Whether you’re renovating your current home or designing your dream home from scratch, the kitchen and bathroom are two of the most important rooms to get right. These spaces see a lot of use on a daily basis, so it’s important to create a layout and design that is both functional and stylish. In this article, we will discuss 10 tips for designing the perfect kitchen and bathroom!
#1 – Determine Your Needs
Knowing what you need and want can help you determine what kitchen and bath features are important to include when remodeling your space. Are you looking for more storage, a luxury kitchen sink, or maybe larger windows to bring in natural light? What materials do you consider non-negotiable, like kitchen counters or bathroom accents? Perhaps there is specialized equipment that needs to be taken into consideration as well, especially if someone with physical disabilities is in the house. Taking time to identify all these questions will ensure that all of your needs are being addressed during the remodeling process.
#2 – Plan Your Layout
When planning out the layout of your kitchen and bath, it’s important to think about creating an area that is both functional and efficient. Design your kitchen with the triangle in mind – have the fridge, stovetop, and sink within easy reach of one another – for maximum efficiency. And when it comes to bathrooms, think about how you can make use of space efficiently. If you’re looking for an entryway or “wet zone” include a built-in bench where you can easily put on or take off coats or shoes. When balanced with other design elements such as color and texture, you will get yourself a kitchen and bathroom that both look great, function well, and last for years to come.
#3 – Select Durable Materials
When selecting materials for kitchen and bath areas that will experience high use, you’ll want to focus on materials that are both durable and easy to maintain. Countertops take a lot of wear and tear year round, so it would be wise to invest in materials such as quartz or granite that are chip-resistant and have a higher heat tolerance compared to cheaper alternatives like ceramic tile. Similarly, if you’re looking for durable flooring options, hardwoods and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) will hold up better than softer flooring materials like carpet or bamboo. With advances in technology, LVTs are designed with textures and patterns to replicate stone or hardwood floors while offering exceptional durability. For kitchen and bath areas requiring quality materials that can stand the test of time, look no further than countertop surfaces such as quartz or granite as well as flooring choices outfitted with LVT technology.
#4 – Add Storage
Adding kitchen and bath storage is essential for both the functionality and aesthetics of your home. Storage solutions come in the form of cabinetry, drawers, shelves, pullouts and other organizational components that can be tailored to meet any kitchen or bathroom layout. Whether you’re looking for elegant, modern designs or efficient kitchen organization, kitchen and bath storage is a key component to ensure an orderly home. Aside from providing much needed storage space and orderliness, it can also add beauty with customized features like special finishes or decorative pull knobs. Keeping clutter out of sight will increase the value of your living space immensely!
#5 – Choose the Right Lighting
For any kitchen or bath to really shine, the right lighting is essential. When choosing a kitchen or bathroom lighting system, it’s important to consider task lighting for kitchen and bathroom tasks like chopping vegetables, shaving, and putting on makeup. Ambient lighting is great for overall illumination and can make the kitchen feel brighter in dull weather. Finally, the use of accent light can bring out the special features of your kitchen and bathroom by highlighting items like artwork or excellently designed countertops. With a combination of these lights you can make sure that your kitchen and bathroom are illuminated with purpose and clarity!
#6 – Incorporate Natural Elements
The kitchen and bath are both important spaces that require special attention when it comes to design. Incorporating natural elements such as plants, wood, and stone can add a homely touch to each space and provide different levels of warmth and texture. For instance, real or faux plants can be used in kitchen spaces for a bit of greenery, while wood countertops or backsplashes can provide a natural look that adds to the overall look of the kitchen. In bathrooms, smooth stones in the form of tiles are often favored to give subtle sophistication while adding personality and character at the same time. Adding nature’s elements into kitchen and bath decor is one way consumers can create beautiful lifestyles within their homes.
#7 – Think About Color
Color can be an excellent way to create a kitchen and bath that promotes unity and a welcoming atmosphere. Using color effectively allows you to craft a vibrant and cozy space. Choosing the right shades of paint, wallpaper or kitchen accessories can enhance the kitchen and bathroom’s aesthetic appeal while ensuring they remain unified in their overall design. Additionally, opting for combination of muted hues with brighter tones in kitchen appliances will make your kitchen set-up look stylishly coordinated. By carefully selecting colors that match the kitchen’s existing decor, homeowners can maintain a harmonious setting which will undoubtedly make anyone feel right at home.
#8 – Consider the Future
Taking the future into consideration is a savvy move when it comes to kitchen and bath design. Planning out with universal design elements in mind can make your space much more accessible for everyone. Universal design is about making kitchen and bath spaces usable for people of all ages, sizes, abilities and disabilities without having to make adjustments or additions down the line. Incorporating these elements from the start will give you that flexibility in the future so that anyone can comfortably use your kitchen and bath who comes into it. That makes creating a space enjoyable not only now, but far into the future as well.
#9 – Don’t forget the details
When designing kitchen and bath spaces, it is important to not get lost in the big picture. For example, hardware like handles and knobs can affect how a kitchen and bathroom looks and feels. A kitchen that has beautifully grained wood with classic hardware can look completely different with sleek chrome hardware. Accent items such as furniture and accessories can also have a large impact on an area. Adding a stylish kitchen island or small bench seating in the kitchen, or an accent wall of interesting tilework in the bathroom, for instance, can make a huge difference in the overall design of these important rooms. In other words, paying attention to the small details such as hardware, fixtures, and accessories can truly elicit grand-scale results when designing kitchen and bath spaces!
#10 – Work with a Professional
Working with a professional kitchen and bath designer or contractor is ideal for tackling any home improvement project. With years of experience in the industry, these experts are equipped to bring your vision of a perfect kitchen or bathroom to life. Even if you have your own ideas about what materials and furnishings should go into the space, consulting a professional can help ensure that the space remains both functional and beautiful. At the same time, designers and contractors can introduce you to the newest trends out there, so you never have to worry about your kitchen or bathroom going out of style.
Conclusion
Choosing the right kitchen and bathroom design can be tough, but with these ten tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the perfect space for you and your family. With a little planning and forethought, you can have the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams that is both functional and stylish. If you need help getting started, contact a professional kitchen or bath designer who can walk you through the process from start to finish.
