Revisiting Kitchens

Hanson General Contracting

I just began working on a gut kitchen renovation in Wellesley.  One of my favorite parts of the design process is compiling a collection of ideas and inspirational images for a project. Tools like Pinterest or Houzz are helpful, but even though most of the design community has gone digital, I am still a sap for good 'ol design magazines.   

There are so many questions to ask when starting a kitchen from scratch:

How often do you cook?

For how many people do you cook?

Do you entertain?

Do you have a formal dining room?

Describe your routine when in the kitchen- are you making coffee, rolling out pie dough, or stirring a sauce?

Do you want painted or wood grain cabinetry?

What kind of countertops?

Do you want a tile backsplash or 4" stone lip?

When designing a kitchen layout, always remember to think of the working triangle formed between the sink, stove, and fridge. This should always be in the shape of a triangle, and the distance between the three elements should never be more than 29' total. I don't know who came up with the concept, but has never failed me.

Here are some kitchens that are inspiring my latest design:

Archia Homes

The accordion windows and wood countertops make the kitchen feel as if it is one with nature. That is a view I'm sure I would never tire of. Maybe it would even help me to not mind doing dishes.

Vanni Architectural Photography- Soho Loft NYC

 The perfect combination of hard surfaces and texture,  the galley kitchen above feels industrial, open, and modern. A galley kitchen is a kitchen that has a hallway layout: one single path in the center flanked by cabinetry and countertops.

Charlie Simmons Design

Who doesn't love a white kitchen? It is classic in so many ways. The industrial pendants above the island match the stainless steel appliance, and the reclaimed farmhouse table and French chairs add to its timelessness.

Kitchen Lab

For those of you who like contrast, why not stain your window frames a darker color? Black hardware and lighting, and a dark island are set off from the white subway tile, cabinetry, and countertops.

Smith and Vansant Architects

Open concept living at its finest, this kitchen composition beautifully integrates the adjacent room. Do you ever notice that when you are attend a party at someone's house, or maybe even in your own home, everyone ends up in the kitchen. I had a friend who coined this term "the kitchen effect", and I have to say I whole heartedly agree. People like to be around the action, and in a kitchen like the above, guests or other family members can become part of the mealtime process, whether hands on or viewing from a distance.

Rebekah Westover Photography

This bright and light space is an example of an eat in kitchen. This is open concept because it oftentimes combines the dining room with the kitchen. I like the way the column and rug helps to delineate the space, and the pendants above the table and islands make the areas below more intimate.

What are some things that you think are important to remember when renovating a kitchen?