As a designer who loves the creative outlet of cooking as well as designing kitchens for clients, I found this top ten list to share.  What does it take to create a dream kitchen? One that’s beautifully designed, high functioning and best of all, accessible for every home cook and every budget?

Photo courtesy of PointClickHome

The Art Institutes recently posed this scenario to several of its top interior design faculty and chef instructors, challenging each group of experts to come up with a top-ten list of “must haves,” either for a new or renovated kitchen. It turns out that chefs and interior designers share priorities about kitchen design essentials. To end up with a great kitchen on any budget, the experts encourage  consulting a professional.

According to Chef Chris Lauderdale of The Art Institute of California-Orange County, “It’s not the money a homeowner spends on a renovation, or a brand new kitchen. It’s the thought and planning that goes on before.”

From The Art Institutes Interior Design faculty:

10. Walls and ceiling finish
9. Quality and craft of floor finish
8. Quality plumbing
7. Proper circuit isolation for electrical
6. Configuration of room
5. Natural light
4. Indirect light
3. Task light
2. Quality countertop material
1. Triangulation of work area (cook surface, refrigerator, sink)

From The Art Institutes Culinary Arts Program faculty:

10. Adequate storage for cooking equipment
9. Adequate number of electrical outlets
8. Height of counters
7. Amount of counter space
6. Countertop material
5. Quality cabinetry
4. Ventilation
3. Waste container placement
2. Work surface lighting
1. Triangulation of stove, refrigerator and sink.

When you add color to your kitchen, you add your personality.  In  my Seattle interior design practice, I see color infused with tile, counter materials, tableware, fabrics and, of course, paint. So how to determine where to start and what color to place where? It all begins with a plan and knowing what color appeals to you.  Look around your home and you see how other color selections guide you to choose one for the kitchen. Find more ideas here.  

“Color is all about personality,” says Melissa Smith, certified kitchen designer (CKD) and member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. “Some people may flourish in a calm, relaxing setting, and others may want stimulation. The most important thing is not to be intimidated. Pick colors you love, colors that make you feel good.”

Purple Kitchen from Sunset Magazine

Image courtesy of jogjatec

Ideas to Consider

• Accent an area using color:  Use color on the island but leave the perimeter neutral.
• Any style can add color:  Whether stainless steel or natural wood, use tableware, napkins and window treatments for color accent.
• Balance strong,vivid color with neutrals: Bright walls = neutral cabinets and counters.
• Use tile in a custom pattern: Tile patterns seem like wallpaper on the backsplash.  Consider the scale of the pattern just like a wallpaper.
• Accessories brighten up islands and counters: Vases, jugs, platters in solid or patterned colors punch up the kitchen.

 $50 for a Fast Solution

If you’re not ready for a major kitchen remodel but want some quick, inexpensive updates, here are five to consider.

• Replace cabinet doors rather than all the cabinets.  Easily done in one day and for significantly less money.

Replacement kitchen doors

• Replace hardware. Gold- and brass-finished knobs and handles of the ’70s are out; polished chrome, brushed nickel and pewter are in. You can update a kitchen in two to three hours by spending as little as $200, depending on style and finish.

Cabinet hardware

• Change the lighting.  Add recessed lighting;swap out an outdated hanging fixture for a new one; install undercabinet lights above the counter. It should cost only a few to have a licensed electrician add some brightness to the room.

Add undercabinet lights

• Add a backsplash. Many different styles and materials, including glass, porcelain and marble, are available at reasonable prices. To learn how to craft a tile backsplash, visit a big box store or search for a video at UTube.

Backsplash tile

• Try a fresh coat of paint. A new color can give a kitchen an entirely different look. If the walls have taken a beating from smoke and cooking grease, just adding a fresh coat of your current paint can help improve the space.

Fresh color in the kitchen