Food & Fun

In today’s post, Allison shares tasty tips for creating a dream kitchen. Take inspiration from the existing interior spaces. Also consider functional details, such as lighting, appliances, and proven kitchen guidelines from NKAB, the National Kitchen & Bath experts.

Mood

The Coastal Modern design continues in the kitchen, with sleek flat panel doors and a bright, warm vibe that recalls it’s beach location. I recommend using neutrals-wood, white, black, and grey for permanent features, such as flooring, cabinets, counters, and tile. Add personality and color to your space with textiles and accessories. The color palette-white, blue, and coral can be brought into the kitchen with upholstered counter stools and kitchen towels, as well as, pottery for kitchen utensils. Don’t forget to add a pretty pot with your favorite herbs. All these functional accessories will help connect your spaces and create interesting vignettes. To learn more about creating the perfect mood in your space visit https://majesticmeadows.blog/2021/07/25/develop-your-design-eye/

Additional design choices include, a warm white paint-Solid Opal from Benjamin Moore and Lifeproof Dusk Cherry LVP floors from Home Depot. Finally, the homeowners want a beautiful kitchen that is easy to clean. Choosing the right fixtures will help the kitchen stay beautiful over a lifetime.

Countertops

The homeowners chose Cambria Quartz countertops because of it’s beautiful design and proven durability. Quartz is one of the hardest minerals on Earth. Because of its strength and abundance, quartz is a popular and reliable choice for countertops. Quartz countertops are sometimes referred to as “engineered” or “man-made,” but quartz is in fact a natural stone. The amount of natural quartz in a slab depends on the quartz manufacturer. Cambria is among the highest concentration of pure quartz to ensure strong, compact slabs.

Quartz Pros and Cons

With quartz countertops, the pros outweigh the cons.

• One of the main benefits of quartz countertops is that they are extremely durable.
• Quartz countertops never have to be sealed, unlike granite, marble, and other surfaces that require regular maintenance.
• Quartz countertops are also nonabsorbent, so they resist staining and don’t harbor harmful bacteria.
• Homeowners and designers also turn to quartz for its versatile and beautiful designs, colors, and patterns.
• Quartz countertops are scratch resistant, but due to their hardness they may dull a knife that is used directly on the surface.
• Like all natural stone countertops, quartz can be damaged by sudden changes in temperature. Pot holders and trivets should be used to protect a quartz countertop from anything hot.
• Though quartz countertops are not approved for outdoor use, quartz may be used in outdoor kitchens with full overhead coverage from the elements.

Superior Performance

Here are the final two countertop choices, both beautiful and starkly different. One black and the other white. I have a favorite, but which one do you prefer?

Tile Backsplash

There are many backsplash options, including pricey quartz, tile or affordable washable wallpaper. Find over 50 great choices here https://kitchencabinetkings.com/ideas/kitchen-backsplash/.

Which of the tile backsplashes below would you choose for a Coastal Modern mood? Follow below to find out client’s choice in the upcoming kitchen REVEAL post.

Cabinets

Whether you are choosing closed storage or a mix of closed and open shelving, it is important to consider the 2:8 Storage Principle by storage expert Lu Wei. The idea suggests that visual “noise” of a home can be minimized by putting away 80 percent of your things and leaving only 20 percent on view. Use this principle throughout your house to find the right balance between closed and open storage.

In the Coastal Modern kitchen, the flat panel, glossy white cabinets will reflect light and ensure the space reflects a modern vibe. The addition of the flat panel wood cabinets near the range and on the island adds depth and warmth to the space. The flat panel doors are easy to clean and the wood near the stove will disguise any splatters until the next cleaning. Internal sliding drawers make everything easily accessible by simply pulling out the drawer. The kitchen remodel and cabinets have been installed by Bella Casa Kitchens and Baths https://bellacasakitchenbath.com/contact/.

Lighting-Recessed, Pendants, and Under Counter

Proper lighting is critical for a functional kitchen, but it can also create an interesting visual effect and mood. Good lighting should be more than attractive, it should also highlight special features in your home. Using lamps to create light and shade in an interior allows you to accentuate and emphasize different parts of the room. Or you can use lighting to hide areas and create illusions that make the eye focus on where you want it to go. When creating a lighting plan, ask yourself these three questions:

• Which parts of the room need stronger lighting?
• What kind of lighting do you need-Indirect or Diffused?
• What type of lighting is already in the room?

Lighting experts use the 5-7 Rule, which recommends at least five different light sources per room. Ideally, each room should have at least one light in each of the following categories:

• General Lighting-A ceiling light that spreads ambient light over the whole room.
• Task Lighting-A reading lamp or under cabinet lighting for a kitchen.
• Spot Lighting-Accent lighting or spotlights for artwork, bookcases, or shadow play on a wall.
• Atmospheric/Decorative Lighting-Mood lighting that is dimmable.

The homeowners chose non-glare lighting options that look beautiful, but are also kind to the eye. Recessed lights will provide general, ambient lighting and undercabinet lighting will provide task lighting in the kitchen. The large Reese Pendants by Mitzi will provide attractive, diffused light over the island. Dimmers are being added to the recessed lights in the kitchen. To learn more about lighting visit https://majesticmeadows.blog/2021/07/26/hit-the-lights/.

Appliances

If you are on Facebook, I suggest joining the Ask Al, The Appliance Guy Facebook Group to help you make the best decision for your kitchen appliances. You can ask Al questions, search the group for specific inquiries and learn what other appliance buyers think about an appliance brand you are considering. Although, big box stores have many choices, staff experience can be limited, so before making your final appliance purchase, I recommend visiting a local appliance store.

To get excellent advice and service locally, visit Rosner’s in West Palm Beach. Finding an experienced person is critical, as many appliances, along with other products are on back-order for up to several months due to the Covid19 Pandemic. Our Rosner’s representative helped us choose mid-range appliances that would be available in time for our remodel, including a induction stove. Our research showed induction cooktops were superior to gas and electric due to the fast heat time, easy clean up and virtually zero air pollution.

Professional Kitchen Layout Tips from NKBA

The flow between kitchen work zones should be unobstructed and provide easy movement between the refrigerator/pantry, sink, and range. Go beyond the basic kitchen triangle with professional advice from NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) by visiting https://majesticmeadows.blog/2020/12/03/dream-kitchen-layout.

Acoustics in a Open Floorplan

A final note about today’s open floorplans-acoustics can be challenging in an open space. Add plenty of textiles-upholstered furniture, rugs, throws, and pillows to help absorb sounds. You can also use shelves filled with books and plants to improve your room’s acoustics. As you can see from the picture below, opening the wall between the kitchen, dining and living rooms brought lots of natural light. The lighting from AllModern looks stunning in the living and dining rooms, plus they are both on dimmers.

Share your favorite kitchen ideas or tips in the comments and be sure to like and share this post with your contacts. To ensure you never miss a new interior design post, be sure to subscribe below.