Tips for Designing Your New Kitchen

The kitchen is the hub of the home. Families gather for dinner, entertaining, conversing, and enjoying each other’s company. Just like house plans, kitchens come in all sizes, layouts, and styles. The number of design options is endless, and as you start to plan your dream home, the layout, style, and details of the kitchen are essential to determine the overall look of the home.

Layout: Open concept or closed off – When designing your kitchen, determine whether you prefer an open floor plan that has the kitchen exposed to the living room/ family room and dining room. Would you prefer an open floor plan kitchen typically overlooking the dining and living space keeping gatherings as one, or would you prefer to have the kitchen closed off to keep kitchen and living spaces separated like in a closed floor plan layout?

Islands – Most homes now include an island in the kitchen. These incredibly handy additions give extra counter space, organization, and style to the kitchen. The added counter space gives room for cooking needs, entertain and additional dining space. Not every kitchen needs or can fit an island, so if these square-foot stealers aren’t your style, go without the island.

Style:  Modern – Sophisticated, kitchens inspired by the Contemporary and Modern styles may feature straight lines, neutral colors, bold accents, and a clean, crisp feel. In some modern kitchens, you’ll find the use of industrial materials like metal, chrome, concrete and geometrical shapes. Modern kitchens are usually open concepts with simple forms and highly functioning spaces.

Country – The Country feel is defined by it’s added Modern Farmhouse details with simple Shaker-style cabinets, colorful decor and rustic hardware. Polished oak floors and two-toned cabinets give the kitchen a timeless charm. Country kitchens are a favorite choice because they are comfortable and bright. Vintage-inspired features are hallmarks of the style, including salvaged hardwood flooring, painted cabinets, and playfully patterned materials.

Details: Cabinets or Open Shelves – >The look of your kitchen is very much determined by your cabinets. Wood cabinets may be considered more Traditional than Modern but they share many common characteristics such as clean lines and subtle design elements making them a good fit for any style. Another option is open shelving that eliminates upper cabinets and keeps the kitchen airy and free from large cabinets.

Countertop materials – A mainstay of the kitchen’s style and personality, countertops continue to define the kitchen. Granite, natural stone, and quartz countertops remain popular as an ideal surface topping solid surfaces, tile, and laminates. Wood countertops are increasingly popular due to their warmth and stunning grain as well as being easily maintained and sustainable.

Flooring – Hardwoods remain the top choice in floor design because they add warmth and tons of character. Ceramic tile floors are easy to maintain and come in a wide variety of styles and colors while providing superior durability, resisting almost all dents, dings and scratches. Laminate has come a long way and comes in many beautiful styles, durability and affordable price points.

Building a home gives you endless options and the ability to be creative! You get the freedom to choose each and every design detail, allowing you to create your dream home full of your favorite colors, textures, materials, and spaces. We hope this guide is helpful to you as you decide how best to design your kitchen, and what will best work for you!

As you search for the perfect kitchen layout, remember every house plan in our collection can be modified through our Modification Services. If you find the perfect house plan, but it’s missing your “final touch” such as a kitchen island, breakfast nook, open floor plan, etc. you can request to make changes with our Modifications team.

We want your home to be exactly what your family wants and needs. Find more information about how the customization process works here.