As a designer, I encourage clients to bright, safe, functional and sustainable kitchens.
When planning a kitchen, creating a functionality list is not only helpful but essential. How many members of the house use it, if at all? And for what purpose(s)? And yes sometimes I take into account answers that disclose using the oven as shoe storage :).
Is it just for dinners and weekend meals? Or is it the center of activity? Multi functional? Pets? Kids etc..
As a couple, we love to cook together, entertain, and experiment with our culinary skills. I am a sucker for gadgets, tools and appliances, that add to this experience. These factors and more influence the design of my kitchen.
Some of the points on my list for a kitchen are: it needs to be an organized, equipped, functional, bright and modern space. A space that inspires creativity, entertaining, recycling (compost and glass bottles) and health.
I need lots of storage space. For all daily and occasional china, beverage crystal and daily glasswares, pots and pans, appliances, and a decent sized work counter. I love to add life by keeping some of my herbs in the kitchen. Having fresh herbs handy encourages me to use them more in my cooking.
I would also love to walk out to a garden or comfy lounge seats from my kitchen. See image# 9 & 11.
So enough about my kitchen.
What’s in your kitchen? The one you have, the one you would like to have? What is important to you in kitchens? I would love to hear about your kitchen concerns.
Meanwhile, take a look at some of these for inspiration. Some of these are potential options for our new space. The search for which is still ongoing..
I am starting with Ikea. They recently released their 2009 catalog and it looks very promising. I visited their store in Woodbridge, VA to look at offerings in kitchens. Their collections let you play with so many options as well as mix and match to suit your style and budget.
Have any of you used Ikea’s kitchen installation services? What would you say about their expertise and timelines?
images courtesy of Ikea.com
And if you have deeper pockets, and want an upscale, cutting edge, and the very best in quality, I recommend the God of kitchen design – Poggen Pohl.
I went to one of their showrooms in Manhattan with my interior design sourcing class (NYU). We all fellin love with each display. The finish and design are exceptional.
Poggenpohl is the innovative designer kitchen “made in Germany”, synonymous with international luxury and representing top aesthetic and technical quality. The feeling of owning a Poggenpohl kitchen belongs to style-conscious individuals who “know what counts”. In over 60 countries across the globe.
And finally feast your eyes on these gorgeous kitchens by Snaidero – Italian kitchen designers.
Change your mind about take-away yet?
Contents of my kitchen: Table, chair, empty bowl, spoon, and a box of cereal.
My kitchen is inspired by my love of arts and crafts. I have square sided glass canisters containing dried legumes, lentils and grains displayed and convenient for regular use. Pretty and practical.
I like Lighter colours on kitchen – for both walls and units. It’s more naturally and make kitchen appear bigger and brighter. Have found some tips about choosing dining table, kitchen decor, sofa for kitchen and other thing on mydeco.com, designer community.
I am doing my kitchen right now and oh!it is a dream come true… Giving the space I have, I am trying to use every corner of it and make it functional. I go with classic and simple contemporary style. I had to make choices that fit my budget, so I picked maple painted cabinets in oyster for the top and espresso for the bottom and the floor to ceiling pantry. I love the bold mix of the two (think Oreo cookie), it feels like your SINTESI image-they came out beautifully! Maple/Birch wood floors, stainless steel appliances. I am waiting for the granite- I can’t wait to be done!
Great post, thank you for the inspiration!