A Build for the Ages

Posted on: 16 July 2020

If you are designing a custom home, you get to design your kitchen. As you design your kitchen, you need to think through each element of the design process to create a custom kitchen that is functional and beautiful.

#1: Flooring

In your kitchen, you want to install flooring that is easy to clean and can take care of, but that can handle the heavy traffic levels that often flow through a kitchen. A great material to use for the flooring in your kitchen is hardwood or tile; both of these materials are strong, durable, and easy to take care of. There is also a lot of variety with hardwood and tile flooring, so you can choose the right color and tone for your kitchen.

#2: Electrical Outlets

As you design your kitchen, you need to think about electrical outlets. Electrical outlets will allow you to easily use your kitchen. Electrical outlets don't need to just be stuck on the wall. You can put the outlets under the kitchen island, inside of cupboards or drawers, or in your walk-in pantry. You should also put electrical outlets where you plan on using electrical appliances, like a drawer for charging phones and devices or outlets in your bread drawer where you keep your toaster.

#3: Appliances

When it comes to appliances, you need to choose where you want the appliances to go. Keep in mind that a custom kitchen doesn't have to be a gourmet kitchen. Choose appliances designs and styles that are functional and that will work with how you plan on using your kitchen. At the same time, this is a custom kitchen, so consider what special type of appliances you want to include in your kitchen. Do you want to have a wine cooler? Would a warming drawer make it easier to prepare meals for your family? Do you need a microwave? Choose the appliances you want in your kitchen, and plan where they would go.

#4: Cabinets and Drawers

The cabinets and drawers you choose for your kitchen will impact how you use your kitchen. As you choose the cabinets and drawers to your kitchen, think about the items you plan on filling your kitchen with. Would you like a pull-out spice rack? How about somewhere just for storing your slow cooker? Do you have a big collection of plates, bowls, and cups? As you design your custom kitchen, be sure to think about how functionally use your kitchen in the best way possible and add custom cabinets and drawers that will fulfill that purpose.

#5: Pantry

In almost every home, people wish that they had more storage. You can take care of that by including a pantry in your kitchen. Your pantry can be a big wall of cabinets, or it can be a small closet that opens up, or it can be a walk-in room where you hide food and kitchen tools. Be sure to consider the long-term usefulness of having a pantry.

#6: Lights

Finally, don't overlook the lights. You are going to want to layer your lights in your kitchen. You are going to want to have big, overhead lights, as well as more focused task lights, and perhaps even some dimmable mood lights for grabbing an evening snack in your kitchen. Layering the lights will help make your kitchen more functional.

For more information or assistance, contact local custom home builders.