Layout

 

Layout is huge when it comes to a home. Proximity from the kitchen to the living room is a big deal, but also location of appliances. Relocating a kitchen, blowing down walls and moving around appliances is extremely costly, so unless you have a huge renovation budget up your sleeve, it is important to try to find a kitchen where these two things are use-able for your lifestyle. 

Make sure it comes with appliances

 

Kitchen appliances aren’t cheap! Many homeowners plan on taking their appliances with them to their new home. A set of new appliances can run from $5k – $10k depending on how “high end” they are. Don’t fret if the appliances aren’t stainless steel or if they don’t match. Don’t forget, this is just your first home. Everything is replaceable in time. 

Quality of cabinet boxes

 

Remember how we were talking about location of the kitchen and the appliances? Here is why! If the cabinet boxes are in good shape, you can dress any kitchen up with new cabinet doors and hardware. Cabinet refacing is a cheap alternative, and it can make an old kitchen feel brand new again. This is much cheaper than ripping everything out, and as a first time home buyer, the goal is to build equity, not dump money into a project that is over your head.  

Remember your first home won’t be perfect. 

 

It’s so easy to get caught up with all the gorgeous kitchens we see every day on HGTV, Pinterest and Instagram. Don’t let an outdated kitchen discourage you. Most people don’t get a perfect first home. Over the next 5 to 10 years, this home will become perfect because it will be yours and your vision for it will shine through.

Hide those dirty dishes!

Nothing can make a kitchen look more messy than a pile of dirty dishes. The quickest way to hide them is to throw them in the dishwasher. This works well for me, because I don’t actually use my dishwasher. My fiance didn’t grow up with a dish washer, so to make him more comfortable, we hand wash all of our dishes. This means I always have an empty dishwasher! However, if you are like normal people, you probably actually use yours, which means that it may be full of clean dishes.  Remove just enough of the clean dishes to throw in all the dirty ones! Never hurts to double wash some clean dishes!

 

Wipe away

While I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so I always have cleaning solution on hand, however, this isn’t the case for most people. If you’re out of cleaning solution, microfiber towels are your best friend. With a bit of water and elbow grease, pretty much any grime can be wiped away with minimal effort. It won’t ACTUALLY be sanitized, but it will look like it!  

 

Entryway

Entryways are important to see since they’re the first thing guests see. My kitchen is part of my entryway, so these go hand and hand for me. However, if your place is nicer than mine, you most likely have a nice entryway. If there are shoes hanging around, jackets or backpacks on the ground, grab them and run to your bedroom! Generally bedrooms are your safe space for messes. Guests don’t enter your bedroom often (if ever) so throw everything in there till they leave! 

Hide the smells

Light a candle, plug in one of those air fresheners, spray some febreze, or in a real pinch, spray some glass cleaner in the air! Whatever it takes if there is a funky smell in your home.

 

Bathroom

I keep a set of fancy towels  in my linen closet, just for guests. It is my only matching, non bleached, set. The moment I hear someone is on the way, I whip those bad boys out to hang in the guest bathroom. Beyond that, a quick 5 second toilet scrub and throwing any junk on the counter under the sink is the quickest way to keep a bathroom looking clean. I keep a salt lamp on the bathroom counter all the time in the guest bathroom, because it makes it look more welcoming.

 

Last ditch effort-Make the room dark

If you have no chance for cleaning at all, dim the lights and close the blinds. With less light, hopefully no one can see the dust. While this isn’t ideal, it works for rooms that someone may not be spending much, if any, time in.

Side note – bonus points if you have a nice house plant or flowers that you can place front and center. This may help distract your guests! 

For those who have the choice, here are some benefits to each!

Dining Table
The first reason many choose a table is the charm it brings to the space. In-cooperating a table makes the space customize-able! Without changing anything other than the table and chairs, your space is able to go from shabby-chic to modern. Changing chair cushions with the seasons is also a great benefit. Beyond decor styles, a table allows more sight-lines. This means the kitchen feels bigger! Bulky islands block the eye from seeing the cabinets behind, which creates a tight space. Being able to see through the table legs gives much more light and, an over all, more comfortable space.

The downside to using a table over an island is storage. Yes, you have great sight-lines and a wholesome feeling kitchen, but will it be functional?

Kitchen Island

There are many scenarios as to why an island feels appropriate than a table. Lack of storage, appliances in the island, and those who like a separate eating space. Not all islands make a kitchen feel small or dark! As long as the space has plenty of light (Natural or artificial) and the layout allows plenty of space, there is no need to worry about feeling cramped. If your’e a messy cooker, you may not want to look at a messy kitchen while enjoying dinner. It is nice to hide away from the mess while eating! 

It all comes down to preference!
Many homeowners argue that opting for a table leads to a warmer and more friendly atmosphere. But you may be sacrificing storage and functionality for said atmosphere.

A great alternative, if you want the best of both worlds (to some degree at least) is a mobile island! While there are thousands of styles and options, they don’t add quite the same charm as a table.

At the end of the day, both are wonderful options, and when designing the kitchen of your dreams, you can’t go wrong with either.

 

 

Granite

When most people think of upgrading their countertops, they think of Granite! Since there is a large variety of colors and patterns, it checks the all marks for most checklists. While granite is the epitome of luxury, this comes at a cost.
Pros: Many different colors and patterns, stain, heat and water-resistant when sealed, requires little maintenance.
Cons: Extremely heavy, can chip or crack.
Cost: $$$

 

Butcher Block

Butcher block is a wonderful (and beautiful) option for a remodel on a budget! It is a neat alternative to the traditional stone seen in most new remodels. It is especially great for specific design styles such as Scandinavian and rustic chic.
Pros: Long lasting when taken care of, beautiful, delicate on dishes.
Cons: Vulnerable to water damage, hot cookware and knives.
Cost: $

 

Quartz

Quartz is a neat choice because it is entirely man-made! This means that is has the flexibility to be virtually any pattern and/or color. It’s non porous, anti-microbial and stain resistant.
Pros: Heat and scratch proof, does not need to be sealed.
Cons: Discolors with extended expose to UV, chips.
Cost: $$$

Soapstone

While not as popular as Granite, soapstone packs a huge punch in terms of style. That rich, dark, gray is hard to pass up.
Pros: Heat resistant, unique
Cons: Chips and scratches easily.
Cost: $$$

 

Concrete

If you are anything like me, rustic-chic or industrial is right up your alley. Concrete countertops are an up and coming trend that I expect to stick around for a while. It is unique and becoming very popular in more rustic and even farmhouse styles!
Pros: Custom formed, can be stained to any color
Cons: Hairline cracks
Cost: $$

 

Marble
Marble is elegant. The mixture of whites and grays is very desired in high class homes for all types of surfaces. In the kitchen it makes for beautiful countertops. Marble is available in slabs or commonly found as tiles. 
Pros: Elegant look, scratches can be polished out
Cons: Chips easily, needs to be resealed periodically
Cost: $$$

Utensil rack

One of the first things to help keep a small kitchen more organized, is a utensil rack. Not only is this a good way to keep them organized, but it frees up your precious drawer space. Smaller kitchens don’t have much drawer space, so why fill them up with something then can also double as a display item! 

 

Assign dedicated storage

Without order, kitchen drawers and cabinets end up being “junk areas”. Most homes have one or two junk drawers, but in smaller kitchens, this is less than ideal. Assign different cupboards a specific purpose and stick to it. At the end of every day, make sure to put everything back in it’s rightful space. This will make make the time you spend in your kitchen much more enjoyable. 

Downsize

I don’t mean to physically move to a smaller space, but instead, get rid of things you don’t need. I have only a few of each thing in my not-so-large kitchen. 6 glasses, 6 plates, 4 mugs, and 4 bowls. Now, if you have a lot of guests or family, you may not be able to be THAT minimal. It is important to reduce the amount of clutter. Having less stuff can be immensely freeing and helps keeping everything much cleaner! 

 

Display

There is nothing wrong with keeping things on the counter! The nice thing about items on the counter is that, when organized correctly, it adds a bit of flare to your kitchen! Having a cute holder for utensils, or a hanging spice rack can clear up cabinet space and keep your kitchen looking chic.

Updated Hardware and Accessories

The great thing about living in our current age, is how far technology has come! Touch faucets, aluminum appliances, under cabinet lighting and pop-out outlets are all modern conveniences that are great for any kitchen. Contemporary kitchens won’t miss out on any chance to use the ‘latest and greatest’.

Not only will these appliances look better, they won’t cost much more than their outdated versions, and they will be more efficient, which will save money in the long term, as well.

Flat or Shaker Cabinets With the Option of Glass Front Doors

Walking into any new model home, you will notice most kitchens take a simple approach when it comes to design. Flat and Shaker style cabinets are simple and clean looking, letting accessories set the stage for the impact of the kitchen.

Concrete Countertops

Concrete counters aren’t the “must have” in a contemporary kitchen, but they sure do look neat and are in style right now. Contemporary style has always been known to push the boundaries of what we know and are used to. Concrete is extremely durable and generally cheaper than traditional stones, plus you can stain it and seal it in a multitude of patterns and colors.

A Mix of Textures, Materials and Colors

Layering textures is a very common trend right now. Having a kitchen island’s counter top be entirely butcher block while the rest of the kitchen has traditional stone or concrete, or two toned kitchens with a contrasting island can create this look without looking out of place.
Many focal points at different heights is very popular and functional. Having a multi-tier island with bench seating can keep the space separated and organized. Adding pendent lights, multi-height cabinets will keep guests looking around and appreciating the hard work put into the kitchen.

Contemporary isn’t just one style. It takes a bit of everything that is popular about every aesthetic while keeping it updated in terms of technology and usability for the most comfortable kitchen possible.

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1. Cabinet refacing

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Of course one way to update your kitchen is to just reface it! Adding new doors to any kitchen can dramatically change whole design feel of a kitchen. Especially when there are so many selections and colors to choose from.

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2. Lining the inside of your cabinets

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Open cabinets are definitely ‘in’ right now. But instead of looking like every Pintrest kitchen out there, why not make it special by laying in some fabric or wallpaper to create a unique look and have a color/pattern that you absolutely love.

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3. Contrasting island

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Having a two toned kitchen is definitely still holding strong in the design trends of kitchens. And there is a good reason for it. Contrasting islands create a more dimensional and unique space.

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4. Beverage area

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Using a small section of your kitchen or a small nook in your living or dining room to create a beverage station. Installing a mini-fridge or wine cooler can create easy access to help host guests. Add a dedicated space for cups, beer or wine classes for convenience.

Open Concept

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Since families do spend the majority of the time spread out through the house. Having an open layout and avoiding isolation is the first key to success when it comes to a well-designed kitchen.

Ample storage

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Including storage is a huge part for every kitchen and never underestimate how much space you’ll need. Keeping all these items organized is also important. It is easy to get caught up in the design of a kitchen and forget about storage all together.  Using drawer organizers and designing your shelves to fit different sized items is something to keep in mind.

Outdoor access

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Having your kitchen or eat-in dining room connect to the outdoors helps keep the party going. Outdoor eating on a nice evening is a great way to further disconnect with technology and keep family gatherings together. Plus outdoor access will generally bring in extra light and keep the kitchen feeling open.

Location

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If you want your kitchen to be the ‘heart’ of your home, you need to make sure it is designed with access to multiple areas in your home. If open concept isn’t an option, having direct access to your family/great room, as well as having it connect to your garage and mudroom will help achieve this.

Fact of the matter is, the kitchen is more about how it functions, than how it looks. But don’t forget to have fun. Your kitchen should represent you and your personal design choices rather than a ‘cookie cutter’ design. Homes are about love, family and comfort. Use these tips to create the heart of your home.

 Deep Sink

The average sink is 8 inches deep, which isn’t bad, but sometimes those large pots and pans just don’t quite fit easily enough to wash. Getting a 10” deep sink or more with is really a luxury. (Plus if you leave a few dishes in the sink to be cleaned later, if you tuck it in the front, you can pretend it’s not even there because your sink looks bottomless)

Extra depth is even good for tighter sinks such as a butlers or pantry sink. Helps prevent splash back when washing or when emptying a container.

In addition to deep sinks, the next on my list is touch activated faucets. This is the future, it is time to act like it! I can’t you how many times, in my not-so-dream kitchen I wish I had a touch faucet. Dirty hands covered in raw meat juice, using my pinky to flip up the handle because I made sure it was the only finger to not touch my uncooked dinner. It’s inconvenient and honestly a time waster.

“Smart sinks” may seem a little intimidating but there are so many different styles and finishes that they can blend in in any kitchen, and I promise they are convenient once you get used to them.

 Custom Cabinets

This is our dream kitchen, right? Having custom cabinets gives the option of creating the exact amount of organization and storage fitted to your lifestyle. Being able to configure your kitchen to fit around windows, create upper storage, as deep of cabinets and drawers desired, is a huge plus. Plus, using Cabinet Cures to find the perfect door and shade that fits your ideal style, from traditional to modern, they have pretty much anything you could possibly desire.

 Quarts Counters

With your new custom cabinets, they wouldn’t be complete with Quarts countertops. Quarts is made from real stone so it can mimic a plethora of different, more traditional counters such as granite and marble, however it is manufactured in such a way that it in non-porous, more durable, and customizable than more traditional counters. For a dream kitchen, there isn’t a better choice in terms of usability and fashion.

I could go on a list for days for what would be in my dream kitchen, but these are the 4 essentials that I don’t think should be compromised in any dream kitchen, they are not only functional, but luxurious.