Researching kitchen design is an essential step in creating the perfect space for your home. Designing or renovating a kitchen can be a daunting task, especially when you don’t know where to start. However, researching and planning are the keys to achieving the desired look and functionality for your space. By conducting thorough research, you can gather inspiration, learn about different features, and understand any codes or regulations that may impact your design choices. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of researching kitchen design, ensuring you have all the information you need to create your dream kitchen. This research process is where you imagine your perfect kitchen- this part is supposed to be fun!
Find Inspirational Images
One of the best ways to get started on your kitchen design research is by searching for inspirational images. The internet is a treasure trove of kitchen design ideas, and there are several platforms you can utilize for this purpose.
Web Searches
Conducting web searches using keywords like “kitchen design ideas” or “modern kitchen designs” can yield a wealth of images and articles that can inspire your own design. Websites dedicated to home decor and architectural designs will likely offer galleries or articles that can guide and inspire your choices, sites like Homes & Gardens and Architectural Digest have galleries dedicated to kitchen designs that cater to various tastes and styles. Take the time to explore various design styles and elements that catch your eye.
Pinterest is a popular platform for finding and collecting visual inspiration. Users can search for specific styles, themes, or elements and “pin” these images to boards for later viewing. It’s like having a digital scrapbook of all your favorite designs, and the platform’s algorithm will suggest similar pins to help broaden your search. This platform allows for the exploration of various styles, from contemporary to traditional, and everything in between. You can also follow design influencers or professionals for more curated content and narrow down your search based on specific criteria. Create a board dedicated to kitchen design and start saving images that resonate with you.
Houzz
Houzz is another fantastic platform specifically focused on home design and remodeling. Not only does it provide images for inspiration, but it also offers a platform for professionals. You can find photos by room, style, and location, and even shop for products. The site also provides an opportunity for homeowners to discuss their renovation experiences and offer advice. You can browse through an extensive collection of kitchen photos, filters by style, budget, and other options, and even connect with professionals who can assist with your project.
Magazines
Don’t underestimate the power of old-fashioned print, though we live in a digital age, there’s still something to be said for flipping through a glossy magazine. Home design magazines often feature stunning kitchen layouts and provide valuable insights into the latest trends and innovative design ideas. Publications like Better Homes & Gardens, Kitchen Trends, or Country Living often feature kitchen makeovers and designs that can spark ideas for your space. They give expert opinions, emerging trends, and detailed breakdowns of specific designs, providing a deeper understanding of what goes into creating a beautiful kitchen. Collecting tear sheets and creating an inspiration scrapbook can be a helpful way to gather and reference ideas throughout the design process.
Visit Local Showrooms
To get a real sense of kitchen design possibilities and see different materials and finishes up close, consider visiting local showrooms. There’s something to be said about the tangible experience of walking through a designed space.
Home Improvement Stores
Stores like Lowes, Home Depot, and Menards often have kitchen displays that showcase different cabinet styles, countertops, and appliances. These displays can give you a tangible sense of how different materials and colors work together and help you visualize how they might look in your own space. They often have consultants available to answer questions and provide guidance, these staff members are usually well-versed in design principles and can offer valuable insights.
Cabinet Manufacturers
Visiting a cabinet manufacturer’s showroom will give you a detailed look at various cabinet designs and functionalities. It’s a great way to understand the quality of materials and see newer trends or innovative storage solutions in the market. It gives you a sense of the craftsmanship, quality, and potential customizations available. You can see different finishes, hardware, and design elements that may not be available through standard retail outlets.
Consider Known or Heard of Items
Before diving into the research process, consider any known or heard-of elements that you want to include or avoid in your kitchen design. These could be features you’ve come across in other kitchens or preferences you’ve developed over time. Make a list of these preferences and communicate them to your designer or contractor, so they can be considered and incorporated into the design where applicable.
Just one example of this not that well known might be toe kick drawers. You can maximize storage by utilizing the space below your cabinets in the toe kick area. These hidden drawers are great for stashing away less frequently used items, keeping your kitchen clutter-free and increasing your overall storage space.
Another example of a feature commonly seen in kitchen images is open shelving in place of the upper cabinets. Open shelving can be aesthetically pleasing, offering a space to showcase beautiful dishes and decor. However, they can also be dust magnets. If easy maintenance is a priority, this might be a feature to skip.
Discover Previously Unknown Items or Features
One of the benefits of thorough research is the potential to discover previously unknown items or features that can enhance your kitchen design. By staying informed and exploring different resources, you can uncover these hidden gems and incorporate them into your kitchen design, elevating its functionality and aesthetic appeal. There are a vast number of ideas and products that even professional designers may not be aware of, researching these things yourself will assure you are including everything your kitchen requires. The following are just a few examples of an infinite number of ideas.
Lighting inside of cabinets that turn on when the door is opened can provide enhanced visibility and add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen design. This feature is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, especially in deep cabinets or corners where light doesn’t reach easily. This feature can help you find items in the back without fumbling around.
Step stools integrated into the toe kick space are another innovative feature that can make accessing high shelves or cabinets a breeze. It’s a nifty feature that ensures you utilize all the space in your cabinets without needing a separate stool occupying space elsewhere in your kitchen.
Understand Codes and Regulations
Lastly, it’s important to consider any applicable codes or regulations that may impact your kitchen design. Adhering to local codes is crucial for safety and resale value. While a professional contractor should be knowledgeable about these requirements, it’s always good to do your own research as well. If you are designing a kitchen in a rural area more than likely you will not have a building inspector reviewing the work, however in an urban setting this is almost guaranteed. It is a good idea to at least be aware of the codes that govern your area no matter where you are located.
Start by getting a list of codes specific to your area from your local building department. Different areas might have specific building codes related to kitchen design. Local building departments or government websites usually provide this information. These codes can cover aspects like electrical wiring, plumbing, ventilation, and other safety standards. It’s essential to be aware of these to avoid costly or irreversible mistakes.
For example, you might need to ensure that your kitchen has proper ventilation, such as an exhaust hood, to comply with local building codes. Depending on where you live, having an exhaust hood might be more than just a design choice—it could be a requirement. Such features ensure that smoke, odors, and moisture are efficiently vented outside. Understanding and meeting these requirements is crucial for a successful and safe kitchen design.
If you are planning a DIY remodeling project, it’s especially important to consult with a building inspector (if there is one for your particular area). They can provide guidance on the specific codes and regulations that apply to your project and help ensure that everything is done correctly. They can also clarify which permits you need, offer guidelines on specific installations, and provide inspections to ensure your kitchen is up to code.
Conclusion
Researching kitchen design is an essential step in creating a functional and beautiful space. This research might seem overwhelming at first, but by following the steps above, you can gather a plethora of information and ideas. By looking for inspirational images, visiting showrooms, considering known preferences, discovering new features, and understanding codes and regulations, you can make informed decisions and create a kitchen that meets your needs and preferences. Whether you choose to hire a professional or take on the project yourself, being knowledgeable about kitchen design will help ensure the success of your project. The key is to blend functionality with aesthetics to create a kitchen that suits your lifestyle and tastes. Remember, the kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, so invest time in research to make it a space you’ll love for years to come.
