The best kitchen ideas of 2011
If 2011 is going to be the year you finally do something about your tired, outdated kitchen, you couldn’t have picked a better time. Whether you want to revamp an existing kitchen or plan to create a whole new one, there are now more options available to you than ever before.
Today’s kitchens are all about great design – combining practical innovations with stunning looks. The trick is to mix and match the essential labor-saving features that will make working in your kitchen a joy, with those optional extras that reflect your personality and enhance your lifestyle. If you’ve always wanted a French farmhouse kitchen, a futuristic spaceship galley, or you love the worn-in-chic look, that’s fine. You can have any style you want, as long as it’s not boring!
Here are some ideas to get started:
a big kitchen
Why struggle in a tiny kitchen when a few modifications could give you a spacious and comfortable room? Investigate the possibilities of opening up your kitchen to an adjoining living room or dining room to create an open-plan kitchen/family room that will become the heart of your home. Alternatively, you may be able to extend your kitchen by building an extension. Then, instead of closing the kitchen door when guests arrive, you can invite them into your new entertainment area.
natural materials
Forget about plastics and other man-made materials. The best kitchens of 2011 will use natural materials, such as stone, solid wood and bamboo. Each of these materials comes in many varieties and finishes to suit any decor, but the look is only part of the appeal. They are also extremely durable and easy to maintain.
a cook’s kitchen
If you’re part of the growing number of people who recognize that there’s more to cooking than just microwaving a frozen meal, design a kitchen that makes cooking a joy. Incorporate plenty of uncluttered workspace, smart storage for all those pots and pans, a high-end oven (or two), and the latest appliances that deliver professional results without hours of slaving over a hot stove.
goes green
Being concerned about the environment and wanting to reduce your carbon footprint doesn’t mean you can’t have a stylish kitchen, far from it. Manufacturers have been racing to produce kitchen appliances that use less energy and water, so by choosing the latest and most eco-friendly models, you can help save the planet and lower your household bills.
truly single
When looking at prefab kitchens, you’ve probably seen some ideas and features you love, and some you could do without. For a kitchen that is perfect in every way, there really is only one option: a kitchen that is handcrafted and designed especially for you and your home.
The design and condition of a kitchen can affect the character and atmosphere of an entire home, for better or worse. If the time has come to change yours, start by consulting with a professional kitchen company with extensive experience in creating all types of kitchens. Your dream kitchen might not be as unattainable as you once thought!