Designing Kitchens With Functionality In Mind

As I mentioned in a prior blog, kitchens have a great return on investment. Designing a kitchen with functionality should be at the top of your list. Consider what your cooking habits are and what your lifestyle demands. It is true that the decorative aspect is important, since you spend a good part of your life in the kitchen entertaining. However, it is in the finer details, such as faucets, storage and sinks that you need to put some thought into. These are only a few of the products that I will touch upon today.

 

Faucets: Consider what items you will be washing, filling up (as in pots), whether you want a separate sprayer or one included in the nozzle. Do you want a separate hot and cold handle or just a single? Will you want a soap dispenser to match?

Take a peak at these next few faucets. You may just find one and fall in love.

photo via Pinterest

Imagine walking into a kitchen and having this Vuelo Kitchen Faucet by Brizo be an amazing focal point. It boasts elegance and style along with it’s ease of function.

photo via www.Blancoamerica.com

This beautiful (Grace) faucet by Blanco is so beautiful and exudes traditional style at it’s best. The sprayer is included in the nozzle it minimizes what is going on around the sink.

photo via pinterest

If you are loving technology and something unique, this LED lighted faucet by (not sure on the manufacturer but will try to obtain that info) may just be what you long for.

Storage: It seems you can never have enough storage when it comes to a kitchen, am I right? Here are a few storage ideas that I found to be very helpful to my clients when designing a kitchen for them.

photo via link

I love this refrigerator drawer concept. If you have young children or even entertain often, this is a must. I have a little one at home, who constantly wants a snack… this functional appliance allows her to help herself. If you don’t have small children, it is great to use as a drink drawer. How genius is this concept? Your guests don’t have to see the mess behind the doors of your refrigerator.

photo via link

Above, Plain and Fancy cabinetry displays a refrigerator drawer that is is disguised as part of the cabinetry.

picture via Houzz

A cabinet just to store your daily appliances. I like that the appliance garage is hidden when not in use, accessible when needed with the slide back doors and drawers for coffee, tea, travelers mugs or whatever you need hidden away. This lucky couple in Bloomfield Hills had Main Street Design build this cabinet to serve their needs.

Photo via BHG

Don’t forget those small details. Spices that are often used should have a home of their own. Have your spices hidden away in a cool, dry, dark place that is easily accessible when needed.

photo via link

Your counter tops can easily get a cluttered look with a few appliances on top of them. Hide coffee machines away with an appliance garage or closing cabinet and hide mixers in a lower cabinet with an appliance lift.

photo via Bing

We’ve hit upon a few details in the kitchen that make it super functional as well as organized. Lastly, we’ll touch upon sinks…

Sinks: A sink should be extremely durable material that won’t show stains, scratches or nicks. You need to consider whether a double bowl or single suits your lifestyle. Size does matter if you plan on washing a lot of dishes by hand or need a larger bowl for bathing small dogs, babies or whatever.

photo via link

We are aware of the standard stainless steel bowl but have you been introduced to Silgranite? This sink is produced by Blanco and is “ultra-durable and cleanable with a surface made of 80% rock-hard granite. SILGRANIT II resists scratches, stains and heat.” Impressive durability and pretty, am I right? Did I mention it comes in 28 colors?

OK, I think we have hit on a few details of the functionality of a kitchen, including a brief introduction to a non-stainless steel sink.

I hope this blog gave you pause and some consideration in designing your own kitchen and it’s functionality. Should you need any assistance in finding materials, products, designing or remodeling your kitchen, contact Melanie Langford, Lead Interior Designer of All About Interiors.

Unfortunately, none of these lovely images you see here are mine. I do not take ownership of anything unless otherwise noted. This is an inspiration and informational blog for personal use only. Please see links below the image to take you to the source in which I found it and for credit. If you own any image you see on here and do not approve, please let me know and I will be happy to remove/accommodate. Enjoy & thank you.