The kitchen is arguably the most important room in the home, the central hub where everyone gathers to prepare, eat meals and possibly to also work and study. The kitchen is for making a lifetime of memories from cooking family meals to entertaining.
The first thing I consider as an interior designer when buying kitchen appliances is the lifestyle of the homeowners. Appliances are critical and if chosen well will last for many years, but how do you know which ones to pick for your kitchen?
Which Oven Do You Choose?
So, you’re looking for an oven. If you’re upgrading your kitchen appliances this is the perfect opportunity to visit showrooms and see the newest and most cost effective models for your needs. Some showrooms will even give a demonstration of their most popular ovens and prepare a simple dish so you can see the appliance in action.
You’ll want to consider size, fuel source, and whether you want high-tech flat panel touch control functionality or the more traditional knobs and levers. If you have children or frequently entertain, instead of a microwave oven, consider a speed oven. Along with a main oven it heats and bakes small dishes quickly and efficiently.
Full Size Refrigerator and/or Refrigerator Drawers
It all comes down to lifestyle. Do you eat out regularly, order in or cook several times a week? A fridge freezer is the most popular way to go—it’s something I regularly consider when providing interior design services—and it’s crucial that the size is scaled appropriately for your kitchen space. The doors should open leaving adequate room for you to maneuver comfortably, without feeling cramped or bumping into surrounding kitchen cabinets.
The French door fridge freezer is a practical space saver as each door is typically smaller than a single fridge door. If you’re an infrequent cook consider undercounter refrigerator and freezer drawers which can fit seamlessly into your existing cabinetry. It’s key to think carefully about your kitchen needs before making any appliance purchase.
Having appliances from one brand with complementary finish and hardware will add a unified upscale flair to your kitchen
Range Hood or Downdraft
If yours is an open plan kitchen with dining and living area included a range hood helps to eliminate long-lasting cooking smells. For a range installed against the wall a hood that vents outside is ideal. However, if your range or cooktop is located in an island a downdraft is a viable option. The beauty of a downdraft is that it can be lowered into the countertop when not in use and raised when cooking. Very state of the art!
A fully adjustable downdraft that completely disappears into the counter when not in use
Coffee Machine Station
If coffee is a necessary part of your morning routine you deserve a coffee station. Your coffee station will include a coffee machine, milk frother and containers for the various coffee flavor pellets and for tea drinkers a teapot, all situated on a beautiful tray for easy maneuverability on top of the kitchen counter.
There’s a coffee machine to suit the one-cup and go drinker or the cordon bleu barista. Make sure to compare the different features of the various coffee makers to determine which one would be best for you.
Wine Fridge
A wine fridge has become the must-have item that elevates the décor of any kitchen. A wine fridge makes it easy to keep your favorite wines at the perfect temperature for serving family members or guests. They’re available in such a wide range of pricing that the most budget conscious kitchen can accommodate one. Remember to give due consideration to the right location for accessibility and style.
Have a Professional help you
Seeking advice from an interior designer or getting recommendations from a professional can make the process a lot easier. With their vast experience in designing kitchens they can share ideas you haven’t thought about.
Choosing new kitchen appliances are major decisions. Always do your research and write down what your must-haves are before buying. Enjoy the process and you will have the kitchen of your dreams soon, or contact me for assistance!