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Part 3 - New Homes and Additions Offer Blank Slate for Kitchen Design
Dec 28, 2020 Featured, Design Build

Part 3 - New Homes and Additions Offer Blank Slate for Kitchen Design

In the last few months, we have shared trends about refreshing and remodeling residential kitchens. Our series concludes with ideas about creating new kitchens when you are building a new home or addition. 

There’s nothing like a fresh, blank slate to design the kitchen of your dreams.  Whether it’s through new home construction or putting on an addition, a new kitchen is a remarkable opportunity to shine the spotlight on the heart of your home. New kitchen design is one of our favorite kinds of projects at Sensory Six. 

We collaborate with other talented experts to help make dream kitchens become reality. For example, Sensory Six is responsible for the design and relies on KBC Design Studio to be the kitchen cabinet experts. They do the technical kitchen layouts of the design with the actual cabinetry line chosen. We’ve asked Christina Feldman and Andrew Hazelton from KBC to join us in sharing their perspectives for this article. 

 

Getting the Most for Your Money

Kitchens are generally the most expensive room in the house. New kitchens can begin at $50,000 and run into the hundred of thousands.  For example, Christina recently installed cabinets that cost more than $98,000.  Because of the expense and need for precision, there is little room for error when it comes to designing and building out kitchens.

That’s why your designer works closely with the architect to determine the shape and dimensions of the kitchen, window placement, load bearing walls, and other variables. During this phase, adjustments are made to improve the actual kitchen design with a focus on flow and functionality. 

Since the designer knows in detail how you will be using your kitchen as well as your aesthetic preferences, this phase is crucial in order to minimize changes during build-out.  For example, this is the time when windows may be added or moved; plumbing, electrical and HVAC placement is specified; and the size and shape of the space can be altered. By doing this work upfront, installment goes smoother and costs are more accurate.

Since budget requirements are an integral part of a project, expert advice prevents compromises on quality and functionality.  For example, Christina often recommends moving up to a semi-customized line instead of adding features to a standard line cabinetry. This can get you move value for your money. Additionally, specifying wood veneer panels instead solid wood cabinetry can save considerable money without compromising quality or aesthetics.

 

 

Trends in New Kitchens

New kitchens today are generally bigger and more open than in the past.  Higher ceilings give a feeling of airiness, and more and larger windows allow in natural light.  Clutter is minimized with appliances hidden out of sight in pantries, islands, and specialized cabinets.

As compared to new construction, designing for additions can be more complicated since you need to mesh it with the flavor of the existing house. For example, if your home is contemporary, adding a desired Tuscan-style kitchen may present challenges. Additionally, flooring choices become very important since you want a look that flows with the rest of the house.

 

 

Another trend in new kitchens is design for aging in place.  For example, cabinets can be placed so people don’t need to reach above their heads. Adjustable shelves can provide flexible access.  Floors and countertops can use different colors to combat vision issues. Countertops can be designed at different heights to allow for wheelchairs and easier use.

Finally, health, safety and ecofriendly features are in strong demand for new kitchens. More natural elements like live edge floating shelves and countertops bring the outside indoors. Herb gardens are being incorporated into islands Renewable resources like bamboo and cork are finding their way into cabinetry and flooring. Chemicals are being removed from glues and paints. Designers are specifying manufacturers who have zero waste. LED lighting, automatic faucets, energy-efficient appliances, and smart home apps are additional ways to be more ecofriendly. 

 

 

 We are Here to Help

Sensory Six is here to help. We offer expert advice, provide great designs, and have strong supplier and contractor relationships to create the new kitchen of your dreams.  Give us a call.

 

Photos:

https://design-milk.com/come-chat-with-us-brizo-about-personalized-kitchen-design-on-twitter/odin-kitchen-collection-brizo-twitter-chat/

http://whittneyparkinsondesign.com/

http://amberinteriordesign.com/project/client-bu-round-two/

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