Features to Consider in Kitchen Design

Consider size, style and layout when choosing cabinets for your kitchen remodel. Cabinets are defining features of the kitchen and are heavily used. They need to be functional and appealing. Cabinets are a focus of kitchen design, so most kitchen remodeling projects involve cabinet replacement, refacing, repainting, or refinishing.

There are 3 main categories of kitchen cabinets:

• Stock Cabinets
• Semi-Custom
• Custom

You can choose from a wide variety of wood species:

• Maple
• Cherry
• Oak
• Birch
• Hickory
• Pine
• Alder
• Mahogany
• Walnut
• Ebony
• Ash (light wood)
• Beech (light wood)
• Elm
• Chestnut
• Butternut
• Rosewood
• Teak

You can match any style or color scheme with different stains, finishes, and hardware depending on the base color of the cabinet wood.

There are a number of organization accessories for cabinets which enhance their storage function:

• Cookbook Rack Pull-Down
• Cutting Board Kit
• Drawer Partition Kit
• Foil Box Rack
• Knife Rack Pull Down
• Spice Drawer Insert
• Tilt Out Sink Tray
• Tray Divider Roll-out
• Tray Dividers
• Under Sink Organizer
• Towel Organizer
• Trash Can Pull out
• Lazy Susan

Counter tops are an aesthetic focus of the kitchen because of their size and utility. You can add significant value to your home and really make your kitchen “pop” by using stylish, updated materials for your counter tops. Kitchen counter tops can be fabricated from many materials, and come in an array of colors and styles. Commonly used materials are butcher block and granite; higher end choices include glass and terrazzo.

Counter Top Materials:

• Granite
• Concrete
• Laminate
• Natural Stone such as: Marble, Soapstone, Jerusalem stone
• Stainless Steel and Copper
• Wood (Butcher block)
• Quartz
• Tile

The kitchen floor should be chosen keeping in mind: cleaning, comfort, durability, and appearance. Good choices are linoleum, ceramic tile and wood but are not limited to these options.

• Tiles
• Ceramic (which includes unglazed porcelain, a type of ceramic)
• Natural stone: Marble, Granite, Slate, Travertine
• Porcelain
• Hardwood wood flooring: Oak, Maple, Walnut, Cherry, Mahogany, Ash, Pine, Birch, Fir
• Laminate

Kitchen sinks may be the most used fixtures in the kitchen, so durability is an important consideration.

Important factors to consider when selecting your sink:

• Material – Stainless steel, cast iron, composite granite, solid surface, cast acrylic, fireclay and copper
• Configuration – Number of bowls, bowl orientation, shape, size, and number of tappings
• Mounting – Solid Surface, Drop-In, Under mount, and Tile-In

Different sink types:

• Single Bowl
• Double Bowl
• Triple Bowl
• Bar Sink
• Specialty sink – Apron Front

There are many faucet styles and shapes to choose from. The faucet gets used many times per day and should be durable enough to provide years of service, but it should also be an aesthetic highpoint of the sink area.

Faucet Types:

• Pull-Out Spray Kitchen Faucet
• Single Handle Kitchen Faucet
• Two Handle Kitchen Faucet
• Pot Filler Kitchen Faucet
• Wall Mount Kitchen Faucet
• Bar Sink Faucet
• Water Filtration Kitchen Faucet

There are a wide array of lighting styles from which to choose: rustic, vintage, modern, minimalist, extravagant. This is another feature which can make your kitchen stand out over other remodels.

The right lighting choice can add warmth, character and functionality to the kitchen:

• Ambient Lighting
• Accent Lighting
• Task Lighting
• Combination Lighting

Lights have different purposes in the kitchen, from illuminating a work surface or cooking area to highlighting an aesthetic feature or shaping the ambiance. As is often the case, the form of the light fixture you select is to an extent dictated by function.

• Kitchen Decorative Lighting
• Kitchen Ceiling Lighting
• Kitchen Pendant Lighting
• Kitchen Cabinet Lighting
• Kitchen Recessed Lighting
• Kitchen Track Lighting

Appliances should match the size of your household and kitchen. Most appliances come in a variety of styles and with extra features that may benefit your workflow, cooking style, or the aesthetics of the kitchen.

Dishwashers:

• Concealed Controls
• Visible Controls

Cooking:

• Ovens
• Cook tops
• Ranges
• Ventilation & Hoods
• Microwaves

Refrigeration:

• Built in
• Freestanding