Last weekend I was overwhelmed with the beauty of our NH Lakes Region. The amazing kitchens I had the privilege of touring sparked my imagination and envy! The homes were built by members of the Lakes Region Builder's Association. Their annual Home Tour of these exceptional custom homes truly stimulated me, as well as tempting me to be jealous, at least a little. The homes were located all around Meredith, Alton, Wolfeborough, and Moultonborough, NH.
I have to admit my "wanter" became activated quickly. I love my home and I am thankful. However, what woman doesn't envy "new" homes, especially when they have perfect professionally decorated interiors! Are any of us really content? It seems we ladies love to change our nests as often as possible. The question arose in my mind, how can I help our clients maximize the possibilities with in their budget and design a beautiful functional kitchen or bath with what they need and want?
Being a Kitchen and Bath Designer, I love to check out every kitchen and bath for obvious reasons. It is delightful to see how spacious kitchens can be. If one is fortunate enough to live in a large home whose square footage allows ample space, storage and organization is easy. Some are so large , specialty work centers within the total kitchen create actual hearth cooking areas, baking centers, designated food prep areas, pizza ovens, and convenient office like space for working or studying at home.
What woman doesn't want counter tops for miles to prepare meals on? Beautiful spacious wide floors for family traffic areas between the islands and base cabinets on the perimeter walls are on every one's wish list. How much counter top space would you like to prepare meals on? However, realistically, most of our kitchens are probably only 200 to 250 square feet. Our homes are more likely to have two walls to hold everything needed to cook, eat, and entertain in our kitchen. So, the question is, "how can I fit in everything I want and need in my new kitchen?
The reality is most of our homes do not have the square footage to hold the spacious all inclusive kitchen of our dreams. The need to prioritize is key. How, you ask? Well I suggest starting by
being mindful every time you enter your current kitchen or bath. There are things you love do not want to give up. Then there are always cabinets or features that you just do not use or like. Start writing down what you love, what you must still have in your new space, and what you do NOT want to take up precious space in the new design. Just listen to the subconscious conversation you have every time you are in the room.
Next, the fun part! Grab a folder and start your wish list. The really fun part of the is I suggest you brainstorm creatively, as if your budget was not an issue. Yes, I really said that! Write down every feature, convenience, and aesthetically desirable feature you can imagine. Trust me, this will help you. Why, you say? Remodeling is exciting, expensive, and messy. It is worth the process, once the actual demo and installation phases are past. How will you insure the final product has as many of your "must haves " as possible? The answer is, by discovering what is possible and listing your preferences in categories. You will want to maximize your funds to gain what is most important and desirable to you. This is a very personal process filled with many more selections than you can imagine. Those selections and choices drive the cost of your project. So, write down notes , add pictures to your folder of what you love. You will begin to see a pattern that reveals what style, color, specialty cabinets you prefer. Probably there will be many similar pictures in your folder. Selecting a door style and finish close to them will help you create the kitchen or bath you will enjoy for years to come.
Have fun with this! Do not edit yourself. Let your imagination create your dream space. This really is the best way to start. Yes, you will need to eliminate some items. That is why you need three categories to separate your wish folder ideas into. The three categories are:
1. Essentials you must have
2. Optional features and cabinets if space and budget allow
3. Unrealistic items that are not truly practical or needed
Next week,we will discuss the many options available in cabinets these days to maximize storage in your project. After all, isn't that always a priority?
No comments:
Post a Comment