It’s no secret that a cluttered room leads to a cluttered mind. But it’s more than just clutter-
shea McGee, the queen of interior design and home renovation, believes that order and beauty together create a productive environment.
This belief drives the investment, energy, and planning we put into the renovation process.
There is nothing quite like transforming a room into a space you’re genuinely excited to spend time in.
As you inch closer to your dream kitchen, consider these steps to streamline the process.
- LIFESTYLE & FUNCTIONALITY
The main importance of a kitchen is the function that it serves. Begin by considering how your kitchen can best serve your lifestyle.
Are you the family member who hosts large gatherings every year for the Holidays?
Or are you a corporate lawyer who rarely spends any time in the kitchen, aside from whipping up the odd breakfast smoothie before heading to the office?
Maybe your favorite pastime is baking, and you need plenty of counter space to make your beloved blueberry pies or lemon tarts.
On the flip side, perhaps your kitchen table doubles as a homework station for your kids.
Try to be realistic in determining what you will need most from your space.
- DEALBREAKERS
List your must-have appliances. Is a dishwasher essential? How about an extra refrigerator to keep up with the appetites of your three growing boys? Maybe an oven pot filler or a dedicated coffee/matcha station is non-negotiable.
- CHOOSE A THEME
Some deeply care about the resale value of their home. For such individuals, they might lean towards a modern kitchen that will be well-liked by future buyers. Others will prioritize a more personal theme; perhaps they’ve dreamt of an English countryside-themed kitchen, with wooden chairs, gingham napkins, and a large farmhouse sink.
If, as you read this, no theme comes to mind, create a Pinterest board or flip through a coffee table
Book and prepare to be inspired. You should style your dream kitchen with your long-term intentions. Ideally, picking a design that is true to YOU and not to a particular trend. Plus, with the amount of energy, time, and budget allocated, trust us, you won’t want to do another renovation again any time soon.
- MATERIALS
Choosing the right materials can make or break your kitchen. The materials should combine practicality and aesthetics, or else, you are not going to want to spend time in the kitchen, let alone cook in it.
Countertops
- In a small kitchen with little prep space, butcher block countertops may be the most practical. For others, a scratch and acid-resistant material like Quartzite may be more beneficial.
Flooring
- Tile will be easier to clean than hardwood in a busy, spill-proof kitchen.
Detailing
- When it comes to cabinetry, you can never go wrong with a classic inset door and a painted finish or wood stain. Plus, the combination of a unique backsplash and the right hardware can bring sophistication to an otherwise plain kitchen.
- FLOOR PLANS
If you’re on a budget, sketch out your vision. Measure your space and draw up a floor plan yourself to cut costs. Tools that can help with this process include Kitchen Planning.net, a free 3D online software to map out your kitchen, as well as I apps like Renovate AI and Remodel AI that help visualize renovations.
- Convenience
It wouldn’t be a blog written in 2024 if we didn’t include some form of tech, right? Samsung released a new line of “Bespoke” fridges that offer touchscreen capabilities, allowing you to pull up recipes on your fridge screen or check the contents of your fridge remotely more unproductive grocery trips. While this isn’t sponsored, it’s worth considering how smart devices can enhance your kitchen’s convenience.
- Accessorize
Even if you are working with a small space, you’d be surprised what a simple ceramic pitcher and classy tea towel can do to spruce up your kitchen.
Jackie Marson | Contributing Writer
