are resistant to water stains and hold up in heavy traffic. 

If you’re remodeling on a budget, vinyl or resilient floors are also excellent options. They cost less and come in a variety of styles. 

A Statement Sink

Believe it or not, the sink plays one of the most critical roles in your kitchen. It’s where you clean your produce, dishes, and your hands, but it also needs to look great. Choosing the right sink can make the whole difference in the look of your newly renovated kitchen. 

You want to choose a sink that has a high arc so that you can fill it up with water and clean big pots and pans. You also want to decide whether you would like a sprayer or if you prefer to have a faucet that pulls down. 

Another consideration is whether or not you want to invest in a smart faucet. This type of appliance can be a lifesaver when you’ve got dirty hands. It’s super hygienic and sustainable. 

Wrapping Up

When you’re renovating your kitchen, these four elements are the first things that you should have on your to-do list. Replacing counters, cabinets, sinks, and floors can completely reshape the look and feel of the most important room in your home.

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The Biggest Kitchen Design Trends for 2017

November 8, 2016
Lana Hawkins
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Like everything else in 2017, it is expected that kitchen design trends are about to undergo a proper revolution when it comes to design. While in the past, glamour and aestheticism were all the rage, in the following year the focus is going to be on simplicity and practicality. With this in mind and without further ado, here are a few kitchen trends that are bound to make the biggest splash in 2017.

Modern Kitchen Decor

Niche Appliances

As we already mentioned, one of the greatest focus shifts is going to concern practicality. One of the ways to achieve this is by placing your kitchen appliances in niches. In this way, they will still be easy to access while leaving your kitchen with more free space. This means that you will have enough room to add a dining table in the kitchen and make a crossover between the kitchen and the dining area. It simply doesn’t get any more practical than that.

Equipment is What Matters

Unlike living room or the hallway, kitchen has one practical function that overshadows all else. It is a place where you prepare food for you and your family. Therefore, anything that adds to its functionality is a welcome addition. This means that you should be more concerned with the specific characteristics of each appliance than its appearance. It also means that you should heavily invest in multi-purpose devices like toaster ovens. In order to find out which fits your needs the best, you might want to check out some blender reviews, toaster oven reviews as well as microwave reviews prior to making a purchase.
Grey Kitchen Elements

Shades of Kitchen Gray

For as long as anyone can remember, white was the favorite color of kitchen decorators all over the world. Because of this, it comes as no surprise that most kitchen appliances come in white by default. Frankly speaking, white does look impressive while everything is clean, but in the kitchen things get messy in no time. This is why, it might be a better idea to go with grey instead. In this way, you make your kitchen much easier to maintain without sacrificing its elegance. One of the rare win-win scenarios there are. Grey kitchen ideas are quite numerous, which means that you can find plenty of inspiration online.
Modern Kitchen

Maximizing Storage

Finally, you may want to maximize your kitchen storage capacities and therefore clear up the countertops. Believe it or not, no matter how much clear space you have in your home, the neatness of your countertop is something that makes the strongest impression on anyone who steps into your kitchen. There are several ways to solve this and one of them is going with multi-tiered drawers. If these drawers seem too big, you may want to add few drawer dividers to the mix and adjust them to your needs.

Conclusion

As you can see, while none of these ideas are 100 percent new, they all represent an important step towards increased functionality of your kitchen. In other words, when decorating your kitchen, all you need to do is ask in what way is this innovation going to improve my kitchen-experience or make my job in the kitchen easier. It really is that simple.

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