Tips to Avoid Kitchen Design Disasters
Design Do's and Don'ts
So maybe you still don't know exactly what you should do to design the kitchen of your dreams, but Moen offers you a few tips on some definite do's and don'ts for your upcoming project.
Lighting - always look at the lighting
Many kitchens have fluorescent lighting—which only belongs in the garage. Kitchens are the worst places for fluorescent light, because it gives everything a blue tint, making your food and people unattractive, so change out that fluorescent fixture. If you have the ability, try adding halogen lighting to your space, since it gives the closest approximation to daylight and makes everything sharper, clearer and cleaner in your kitchen or bath.
Appliances - coordinate kitchen appliances
Don't mix and match your appliances! If you have the ability, get your appliances to coordinate, since having one black, one white and one stainless appliance makes your kitchen look disjointed. The key to proper design is to universally communicate a message, so appliances are key. Same with hardware, knobs, faucets and accessories, be cautious that you're communicating the finish universally.
Storage - create adequate storage to avoid clutter
Don't leave too much out on the counter. Since insufficient storage is a problem for many kitchens, people tend to clutter countertops, making the space seem cramped and uncomfortable. Look for other storage solutions, such as countertop organizational systems, or find ways to organize your pantry and cupboards to accommodate more items that you could put away rather than leaving them out. The rule is, have out only what you need and figure out a way to organize and put away the rest that you're not using consistently.
Metal Finish - Coordinate Finish for a Polished Look
One of the easiest ways to create a professionally designed look in your kitchen is to coordinate the metal finishes. Start by updating the faucet with a new, sleek style in a hot new finish, such chrome, Spot Resist Stainless or bronze. Coordinating the finish throughout a room is a great way to pull it together. Be sure not to stop with the faucet—change your drawer pulls, knobs, faucets, accessories and even your framed artwork. Not everything needs to be exactly the same finish, but be sure the tonal colors are relatively the same hue.
Accessories - less is more
Don't over do it in your kitchen. In kitchens, tops of wall-hung cabinets tend to be a trap for clutter with ivy or other fake plants. Instead choose one beautiful plant on your countertop that adds the vibrancy of a plant or adds a color, such as an orchid. It will bloom quickly and loves the moisture that kitchens and baths provide.
Choose accessories that are beautiful and functional to pull together your design. Adding complementary or contrasting color towels, mats and curtains can brighten up your kitchen and create a finished and cohesive look. In addition, accessories available in coordinating finishes to match your faucets can add not only style, but additional storage solutions to avoid clutter. Just remember, depending on the size of your kitchen space, you may need to limit your choices. Be sure to choose your favorites that communicate your message effectively while maintaining a clean look and feel.