You can have a designer kitchen regardless of your home’s value. Even an entry-level starter home can look high-end with the right touches. Check out these designer kitchen must-haves to incorporate in your kitchen reno.
Functional Layout
Hands-down, the most important feature in any kitchen is a good layout. It doesn’t matter how nice your cabinets or countertops are if the kitchen doesn’t function. If there are obstacles with your current layout, address them in your kitchen renovation. Make a list of your frustrations to discuss with your designer, and they can come up with tailored solutions to improve functionality.
Stone Countertops
It’s nearly impossible to achieve a designer kitchen look without stone countertops. Laminate, epoxy, concrete and other materials just don’t compare to the beauty of stone. Some designer kitchens have butcherblock countertops in prep areas, but these are usually in combination with stone. You could choose manufactured stone or natural stone, depending on your budget and design goals.
Appliances That Fill Their Designated Spaces
If you have a large opening for your range, a basic stovetop will look out of place. The same can be said for a refrigerator. If the cabinets are designed with a tall, counter-depth fridge in mind, a boxy fridge will look incorrect. Choose appliances that fit within your cabinetry, or adapt the cabinetry to complement your appliances.
Eye-Catching Backsplash That Doesn’t Compete with the Counters
Simple subway tile backsplashes are timeless, but they don’t necessarily scream “designer kitchen.” If you want that high-end look, don’t be afraid to choose a bold tile backsplash. The key here is to not choose something that’s going to clash with the countertops. If you have a busy pattern on the stone, select a more simplistic backsplash. If you have simple stone, you can use a patterned tile to add a pop of design flair.
Ample Storage Solutions
Open shelving is perfect for décor and simple accents. It doesn’t meet storage needs though. When you design your cabinet layout for your kitchen reno, prioritize storage solutions. If you have room for a dedicated pantry area, make that happen! The more storage you can sneak in, the more functional your kitchen will feel.
One Primary Focal Point
Having a designated focal point can transform your kitchen design. This could be anything from an accent wall of tile to a custom range hood. Once again, you’ll want to be careful with how you balance your focal point. If you have busy counters, a busy backsplash and an ornate hood, the kitchen will feel cluttered and chaotic.
Pinpoint what you want your focal point to be, and then choose design elements that work around that – not against it.
Top-Quality Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship makes a world of difference in kitchen renovation. Expensive materials can look cheap in an instant if they’re not installed properly. Above all else, make sure you have the right kitchen renovators working on your designer kitchen. Any extra expense you may pay upfront will come back tenfold with a long-lasting kitchen design.
O’Hanlon Kitchens has years of experience creating designer kitchens in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Contact us at 443-285-0558 to schedule your designer kitchen consultation and project estimate.
