It’s long been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s the central place for gathering, preparing family dinners, and teaching your children how to bake the perfect chocolate chip cookie. And, with so much emphasis placed on the kitchen, it’s important to put your wants and needs first when it comes to renovating. To help get you started, here are some pro tips for creating a sleek and functional kitchen design.
Keep Your Outlets Hidden
Electrical outlets can be unsightly – especially if they stick out like a sore thumb against the backsplash. If you’re looking to streamline the look of your kitchen, here’s your first pro tip: hide the outlets. There are a few ways of doing so.
First, consider installing GFCI outlets along the upper edge of your cabinets. Tucked away, they won’t be visible to you unless you bend down and look up. You may also choose to hide outlets in cabinets or drawers. There are even charging drawers, which feature outlets and USB ports.
Have a special nook just for your microwave? Place an outlet directly behind it. Likewise, you can conceal outlets behind other appliances, like a coffee maker or stand mixer.
Disguise Your Appliances
Let’s face it: kitchen appliances can make your space look cluttered. To promote a stylish, clean and organized look, you might want to consider finding a cozy space to tuck away your appliances. For instance, if you have a stand mixer, coffee maker or toaster, think about including an appliance garage or two into your new kitchen design. It allows easy access to your appliances when you need them, and keeps them out of sight when you don’t.
Custom cabinet panels are also a popular option for concealing larger kitchen appliances, like dishwashers and even refrigerators. These panels can be made to match the rest of your cabinets, offering a seamless look. Or, you can choose a contrasting, yet complementary color, making the cabinet that conceals the appliance a focal point.
Beware of Glass
Glass cabinets are staples in the farmhouse and modern kitchens. However, you can find glass cabinets in virtually any style. Still, when you choose glass cabinets, be careful. Do not install glass near your stove. Here’s why.
When placed above or adjacent to your stove and near other cooking areas, the glass panes are susceptible to splatters. The buildup of dusty grease on your glass can be extraordinarily difficult to clean. If not removed, however, that grease can leave unattractive streaks. To keep your kitchen looking its best, make sure there’s no glass cabinetry near your stove.
Make Use of a Kitchen Island
In recent years, kitchen islands have become a must-have in kitchen design. And, for good reason. They promote communication and provide additional prep space. Turn your kitchen island into an entertainment zone with these pro tips.
If your floor plan allows, add a sink. This turns your island into a true prep station. Where space is limited, a kitchen island with lots of shelving and cabinets provides additional storage. Plus, notch out a place for seating, so the kids have somewhere to do their homework while you cook.
Keep in mind, too, that kitchen islands can be hooked up to electricity, gas, and plumbing. That means your options are virtually limitless. Want an extra range? Put it in. Need some extra outlets for baking-related appliances? Add some more hidden outlets. The choice is yours.
There’s a lot that goes into a kitchen design, from the electrical outlets to the placement of cabinets. If you need help navigating all your design options, schedule an appointment at the Friel Kitchen & Bath Design Center. Our designers will help create a plan that transforms your kitchen. Once you’re ready to begin your project, visit Friel Lumber to pick out the perfect materials for your kitchen.
