white kitchen with walnut island

Consumer Information

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT APPLIANCES

Designing a kitchen involves various moving parts, all coming together to create a space that is not just functional for your lifestyle but a reflection of your tastes. This is why color, hardware, and even lighting matter; however, when it comes to the working parts of the kitchen, the appliances require a little extra consideration. It is essential to determine which option works best for you, where they should be positioned in the layout, and even how many. This matters because it can influence or impact the design choices made during your initial planning phase for your renovation. Remodeling your kitchen is a significant investment, making every decision crucial so that there are no major surprises and everything you want to accomplish happens as closely as possible to your budget. Appliances require pre-planning due to size and certain requirements, such as power plugs and drainage. Before finalizing your choices, let’s talk about some things you need to know.

Kitchen layout and appliances

The kitchen layout is essential because it controls traffic flow and the placement of items such as the sink and appliances. The work triangle still plays a key role in designing a layout in which the sink, stove, and refrigerator are spaced at a certain distance. Knowing where you want your appliances will help your designer determine precisely how to place each one, ensuring it works best with your daily routine and specific needs. If you enjoy a cup of coffee before heading out the door, it’s best to keep your beverage station near the refrigerator, where milk and creamer are stored. Do you prefer to rinse your dishes right away? Then, having the dishwasher next to the sink is the prime location. Do you have young children who need access to the microwave to make their own popcorn or warm up a piece of pie? Placing your microwave on a lower level, such as on the kitchen island, makes it easy for everyone to use. Location and layout work together to give your family the best experience, so consider them before meeting with your designer. This will save time and money, both of which are valuable, during your renovation and will also streamline your results. Browsing places like Pinterest and Houzz can also help, as they provide a visual representation of what your space could look like with various options.

white kitchen with a brown island

What appliance size is best?

To accommodate our varying lifestyles today, appliances come in a wide variety of sizes. From small refrigerators suitable for dorm life and a condo kitchen to the massive double doors with a deep freezer, you only need to decide which one is right for you. When determining the best refrigerator size for your kitchen, consider the number of people in your household and your cooking frequency. It is recommended that there be 4 to 6 cubic feet of storage per person, and many refrigerators will list the total capacity of cubic feet on the information sheet. Another factor is the amount of cooking you will do. If you are not home often, such as if you travel frequently, then a smaller model will work better, use less energy, and leave room in the design for things that may be more important to you. If you prefer to eat at home instead of eating out, consider selecting a refrigerator with ample space for fresh vegetables and storage for those delicious leftovers. When it comes to dishwashers, there is a traditional standard. However, some come in a smaller size, as they have specific space requirements, especially solutions that cater to the tiny house trend, which is gaining popularity. This smaller option opens up options for those who prefer to use that square footage, saving for more cabinet or storage space in their kitchen. Microwaves can also be purchased in various sizes and placed on the counter, above the stove, or on the kitchen island, which clears up counter space. Discuss your daily kitchen routine with your designer so they can recommend the best selections for you and your family.

white kitchen with a bakery corner and blue hood

What style of appliances are right for you?

Style matters, especially in the world of design, and this has also influenced the appliances. There are several options available that can seamlessly integrate your appliances into your finished design. Stainless steel has remained a top choice for many homeowners, as it complements a variety of styles and color options due to its versatile finish. Another bonus is that it is fairly easy to clean, which is a valuable feature, especially when you have kids. When deciding which option to choose for your kitchen, it is best to take a cue from your cabinet design. Are you going with dark wood stains? A stainless steel can add visual interest and even contrast. Opting for a more minimal look? Try paneled appliances. They are custom-fit to cover your refrigerator and even dishwasher, which allows them to blend in seamlessly with the design. This is also a great choice, regardless of the style you prefer, if you are looking to create a unified space without interruptions. You can also mix and match, such as selecting panels for your refrigerator, but leave the dishwasher without them. If you opt for an open-style refrigerator and have a stainless steel model, be sure to consider the hardware, as black matte hardware may not be the best combination with it. Of course, there are still black appliance finishes available that work well with various styles and cabinet colors, and they also look great when paired with a more modern design. It also makes for a great contrast in your kitchen. If you enjoy retro, some companies have also introduced fun colors. Take time to browse through all of your options before finalizing your choice.

white kitchen with a large window

What to know about appliances

Appliances play a crucial functional role in your day-to-day kitchen activities, making them an essential part of the planning stage in your renovation. Be sure to spend time considering the features that are important to you and your family, including your personal preferences for style and size, as well as where it would work best for everyone. When working with a designer, be sure to convey all of this to them so they can assist you in making the best decision possible.

Kitchen style. Throughout the years, the kitchen has been the heart of the home, the place where delicious meals were cooked and served with love. It has also remained a place where memories are made, achievements are celebrated, and it invokes a warm, inviting atmosphere. One thing has changed, and that is my style.

Inset cabinets, because the doors are inside the frame, look like elegant furniture pieces, giving the space a luxurious feel. If you are looking for cabinets that will stand the test of time, inset cabinets are for you.

The kitchen island offers more than just a workspace when cooking dinner. It provides additional storage and even seating. An island is a versatile element in the kitchen that can adapt to almost any size, allowing you to maximize the use of your square footage.

Closets are usually a key selling point in any home, making a custom closet a valuable addition since buyers are looking for functional spaces in the house. Custom closets are not just a great space in your home, but are also an investment if you ever choose to sell.

Countertops are essential to any bathroom or kitchen design and deliver several great benefits to the homeowner. They have evolved to become more than just a work surface.