What does a well-designed kitchen mean to you? Perhaps it’s an open floor plan that enables people to move freely into and around the room. Or, maybe it’s beautiful cabinets that hold all your favorite dishes but look stunning on the wall.
While the layout and overall look of your kitchen ARE factors that matter, there are a few more things to consider when creating a well-designed kitchen. Today, we’ll walk you through 7 essential features that will make your new kitchen look great but also function exceptionally well.
7 Must-haves for a Well-Designed Kitchen
1. Durable but stylish countertops provide much-needed work space but look great, too.
What type of countertops should you have? Ultimately, the best countertops are ones that meet your specific needs and are able to withstand everyday use. The exact countertop material you choose will depend on how you’ll use it and the design aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.
For example, a soapstone countertop is resistant to stains, chemicals and bacteria, making it a durable and practical investment. It’s a bit more expensive than other countertop options, though, so you have to weigh the pros and cons of using such a material.
In this San Clemente modern farmhouse kitchen remodel, the homeowners opted for Vadara polished quartz countertops. The white background adds to the brightness of the kitchen while the subtle, light gray veining pairs nicely with the room’s stainless steel appliances and pendant lights above the island.
2. Durable and scratch-resistant flooring stands up to heavy traffic.
Countertops aren’t the only kitchen features that should be durable. As the heart of the home, it’s highly likely that your kitchen is exposed to a lot of foot traffic on a daily basis. Therefore, choosing the right flooring is essential in order to keep your kitchen looking nice throughout its usable life. Flooring becomes even more important if you have young children running around or if you frequently entertain guests.
3. Ample storage keeps a well-designed kitchen neat and tidy.
Storage is one feature of a well-designed kitchen that affects both aesthetics and function. First, having the right AMOUNT of storage is important because it can help you keep the countertops clear and clutter-free. Then, the right TYPE of storage is essential for improving overall kitchen efficiency and functionality. Read our blog, “Maximize Your Space by Using the 3 Zones of Kitchen Storage to Your Advantage” to learn about storage considerations for each functional area of the kitchen.
4. Energy-efficient appliances are aesthetically pleasing but help you save time and money, too.
When you think about energy-efficient appliances, there are two ways they can help you save energy:
- They can save YOU energy, meaning they cut down on your workload or shorten the time it takes to do certain kitchen tasks. For example, a large wall oven can significantly reduce your cooking time if you frequently prepare meals for a large family or entertain guests at mealtime.
- They use less energy overall, meaning your gas or electric bill will be cheaper.
Work with your professional kitchen designer to determine what style of appliance meets your overall design needs. Then, pick the ones that have the best energy efficiency rating.
5. Appropriate lighting is needed for every area inside the kitchen.
If your household is like most, there are many tasks that happen in the kitchen on a daily basis. A well-designed kitchen accounts for ALL of those activities and has the right type of lighting for each. There’s dishwashing at the sink, food prep on the countertops, cooking at the range, and eating at the island, just to name a few. A variety of lighting options that are tailored to the needs of each space will go a long way toward giving your kitchen the right vibe but also being practical and functional.
6. High quality materials and craftsmanship make a well-designed kitchen last longer.
We already touched on the need for quality flooring and countertop materials but the need for quality doesn’t stop there. Since most homeowners only remodel their kitchen once every 15-20 years, it’s important to pick materials that will stand the test of time and everyday use. Quality craftsmanship will also help your kitchen look great and work well for a longer period of time. Yes, high quality labor and materials cost more up front but they’ll save you time, money, and headaches in the long run!
7. Elevate your kitchen design and protect your walls with an attractive tile backsplash.
Not so long ago, the idea of a tile backsplash in the kitchen was simply to protect the walls from moisture, grease, and food splatters. While backsplashes do still perform that important function, they’ve become much more than that. Now, a tile backsplash can be used to elevate the room’s overall design, either as a focal point itself or as a complement to another feature.
In this kitchen remodel in San Clemente, a geometric marble backsplash adds a pop of color to an otherwise white kitchen and pairs perfectly with stainless steel appliances.
In contrast, the backsplash above the range in this Lake Forest kitchen makes a statement all its own while contributing to the room’s overarching New Orleans theme.
Create Your Own Well-designed Kitchen With the Orange County Kitchen Remodeling Professionals
We’ve learned a lot during the last 30+ years of remodeling in Orange County and perhaps one of the most important tips we can give to homeowners is this:
Hire a professional kitchen designer and remodeling company to handle your kitchen renovation.
Unless you’re a master builder and designer yourself, kitchen remodeling is NOT a DIY project! Instead, work with a design-build company like Sea Pointe Design & Remodel. Our expert team of remodeling professionals knows exactly how to bring your dream kitchen ideas to fruition in a way that looks great and will stand the test of time.
Check out our online portfolio of Orange County bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects to see some of our finished work. Register for one of our upcoming remodeling webinars to get helpful remodeling tips from the pros. Or, come see us in person to get ideas and inspiration from our kitchen and bath showroom.
Then, when you’re ready to start planning your own well-designed kitchen, simply give us a call at (949) 861-3400 or fill out the form below to schedule your complimentary design consultation.