Kitchens are the focal point of many homes. They serve as gathering places for family and friends, are a big selling point to would-be homeowners and are an essential part of everyday life.
Customizing your kitchen is the best way to make it a place that you love for years to come. Here are some of our top tips for designing custom kitchens Adelaide.
Cabinets
Cabinets are an important part of kitchen design, adding storage and visual interest. They can be customized with special constructions and features that make a difference in kitchen functionality.
Louvred cabinet doors, which feature horizontal wood slats, add texture and warmth to kitchen walls while also providing ventilation — helpful for storing vegetables or other produce. Glass front cabinets provide an open, modern aesthetic while still displaying decorative dishes or other accents.
Consider lining your upper cabinets with a chalkboard, whiteboard or bulletin board to create a spot for jotting down shopping lists and to-do items. Store a calendar, notebook or writing utensils in a convenient location as well. And be sure to plan for ample electrical outlets throughout the room. It is especially important for locating outlets near the countertops where you’ll use small appliances like coffee pots, toaster ovens and blenders.
Countertops
Countertops are one of the most important elements in a custom kitchen design. They’re where people cook, eat, and work, so they need to be both functional and attractive.
While many different colours and materials are available, it’s best to stick with traditional options for countertops that will look good for years. Trendy designs may fade quickly and make your kitchen look dated.
For durable, stylish countertops that are also easy to maintain, quartz is the top choice. This material is highly scratch-resistant and heat-resistant, as well as impervious to stains and scratches. Granite is another popular option for custom kitchens Adelaide, but it can be prone to damage from acidic foods and drinks.
Appliances
Your kitchen appliances are a key piece of your custom kitchen design. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so make sure to consider how you use them in day-to-day life when making decisions.
For example, it’s a good idea to keep coffee mugs, coffee grounds and all of your other morning necessities near the coffee machine to make your groggy self’s job easier. Similarly, you’ll save time by keeping plastic wraps and food storage bags in one place for easy access to wrapping leftovers.
Lighting
Lighting has an impact not only on the function of your kitchen but also its aesthetic. The type and layout of lights are crucial to ensuring your custom kitchen is both bright enough for tasks and warm enough to be inviting at night. Darker shades are great for cabinets, but make sure to balance them with lighter hues throughout the room.
For task lighting, recessed LED lights are an efficient and cost-effective option. Choose a trim kit for them that matches your kitchen’s style, from an adjustable gimbal to highlight a cabinet to a slotted one to accentuate a sculpture or artwork.
Islands
An island is one of the most popular and cost-effective kitchen upgrades, adding storage and counter space where you need it. When outfitted with the right fixtures and appliances, a custom island can become a focal point of the busiest room in the home.
Islands with seating can transform custom kitchens Adelaide into a gathering space where laughter and intimate conversation take place, family members visit, and meals are prepared. Including seating on the island is a smart way to make the most of an open-concept floor plan and create a seamless bridge between work zones and dining areas.
To accommodate seating, you may want to consider a deeper kitchen island or creating an overhang that’s suitable for bar-height stools.
Outlets
Having plenty of outlets in the kitchen is critical for your appliances and small tools. Having too few can be frustrating and cause issues with your workflow. Including additional outlets in the backsplash or on the island is one way to accommodate your needs. Hidden outlets are also becoming popular as people desire a cleaner look.
Another tip is to make sure you have proper storage for all of your things. Having everything in its place makes working in the kitchen much more enjoyable and helps you to stay organized. It includes having designated places for your trash can, a message centre, and a space to store your writing utensils.
It would be best if you also considered cabinet heights when planning your custom kitchens Adelaide. Having cabinets at a comfortable height will ensure you can reach the items you need. Adding extra shelving can also be an easy way to add more storage without losing any floor space.