Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Interior Design Meets Functionality in the Kitchen

When most people think of interior design, they picture paint, rugs, and decorations. For the most part this is an accurate depiction; but what about your kitchen? As a focal point in your home, you should consider the look, convenience, and functionality of the space when designing or redesigning.

As with any room in your home, the finish, color, and layout of your appliances can be chosen to fit the feel and style of the room. Stainless steel appliances are quite popular because they fit well in several styles and with several colors. Aesthetics aside, here are a few items you don't want to forget when you are planning your kitchen layout.

1. Water Filtration Systems- I believe that one of the first things your home needs is a water filtration system. Contrary to popular belief, your city water supply is not perfect and in a number of places it contains a variety of contaminants that I am certain you and your family do not want to consume. Be a smart consumer, order a water report from your city and find the right filter to keep your home and family healthy.

2. Dishwasher- I don't know about you but I certainly do not like doing dishes. If you do not have a dishwasher or yours has been on the fritz for any length of time, I am sure you can relate. Adding a dishwasher to your kitchen will give you more time to spend with your family, which is a valuable and limited resource. Consider the look and feel you are going for in your kitchen and you should have no problem finding the perfect dishwasher to match your home.

3. Dual Ovens- If you can afford and fit this item into your kitchen, you would be crazy not too. Even better, you can now get standards size stoves that offer split ovens. If you like to cook then this will be well worth the investment as it will allow you to make multiple items at different temperatures simultaneously. It really is one of the best investments I have made and I am pretty sure you will feel the same way.

4. Garbage Disposal - If you have ever forgotten to take the trash out and walked into your kitchen the next morning, you can relate to this. Avoid the "oh-my" look and dump your scraps down the disposal instead. Aside from keeping an unwanted odor from hitting you in the face, it can also save a lot of time picking up trash that animals decided to tear open for a snack. Garbage disposals are cheap and easy to install so don't skimp on this item.

5. Multiple Light Sources- Sometimes you may want your kitchen to look like an aisle at Wal-Mart and other times you may want to have dimmer lighting, like when you are making a midnight snack. Combining recessed lighting, drop lighting, and under cabinet lights are a great way to make sure you always have light when and where you need it.

Remember, your kitchen is a very important room in your home . A great kitchen can make your life easier, boost the resell value, and finish off an otherwise lovely home.