7 Key Elements Designers Can't Help But Spot in Your Kitchen

We can all connect with number three.

The kitchen truly serves as the core of the house—and when this central part falters, everything else suffers. Interior designers understand this principle intimately since it is fundamentally their duty to craft areas that flourish. balance form and function in a manner that best suits those who use them.

Whether you’re about to gut your kitchen Or if you're just looking to revitalize it, remember these elements since they are the ones that catch a designer's eye right away.

Lighting

The impact of lighting on how we perceive things explains why this was such a prevalent answer. As Liz Williams, the founder of [the mentioned entity], points out, "Harsh kitchen lighting should be avoided." the interior design company named after her In Atlanta, Georgia, this approach is not advised. However, Laura Williams from ATX Interior Design in Austin, Texas, suggests using a combination of large pendant lights, wall sconces, ceiling-mounted recessed lighting, and table lamps for your countertops.

A suggestion from Bailey Ward, who founded the interior design company named after her In Atlanta, Georgia: "Install dimmer switches for all your kitchen lights enabling you to modify the illumination levels during different times of the day as natural light varies."

Finishes

Interior designers wouldn't pursue their work if they overlooked the details of your kitchen finishes. As Williams points out, it's not so much about individual preferences but rather ensuring all components harmonize well together. For instance, "Do the hues of the cabinets around the edges and those at the center align nicely with the tones of the countertops, tile splashbacks, and wall shades?"

Clutter

We've all been victims of countertop clutter At some point or another, whether due to small appliances, stacks of mail, or most probably a combination of these along with other clutter, nearly all designers refer to this as a visual nuisance and an unconscious source of stress.

Compact household gadgets frequently become an essential yet somewhat bothersome presence on countertops. If this applies to your situation, Williams suggests "think about their hue and design so they complement your kitchen effectively." Bethany Adams, the creator of the interior design company named after her In Louisville, Kentucky, they promote a European-style approach to grocery shopping (leaning more towards local markets rather than bulk stores like Costco) as a way to reduce storage requirements.

If everything else fails, it’s time to hire an organizer , as Ward puts it: "Clean countertops provide the ideal space for making the most enjoyable kinds of messes, such as baking cupcakes with your kids."

Cabinetry

Cabinets constitute the largest part of any kitchen, drawing significant notice from everyone, particularly from designers. Lauren Sullivan, the founder of Well x Design In Kingsport, Tennessee, people always notice when kitchen cabinets do not reach up to the ceiling. This inefficient design leads to unused space and attracts more dust.

During renovation? Katharine Rhudy, the founder of Reed & Acanthus In New Orleans, Louisiana, suggests collaborating with kitchen cabinet experts to devise innovative and practical methods for optimizing storage space and appliance placement.

Vent Hoods

Shelby Van Daley, who helped start the company, Daley Home In Austin, Texas, possesses a keen eye for petite objects. vent hoods "Although your ventilation hood serves as an excellent centerpiece, choosing one that’s too small could lead to wasted potential," she explains. She recommends ensuring that the hood extends beyond your stove or cooktop by at least 4-6 inches overall, or about 2-3 inches on either side.

Functionality

"My eye instantly focuses on how easy it is to navigate through a space," shares Amber Guyton, the founder of. Blessed Little Bungalow In Atlanta, Georgia. She finds herself wondering: How are the fridge, sink, and stove arranged? Do these placements work well? What modifications could enhance functionality, cleanliness, and organization for both residents and visitors alike?

"Even something as basic as installing a Rev-A-Shelf utensil pullout in the cabinet or positioning outlets discreetly beneath the island can greatly enhance the aesthetics of a kitchen," she adds.

Personality

No matter if your kitchen is pristine and gleaming or showing some signs of wear, experts assert that it shouldn’t remain an unadorned canvas. "I wholeheartedly believe in transforming a classic white kitchen "However, every area should feature its distinct element," clarifies Ward. She enjoys adorning her kitchen with artwork, playful cookbooks, an elegant spoon holder, distinctive fruit bowls, and ornamental tea towels as preferred methods.

Related: 6 ItemsInterior Designers Claim They Would Absolutely Not Purchase

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