Continuing “my next life – kitchen” series, I’m thrilled to feature a special guest post from the uber talented kitchen and bath cabinetry designer, Gloria Graham-Sollecito. After reading this post, I hope you’re as inspired as I am to create an artful kitchen of your very own!

 

The concept of an “artful kitchen” has many different facets. It is not just about budget or the amount of space you have but the skill you employ using what is available to you. Here are five tips to consider.

 

1. Flawless Function

 

I’m all about artistic expression but a major part of creativity in the kitchen comes from devising flawless function.  This quality is not something you see but something you can experience, if artfully accomplished.  When I say function, I mean work centers comprised of cooking, clean up and food prep areas.

 

Design is not just what it looks like and feels like.
Design is how it works.
-Steve Jobs

 

Those are the basics but you could have more such as a beverage center (think coffee, tea, wine), a computer station or a baking center.  If you have a two-cook kitchen, your layout should be designed so that any one of the major functions can be preformed without anyone getting underfoot.

 

 

Following the guidelines set by the NKBA is a must to make sure all clearances are adequate. Sometimes we don’t have a lot of choice about where to locate our sink or appliances but we can organize our utensils, dishes, pots and food items in a more efficient way.  Don’t forget the more flawlessly your kitchen functions the safer it is. You don’t have to be an expert at this, just think about how you use your kitchen so that you will be a good collaborator when it comes time to work with a professional.

 

When designing kitchens, function is the infrastructure.
Beauty comes next.
The art is getting this combination just right.
-Gloria Graham Sollecito, AKBD

 

2. Personalization

This is, without a doubt, the biggest movement in the design world.  An artful kitchen is your own personal statement customized to the way you live.  It could be a steam oven because healthy eating is your passion or it could be a lovely furniture piece with glass doors to display your grandmother’s china. Include the colors you love.  Even though you must be mindful of your budget (everyone has one), strive to retain the essence of what you see as your dream kitchen.

 

 

 

3. Harmony

 

Harmony is one of the principles of design and a must for your kitchen.  Whenever I design a two-toned kitchen I like to ensure that different finishes and details are carried through the space to create a cohesive whole.  It’s about how the floor relates to the cabinets and how the cabinet hardware relates to the faucet. You get the picture!  It does not mean that everything has to match perfectly, it means elements should relate to and complement each other. It also does not mean that every element has to be perfectly symmetrical.  In fact, consider this permission NOT to be! I find that the best rule of thumb is to follow the architecture and style of the home you’re in.  If, for example, the kitchen window is way off center you should work with that not against it.  Never force solutions by sacrificing function.

 

 

4. Focal Point

 

Every piece of great artwork has a focal point.  It is the “star of the show,” so to speak.  In a kitchen it can be a sculptural range hood, a granite counter with big bold movement or actually a piece of art! It is the item that makes you say WOW when you enter the kitchen.  Just remember less is more here.  One great focal point is probably enough.  Too much and the statement gets lost. Less is definitely more.

 

 

5. Texture

 

The element of texture involves at least two of our senses, touch and sight.  The textures you are likely to come across include the glossy finishes popular in contemporary design, prominent wood grains which can be traditional or modern and smooth honed surfaces that are more matte.  A flat slab cabinet door is a great choice if you plan to use a wood with a lot of pattern and graining.  In this case the material is the decorative element of the cabinet.  On the other hand, if you are traditional and you are using white cabinets you can select a door with some molding or detail.  Also let the wild patterns either be on your cabinets or on you counter, both would be busy and distracting.

 

Click here to read more from Gloria and her business, Artful Kitchens.