Your kitchen isn’t just a room; it’s the heart of your home. From morning routines to family gatherings, it’s where life happens. Creating a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional can make a world of difference in how you experience your home. But where to start? We’re here to help break down some key elements to help you define your style and design the kitchen of your dreams.
1. Define Your Style
Before you dive into mood boards or floor plans, take some time to think about the overall style you want. Do you prefer the warmth of a farmhouse kitchen, the sleek design of a more contemporary space, or perhaps a unique mix that combines the best of both? We recommend using platforms like Houzz and Pinterest as resources to gather ideas and explore different looks. You can easily search by style—Transitional, Contemporary, Farmhouse, Eclectic —and find examples that get you excited about your project.
There are no strict rules when it comes to style blending. Our team at Aslan loves working with clients to combine elements in ways that feel cohesive, unique, and consistent with their vision. Gather images that inspire you; they’ll be invaluable as we begin the design conversation.
2. Decide on a Color Palette
Your kitchen’s color palette is the foundation for setting the tone of the space. Are you drawn to the clean look of a classic white and neutral theme, or are you ready to introduce bold colors that make your space pop? The color of cabinets, walls, backsplashes, and even appliances play a significant role in achieving the look you want.
With so many colors and finishes to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If a particular color scheme is catching your eye on Houzz or Pinterest, bookmark it! Having a sense of your preferred colors will help us narrow down design options and select materials that make your kitchen a personal reflection of your style.
3. Focus on the Details
It’s the details that bring a kitchen together. Cabinet doors, knobs, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures—by themselves, these pieces may seem minor, but they add depth and personality to your design, and work together to create the whole design. Consider options like glass-front cabinets for an open, airy feel, or character grade wood for a more rustic look. When it comes to hardware, there are countless finish options, from classic brushed nickel to more trendy matte black or brushed gold, that can tie your design together.
Your kitchen should reflect your personality. Our team will work with you to make sure each detail feels intentional and adds functionality and beauty to your home.
4. Remember the Functionality:
All of the aesthetic choices above are important, but if they don’t function well, what’s the point? For example:
- Have you thought through how to run the 10” round duct pipe for that beautiful range you picked out?
- Are the aisles between that new island you want 42” (the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s recommended 1 cook aisle width) or greater?
- Does the hyper functional corner cabinet pullout even operate correctly based on the required clearances from the range that’s one cabinet over?
It is important to consider how the kitchen flows into the surrounding rooms – from a design standpoint as well as functionality!
There are a myriad of other key details that go into a functional kitchen design – these are just a few!
5. Bring It All Together
Now that you have a clearer vision of your style, colors, details, and functionality, it’s time to bring it all together. This is where our team at Aslan Design & Build comes in. Our experienced designers can take your ideas, refine them, and create a comprehensive plan tailored to your lifestyle. By collaborating with us from the start, we’ll ensure your kitchen not only looks stunning but functions perfectly for you and your family.
Ready to Start?
We understand that transforming a kitchen can feel intimidating, but our team is here to guide you every step of the way. From the initial design consultation to the final installation, we’re committed to creating a space that reflects your unique style and meets your practical needs.