“The more you know, the more you can create. There’s no end to imagination in the kitchen.”
If you’re struggling to kick your imagination into high gear while planning your dream luxury kitchen in Naples, Florida, the general contractors of Carlson Harris can help you out. As world-renowned chef Julia Child said, “The more you know, the more you can create.” Thus, to get your creative juices flowing and help you plan the perfect dream kitchen for your needs, we offer you the top eight things to consider when planning your new dream kitchen build in Naples.
1. WHAT LAYOUT WILL WORK BEST FOR YOU
“Location, location, location” may be a real estate sales mantra, but location is also a crucial consideration when determining where to put the functional components of your new kitchen. You should be able to easily access and efficiently move between the stove, refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, counter space, and storage space. Kitchen designers often start with a work triangle to determine effective pathways between the fridge, stove, and sink. Know that the shape of your kitchen—single-wall, galley, U-shape, or L-shape—and a kitchen island can enhance or limit component placement and pathway options.
Speaking of pathways, ones passing the cooking zone should be 42 inches wide at a minimum for a one-cook kitchen, and plan on at least 48 inches if cooking is a joint affair. Otherwise, 36 inches is a standard minimum for kitchen pathways.
2. IMPORTANCE OF COUNTER SPACE AND STORAGE
A lack of adequate counter space and storage options impedes kitchen functionality and hinders one’s ability to work efficiently, whether with food prep or clean up. A well-designed kitchen incorporates plenty of countertops and storage space, strategically locates them to meld with other components, and efficiently supports the various kitchen tasks. When considering countertop usage, determine what tasks each countertop will help with, and don’t forget to designate some countertops for specialty purposes, such as coffee prep or smoothie mixing.
3. SURFACES SHOULD BE EASY TO CLEAN
Speaking of countertops, carefully consider what they and other kitchen components will be made of. Clean-up represents about half of the daily work conducted in a kitchen, so easy-to-clean surfaces are a must-have. For countertops, granite and quartz are highly recommended due to their durability, stain resistance, ease-of-cleaning, and anti-bacterial properties.
4. THE RIGHT LIGHTING IS ESSENTIAL IN YOUR DREAM KITCHEN
To enhance the functionality of your kitchen, ensure that there is plentiful light to aid food prep and clean up. Strategically placed spotlights in ceilings or under cabinetry can effectively illuminate work areas, while focal point statement lighting can provide broader, whole-kitchen coverage. For ambiance, ensure the lighting is dimmable, and consider whether stand-alone lighting options can enhance the aesthetics.
5. CONSIDER ISLAND FUNCTIONALITY
Kitchen islands can serve multiple purposes, but it’s best to consider what those might be before incorporating one into the design. If you envision it as a place where family and guests can hang out and socialize during dinner prep and/or an alternative dining area, determine how this might affect other potential uses. Some people have incorporated a second sink and tap into their kitchen island, thinking that it would help with cleanup, but find that it’s never used and is in the way. The best kitchen islands seamlessly perform their multi-purpose functions.
6. CONSIDER COMFORTABLE HANG-OUT SPACE
If you’re not incorporating a kitchen island or don’t envision it as a social or dining space, you might want to consider whether other spaces in the kitchen can accommodate family and guests. With food, beverages, and pleasant smells, kitchens are social magnets that tend to draw people to them. By adding a small seating area, you can help make family and guests more comfortable and better deter them from standing around and possibly getting in the way of the kitchen’s workflow.
7. WASTE MANAGEMENT IS CRUCIAL
Kitchens produce significant amounts of household waste. Effectively manage it with a designated cabinet or large pull-out drawer with easy-to-access bins for each possible waste stream.
8. HAVE A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT
Kitchens are expensive, whether in a new home or as a complete remodel job. Kitchen builds are prone to going over budget, so it’s important to carefully account for every element that goes into the construction. When deciding on a contractor, seek out one with a reputation for keeping projects within the budget and who’s diligent about assessing all cost elements with their clients before construction.
PARTNER WITH CARLSON HARRIS GENERAL CONTRACTORS TO BUILD YOUR DREAM KITCHEN
Talk to Carlson Harris’s residential contracting experts to begin planning your luxury dream kitchen in Naples. We have extensive experience designing and building beautiful luxury kitchens that perfectly meet our clients’ needs and aesthetic desires. For the best in luxury residential contracting in Southwest Florida, contact Carlson Harris today at 239-352-2460.
