Decisions to renovate your kitchen or focus on the features in the kitchen in your custom home are often complex. There are many options available, and deciding how to make best use of the space while creating a room that is visually appealing involves analyzing your budget and understanding your options. There are few things that should always be considered when building a custom kitchen. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Layout

The layout of your kitchen impacts how you use the space. It is always important to consider placement of things like the stove and sink, refrigerator and counter space for prep when designing the room. Layout can vary from home to home depending on if your kitchen is open concept, galley style or some other design. If you’re building, it’s a good idea to work with a professional general contractor to design the layout of your kitchen so that it best suits your lifestyle needs.

Features

Every kitchen offers features for things like preparing food, dining and entertaining. Each feature adds a certain amount of cost to the renovation budget, so it’s a good idea to prioritize the features that are important to you to keep your budget in check. For instance, if you love to bake, a high end range and oven likely hold value. If you enjoy entertaining, adding a large center island to your kitchen gives guests a place to gather while you prepare meals. If you have a large family, a refrigerator with extra freezer space and advanced technology might be on your wishlist. Know how you plan to use your space, and then decide on features based on meeting those needs.

Photo by Alair Homes West Vancouver / North VancouverBrowse kitchen photos

Lighting

A kitchen is more enjoyable to spend time in if it’s light and airy. To create a space that feels bright, making adding proper lighting a part of your plan. This can be accomplished in several ways. Large windows incorporated into the floorplan help to make the space feel brighter. If windows won’t fit into the plan, using pendant lights, overhead lighting and even under mounted lighting are other great solutions.

Storage

In any kitchen, storage must be a priority. While most clients think of more traditional custom cabinetry when they think of storage, this isn’t the only option. Open shelving, a hanging rack over the oven or even oversized window sills offer options for more storage too. Combining all of these elements can help you create a unique space, and one that is easier to cook and entertain in because the things you need are close at hand.

Designing your perfect kitchen requires thought, planning and a certain level of focus on your budget. Alair Homes North Vancouver is here to help make that process easier. Contact us to discuss your dream kitchen and schedule a complimentary, no obligation consultation.