What is it about kitchens that cause people to congregate? Some of our fondest childhood memories revolve around the kitchen.  Whether it was making those holiday treats or just helping grandma cook your favorite dessert. While in the past the kitchen was typically used for cooking, it is so much more today. It is the place where family and friends not only cook together, but also build relationships. Our kitchens have become a part of our family rooms. 

For years we have heard about the work triangle in the kitchen. Where everything revolves around the refrigerator, stove, and sink. The idea is that everything is within reach so you don’t have to go far to do what you need. However in some kitchens it is not ideal for function and flow. The placement of your appliances depends a lot on no only the activities of your home, but the size of your kitchen.  Designers have found that the work triangle doesn’t necessarily work for all kitchens. In fact it doesn’t even need to be a triangle at all. 

What does the sink you choose for your kitchen or bathroom say about your style? Just like countertops, sinks come in a variety of materials, shapes, and colors. They add style and also affect the look and function of your kitchen. There is basically five different types of sink mounts:  under mount, self-rimming, integral, vessel and farmhouse sinks. They not only add to the style, but can also enhance your kitchen and bath custom cabinetry.  Learning about the different types of mounted sinks will help define your style and get the right look for your Chicagoland custom kitchen.

Most people will tell you to design a kitchen for you and not the future homebuyer. While this is true in part you do need to consider how that kitchen will affect your resale value. We aren’t always planning on moving but unexpected things happen in life. Not everyone wants purple painted cabinets in their kitchen even if it is your favorite color.

Deciding where to put and store things has always been a dilemma.  Especially those extra bulky items that seem to clutter up your counters.  Today we have gadgets for everything in the kitchen.  While they are great and convenient, sometimes finding a place for them, and making them accessible, is an even bigger concern.