Design Smart: Where to Start?

Be on the lookout for this new trend: oil rubbed bronze appliance replacing stainless steel.

When tackling any large scale project, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of choices and decisions. We often start with the things that are most exciting and leave our least favorite to the end. For some, this means being consumed by considering gorgeous flooring inlays, medallions, faux finishes, perhaps luxury technology options, wine rooms, outdoor living areas and the such.

The kitchen is an area that interests many for different reasons. From the value perspective, it is said that second to location, a home sells due to its kitchen and master bathroom. From a design perspective, kitchens have evolved from the dirty tucked away room adjacent but hidden from the living area to the main awe inspiring showcase of the home where we ooh and ah over professional appliances, creative backsplash details and gourmet gadgets. Of course from a lifestyle perspective, dare I say we all live in the kitchen? I think so.

I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate.

Julia Child

So does it make sense to start our design work in the kitchen? Yes, but for none of the reasons I mentioned above. Rather, the kitchen is the most active design space in the home. It is where you have the highest concentration of design elements: cabinets, countertops, backsplash, plumbing, flooring, sinks, appliances, lighting and accessories.

So where to start? I have simplified the order below to help with the process. Start with appliances and work down this list.

1. Appliances: with upscale kitchens, this is possibly the most expensive part of the kitchen, and of course, the most functional. Most builders nowadays include stainless steel as an included feature, some prefer white/black appliances due to concern for the appearance of streaks and fingerprints. Be on the lookout for bronze appliances, as I think this may possibly catch on as the next trend after we tire out of stainless steel. Although for most the choice will wither be stainless, black or white, custom home clients, may also consider French style porcelain enamel finishes that are available different colors.
2. Cabinets: they occupy the largest amount of real estate in the kitchen. Make your selections based on the space, use, and style. Remember you can always add hardware to enhance their appeal. But wait to make your selection until you are considering plumbing and lighting as well.
3. Countertops: they are highly visible and also you will be very conscious of them everyday. The options nowadays are endless. Most production/semi-custom builders will offer you a wide selection of granite, from basic colors to wild exotics. Custom home clients will have a wider range of options including marble, travertine, soapstone, butcher block, concrete, cooper, zinc, stainless steel and others depending on the creativity of the client and designer. The cabinets and countertops combined basically determine the style of the kitchen, and that of the home.
4. Flooring: Seems like most homes have either ceramic or porcelain tile in the kitchen areas. Although travertine and slate is popular, they are rather porous and may require additional care and maintenance. The color must coordinate, which does not necessarily mean match with the other elements. Hardwoods are also widely used.
5. Plumbing/Lighting/Hardware: Style is important, although color is perhaps more. Think of groupings. As long as you use repetition through grouping style, design and color, you will create a visually coherent space.  For example, if your plumbing is stainless to match with appliances, hardware can be bronze as long as it matching with lighting or any other accessory.
   

   A mini subway tile slate backsplash ties in greens from the granite, warm mid tones from the cherry cabinetry, and neutral browns tying in with the porcelain tile flooring.

6. Backsplash: I always recommend doing the backsplash last. With thousands of options available, it gives design an opportunity to pick an element from all of the above and tie them all in. Whether we use inserts, medallions, or just a simple tiled backsplash, texture, color and decorative additions must somehow relate to all the selections. Most production builders will have tile, travertine and slate as field tile options, and granite ,metal, glass tile, and a myriad of listelles and medallions as decorative additions.Custom buyers have the ability to be more creative. Lately, I have seen tin, cooper, stainless steel, grass paper, and sealed cork and more.

Having finished the kitchen, it is safe to said that almost all major style and color selections will have been set. The rest of the decisions flow directly out of this, narrowing our choices to those that are aesthetically pleasing. After all, you would not put a gold tile next too cool tone carpet would you? If you answered yes, you need help of a professional.

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