How to Determine What Kitchen Appliances Are Right For Your Space
Your kitchen design, including appliances, is largely influenced by your preferred cooking habits. Whether you find yourself cooking extravagant meals, prefer takeout, or land somewhere in between, choosing the right appliances sets the tone for your kitchen.
Working with an Interior Designer for Appliance Selection
When it comes to designing your kitchen and selecting the right appliances, working with an interior designer can not only help streamline the process and make your vision come to life, but offer several other benefits:
Expert Guidance and Narrowing Down Choices
With countless styles, features, and levels of appliances available, it can be overwhelming to make a decision on your own. Interior designers know kitchen design through and through and can provide expert guidance and help narrow down the options based on your specific needs, cooking habits, and budget. They can streamline the selection process, saving you time and reducing the stress of making the right choices.
Understanding Your Cooking Style and Needs
Interior designers will take the time to understand how you operate in your kitchen and what your cooking style entails. By getting to know your preferences and habits, they can recommend appliances that best suit your needs. Whether you love gourmet cooking, require ample storage space, or prioritize ease of use, your designer will consider these factors to assist you in choosing appliances that align with your lifestyle.
Showroom Experience with Your Designer
Going to an appliance showroom with your interior designer provides a valuable opportunity to experience different appliance styles and manufacturers firsthand. By physically exploring the appliances together, you can better visualize how they will look and function in your space. Your designer can offer insights, discuss the pros and cons of various options, and help you make well-informed decisions based on both aesthetics and functionality.
Seamless Integration into Your Kitchen Design
An interior designer ensures that your selected appliances seamlessly integrate into your overall kitchen design. They will consider factors such as your desired look, coordinating finishes, and how the appliances will harmonize with other elements in the space. Your designer can help create a cohesive and visually pleasing kitchen aesthetic.
By working with an interior designer for your kitchen design, they will assist you in choosing appliances that not only meet your functional requirements but also complement your style preferences and overall kitchen design vision. Read on for specifics to keep an eye out for as you start the process!
Choosing the Right Vent Hood
We always recommend a vent hood in your kitchen design, as they pull unwanted odors, steam, and vapors out of the room to the exterior. The type of vent hood you choose should be selected based on factors like the size and heat output of your range, along with the look you’re going for. It could be a modern stainless hood or a wood hood with a stainless insert so the functional part is hidden. The amount of ventilation capacity would be determined by your range. The ideal height above your range is a minimum of 30” to allow the use of large soup and pasta pots without limiting movement.
You may also want to consider the noise level of the vent hood, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and other features like lighting and fan speed settings.
Microwave Options for Accessibility and Space
Microwaves are standard for most kitchen remodels. Instead of placing it above your range, we suggest a microwave drawer or standard countertop microwave for better accessibility and ease of use for everyone, including children. A microwave drawer can be incorporated into your kitchen cabinetry, allowing for clean lines and a seamless look. A standard countertop microwave can also be a great option and is budget-friendly. It could be hidden inside a cabinet conveniently so it doesn’t take up space on your countertop.
Considerations when choosing your microwave and where to place it include:
Power and wattage
Size and capacity
Cooking features
Control options
Ventilation capabilities
Energy efficiency
Noise level
Selecting the Right Refridgerator
When choosing a refrigerator for your kitchen, several factors should be considered to ensure it meets your needs and preferences:
Price, Quality, and Capacity
Consider your desired price range, the quality of the refrigerator, and the capacity required for your kitchen. Determine whether a cabinet depth or standard depth refrigerator is preferred. Cabinet depth refrigerators offer a sleek and integrated look, while standard depth models provide more storage space.
Style and Coordination
Think about whether you would like the refrigerator panels to match or coordinate with your cabinets or other appliances in the kitchen. This choice can impact the overall aesthetics and visual harmony of your kitchen design.
Height Considerations
Take note of the refrigerator's height. Some higher-level manufacturers offer refrigerators that are 84" tall, providing additional storage space compared to the typical 62"-72" height range. Assess whether the extra height is beneficial for your storage needs.
Capacity Requirements
Determine the capacity you are looking for based on your household's size and lifestyle. Evaluate whether a single 36" wide unit is sufficient or if you require a larger refrigerator, such as a 60" wide unit, to accommodate the needs of a large family or frequent entertaining.
Additional Features
Consider whether you would like additional refrigerator or freezer drawers to provide convenient access to frequently used items. Determine if an ice and water dispenser in the refrigerator door is desired. Assess whether you consume enough ice to necessitate a separate ice maker for ample supply.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting a refrigerator that aligns with your budget, matches your kitchen's style, offers the desired capacity, and includes features that enhance your daily usage and convenience.
Contact Jennifer Butler Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Choosing the right appliances for your kitchen is dependent on your lifestyle preferences and cooking habits.
Here at Jennifer Butler Design, we ensure your new kitchen comes together perfectly. We’ll help guide you in the right direction in selecting appliances that will fulfill your cooking style and functional needs, fit your budget, and complete your kitchen design effortlessly. Contact us today to get started!