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Top 10 Kitchen Design Mistakes | Raleigh Custom Home Design

Reblogger Michelle Francis
Real Estate Agent with Tim Francis Realty LLC

Stanton Homes in Raleigh, NC offers some key things to think about whether you are planning for a new home or doing a kitchen remodel on an older home.  

The kitchen is the HEART of the home and needs to be well planned for best utilization.  Tim Francis Realty is always up for opening up this room in older homes and smart planning if you re-do your kitchen.  

Another great tip is: Kitchen drawers.  We re-did our kitchen a few years back and this feature brought us almost 40% more space in the lower cabinetry.  It's amazing how much more we can store, not to mention how much easier items are to see and locate without bending to the ground.

Enjoy:  

Original content by Stanton Homes

Don't Make These Top 10 Kitchen Design Mistakes

 Raleigh Custom Home Design

As the most used room in the home, your kitchen is essential.

Learn how to avoid the biggest kitchen design mistakes in your Raleigh custom home - with these top 10 kitchen design blunders.

10.  Kitchen traffic (avoid traffic jams)

Design experts emphasize the importance of your kitchen work triangle.

A kitchen "work triangle" referrs to the distance between the three main work centers of your kitchen, the sink, cooktop/stove, and refrigerator.

As a general rule, the sum of all legs in a work triangle should not be less than ten feet and not greater than twenty-five feet.

 

Top 10 Kitchen Design Mistakes | Raleigh Custom Home Design

 

Each of these stations require constant use, so you should have easy access to each.

You will also want ample countertop space available at each station.

 

No matter what style of kitchen you want to build, the work triangle applies:

  •  - L-shaped kitchen
  •  - Galley kitchens
  •  - U-shaped kitchens
  •  - Island kitchens

See more examples of kitchen work triangles - and learn how to choose between an island or peninsula in your kitchen.

 

9. Not thinking through kitchen storage space

Raleigh new home kitchens emphasize convenient storage solutions. More Raleigh custom homes will incorporate creative built-in storage in 2014 designs - as more homebuyers purchase high-end cooking necessities.

For instance, oddly shaped dishes and appliances, from serving platters to stand mixers, can take up a lot of storage space.

Kitchen storage solution #1: With just a small extension of the existing space, underneath the serving bar, eating bar area, or island can become an important storage center.

 

Top 10 Kitchen Design Mistakes | Raleigh Custom Home Design

 

Built in banquettes, or a built in seating area near the kitchen can maximize space and storage. Built in seats are flush against the wall, and can be placed under windows for a fresh and open feel.

Kitchen storage solution #2: Create ample kitchen storage without sacrificing open square footage. One of the best ways to offer lots of shelf room is with a "Costco" style pantry.

 Top 10 Kitchen Design Mistakes | Raleigh Custom Home Design

 

See example floor plans and photos of Costco pantries here

 

See photo galleries of homes with a corner pantry:

Kitchen storage solution #3: Add a Butler's pantry between the kitchen and formal dining room. Butler's pantries serve as storage solutions, preparation areas, and showcase centers - the perfect way to integrate form and function, without sacrificing kitchen floor space. 

 

Top 10 Kitchen Design Mistakes | Raleigh Custom Home Design

 

See photos of popular Butler's pantry designs - click here.

 

8. Countertop work space

When choosing a kitchen floor plan, keep in mind the amount of countertop work space you will need. Remember to balance your countertop space between work areas and display areas

For instance, keep in mind which appliances you will want to permanently in sight - such as your professional grade KitchenAid mixer or Williams-Sonoma copper canisters.

 

Top 10 Kitchen Design Mistakes | Raleigh Custom Home Design

 

Design tip: If you love to cook, consider the pros and cons of adding a second sink or prep sink.

 

On one hand, a second sink will come in extremely handy - especially in larger kitchens with multiple cooks.

 

On the other hand, a prep sink will eat up some countertop space, and add additional cost.

7. Island design

It's easy to say you want a large island kitchen. Oversized islands are hugely popular in Raleigh new homes, offering: extra cabinetry for storage, seating areas or raised bars, kitchen desk areas, separate range top and cooking center, preparation areas with vegetable sink. 

 

Top 10 Kitchen Design Mistakes | Raleigh Custom Home Design

 

Before you choose an oversized island, here are the top five questions you should be able to answer:

 

  1. How large is your kitchen?
  2. What shape is your kitchen floor plan?
  3. Do you want to incorporate seating
  4. Will you need a secondary / prep sink?
  5. What functions are most important to your lifestyle?

 

Click here to learn more about how to answer these important kitchen design questions.

 

6. Personal touches

 

Looking for ways to create an elegant kitchen, that's filled with personal touches? Creating the perfect kitchen is all about creating a flow in color, texture, and shape.

 

Some of our most popular kitchens mix ultra contemporary fixtures with rustic cabinets. So don't be afriad to choose some "out there" features.

 

Top 10 Kitchen Design Mistakes | Raleigh Custom Home Design

 

The blue tones in these granite countertops were carried throughout the home in tile designs and paint colors.

 

5. Lighting

 

It is important to have good lighting in the kitchen - not only to showcase your cabinet, granite countertop, and tile backsplash selections - but also as a practical consideration for safety. 

 

Top 10 Kitchen Design Mistakes | Raleigh Custom Home Design

 

What are the best ways to add kitchen lighting?

 

1. Windows for natural lighting

 

2. Pendant lights

 

3. Recessed can lights

 

4. Under cabinet lights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Backsplash

 

One of the best ways to add designer appeal to your kitchen without spending a lot of money is adding a tile backsplash. And you will love the easy clean-up process.

 

Top 10 Kitchen Design Mistakes | Raleigh Custom Home Design

 

 

 

Some of the most popular types of kitchen backsplashes include 4"x4" ceramic tile, subway tile, glass tile, mini mosaic tile, and granite.

 

Click here for a how to guide for kitchen backsplash styles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Closed Kitchen

 

The integration of kitchens with family living spaces (also called "Great Rooms") is a growing trend for Raleigh new homes.

 

Top 10 Kitchen Design Mistakes | Raleigh Custom Home Design

 

In open concept designs, home spaces are becoming more casual, and being able to interact with your guests while preparing a meal is a must.

 

What does an open concept kitchen look like? Open kitchens can come in a huge variety of designs, including:

 

 - Plans that integrate a half wall with an eating or serving bar - click here for an example in the Beaufort

 

 -  Plans that emphasize clear lines of sight between rooms

 

 - Plans that feature ceiling designs that open upwards, with two story ceilings, arched openings, barrel vaults, ceiling vaults, and other specialty ceilings that draw the eye upward, even in smaller floor plans.

 

See photos of open concept floor plans here.

 

2. Trendy

 

While it is tempting to pick up on the latest kitchen design trends, make sure to balance those top-requested trends with classic traditions. Monotone kitchens - especially black, white, earth, and grey tones - will never go out of style.

 

Think through which elements you can change later, and which will be much more difficult.

 

Top 10 Kitchen Design Mistakes | Raleigh Custom Home Design

 

For instance, it is easy to repaint a room from a wild color, but it is difficult (and expensive) to change the size or your island, the countertops, or the type of cabinets. The bottom line: you may want to avoid those red Ikea cabinets and accessorize with eye-popping accent pieces instead.  Super trendy lighting and plumbing fixtures are much more easy to switch out, later, if you need a style-refresher.

 

1. Appliance types and locations

 

Here are a few questions you should be able to answer:

 

Top 10 Kitchen Design Mistakes | Raleigh Custom Home Design

 

 - Do I want a built-in beverage center? (wine racks, wine refrigerators, beer and soda refrigerators)

 

 - Will I need a double or single oven? (will you be cooking multiple dishes at the same time, especially during holiday seasons)

 

 - Should my microwave go above or below the countertops (high end kitchens are downplaying microwaves, by integrating them in the island or lower cabinets)

 

 - Do I enjoy cooking on a gas range or electric cooktop?

 

 - Do I prefer a large single bowl or double bowl sink?

 

Raleigh new home resources

 

You may also be interested in these other Raleigh new home articles - top tips straight from Raleigh's most exceptional new home builder, Stanton Homes.

 

More kitchen and master bathroom designs and trends for Raleigh new homes:

17 Favorite Master Bath Tub Surrounds | 2014 Bath Design Ideas

14 Island Kitchen Designs for 2014 | Photos and Tips

Master shower tile designs - with floor plan images

How to create a kitchen color palette | Custom Home Design Ideas

Bathroom Tile Trends - Custom Mosaic Tile Designs

Tub Surround Tile Ideas - Photos and Tips

Custom Home Master Bath Design Ideas

 

New Custom Homes in the Raleigh Area - and throughout central North Carolina

 

New Homes Raleigh NC - New Home Raleigh - Raleigh NC New Homes - New Home Raleigh NCStanton Homes makes building your new custom home easy!  We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations.  Your custom home is going to be extraordinary when you create it with one of the nation’s top fully involved builders, our upscale architectural and interior design team, and the high quality materials and craftsmanship that our reputation is built on.

Call 919-278-8070 to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today. 

Custom Home Floor Plans | NC Custom Home Builders | Floor Plan Options Floor Plan Price | Raleigh New Home Cost | Custom Home Cost Estimate Floor Plan Ideas | Floor Plan Styles | Custom Home Floor Plans Raleigh New Home Lots | Custom Home Lots for Sale | New Home Lots Raleigh NC

Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2013.  Unauthorized use is not permitted.  Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements.  Please note:  all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date.  Information subject to change.  Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of  any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build.  Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions.  Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan.  Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area.  No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.  

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Information and content on this blog is original to Michelle Francis  

Michelle Francis

Tim Francis Realty, Serving Buckhead, Atlanta & Sandy Springs GA

(404) 219-9760

Michelle@TimFrancisRealty.com

 

Want to know more about Residential Buying, Selling, Executive Home Leasing & Property Management in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Garden Hills and Sandy Springs, GA?

If so, you can find me here:

Buckhead, Atlanta, & Sandy Springs Real Estate on Linked-IN

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Michelle. Great choice for a re-blog. The right kitchen has sold so many homes, but a poor design has killed many potential sales.

Feb 27, 2014 06:29 PM
Stanton Homes
Stanton Homes - New Home Builder - Raleigh, NC
Design/Build Custom Home Builder in North Carolina

Michelle - thanks for the reblog!  And you're right, drawers offer great, easy storage space. 

Feb 27, 2014 07:04 PM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Michelle, I thought this was a great post too!

Mar 05, 2014 04:48 AM
Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind
KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate - Tucson, AZ
Broker/Owner

GOOD MORNING MICHELLE ... nice information - the way I see it, the kitchen is more a living space instead of cooking space - design around that and it should work!

Mar 06, 2014 08:53 PM
bimaji bim
Real estate - Balzac, AB
Home stager extraordinaire in Denver

Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen? Are you tired of the outdated look and feel of your current space? Look no further than Biaggio Tile & Stone, the premier tile store in Sacramento https://biaggiotile.com/ . Biaggio Tile & Stone are thrilled to offer an extensive selection of top-quality ceramic and porcelain tiles, luxurious marble and granite, and unique glass and metallic mosaics. 

Apr 13, 2023 04:47 AM