When you think of everything new in kitchen cabinetry, most of it is related to doors and drawers. Whether it is how they open, how they are made, or even the overall design and look. Kitchen cabinet doors and drawers today have much more functionality and there are a wider variety of styles and finishes. There is so much more than the standard swing-out door or pullout drawer. Exploring your options and learning what is out there will make for a perfect Chicagoland custom kitchen.

Gone are the days where the microwave sits on the corner of the counter and takes up space.  In today’s kitchens there are a collection of different places and locations that you can incorporate the microwave into your kitchen design.  Microwaves have become a way of life and the last thing we want is them taking up valuable workspace and cluttering up our counters.  They have become a standard appliance in today’s kitchens.

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to wonder what the difference between a kitchen designer and interior designer is.  There is some overlap and some of the things they do are similar.  But YES! There is a difference. 

Over the years the design and style of the kitchen island has evolved. It used to be a rectangular space that allowed for more storage and extra workspace. If you go into most contemporary kitchens today you will notice just how much the overall function and style has changed. Kitchen islands in many kitchens today are more than a little extra storage and can be used for many different purposes. In some kitchens they become the center of which a majority of activity revolves around. In other kitchens they can be a stunning focal point that draws people into their kitchen.

You may be building a new home or just remodeling your current kitchen, however, we want to make sure you make smart design decisions.  After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home and affects the overall flow and function of the household.  It is where we cook, entertain, relax, talk and many other things.  Our goal is to help you design a kitchen that is functional, accessible, enjoyable, and safe. It’s important that it works for your household and is comfortable for you. There are some basic guidelines that you will want to keep in mind.

If you are a homeowner who loves nostalgia you might want to consider a retro kitchen style.  A retro kitchen is a culturally outdated trend or fashion from the post-modern look that has crept back into design.  Retro kitchens are a blast from the past.  They are full of personality and have the perfect combination of past and modern style. Designers are using décor and prints of the past to add color to contemporary spaces.

How does your neighborhood stack up when it comes to choosing kitchen styles, countertop materials, and appliances in the kitchen? Recently Houzz did a kitchen trends study to find out how different areas urban, suburban, and rural compare to each other in kitchen remodel trends.  While there was a noticeable difference in style, overall countertop materials and type of appliances were pretty close across the board.  

Style

It’s no surprise that kitchen style would vary among different neighborhoods.  A homeowner’s style of kitchen is a reflection of their lifestyle.  Typically individuals who live in the rural neighborhoods are 3 times more likely to go with a farmhouse kitchen style.  As you would expect, contemporary kitchens are more popular among the urban population. 

Most homeowners aren’t really sure where to start when it comes to working with a kitchen designer.  They don’t come as prepared as they could and take full advantage of what a designer has to offer. It is important to realize that kitchen designers can’t always read your mind so the better prepared you are for your kitchen  design consultation the more you will get accomplished.