Anneke is a Sr. Designer at KSI Kitchen & Bath. She has over 15 years of experience helping people achieve their kitchen dreams by crafting beautiful, functional spaces. She also serves on the board of the West Michigan chapter of the NKBA, where she connects with other industry professionals to create professional growth and educational opportunities for the membership.
Personalizing Organization: How a design professional can add accessibility and organization to your kitchen remodel project
If you are considering a kitchen remodel, you have probably spent a lot of time daydreaming about how the space will look, but have you considered how it will work for you and your family?
Your home is unique, and a professional kitchen designer can guide you through remodeling to guarantee that your new space works for your family's needs and lifestyle. From the initial design to the final installation, they will ensure you get the most out of your new kitchen by including accessories that enhance its functionality. Although others may often overlook them, your design team will make sure your new space includes features to keep core areas working hard, essential tools organized, and clutter under control.
Hardworking spaces
The kitchen sink is an unsung workhorse of the kitchen. New workstation sink designs are harmonizing it's many functions with designer flair. These sinks are engineered to integrate cutting boards, drying racks, strainers, and more. Workstation sinks are available in a wide variety of materials, sizes, and configurations, even up to 45" in length! After a review of your lifestyle needs, your kitchen designer can help identify the suitable material and configuration for your space. They can assist you in selecting a faucet with a durable finish to coordinate with other design elements. Finish off this hardworking space by adding a pull-out cleaning caddy and a waterproof mat below your sink area to stay organized and protect your investment from surprise leaks or spills.
Keeping Essential tools easy to reach
Keeping the tools essential for your cooking and prep style close at hand and well organized is important. Keep your drawers neat and tidy with organizer systems like Richilieu's Straightline system. You can adjust this modular system to fit your specific needs. The interchangeable components include spaces for knives, spices, and even plastic wrap dispensers. Pull-out cutlery organizers are another great storage option to keep your highest-use items easy to find. If baking is a frequent kitchen activity, your kitchen designer may suggest integrating a lift-up mixer stand or pull-out tray storage to keep these critical elements within easy reach.
Controlling the clutter
Coffee makers, toasters, and blenders may all be essential to your daily routine, but that doesn't mean you want them to create visual clutter in your new kitchen. A kitchen design professional can provide you with many customized solutions for these elements. Roll-out trays in lower cabinets may be great solutions for some items needing only occasional access. However, frequently used items are easier to hide behind a lift-up appliance door. These doors lift up and away when items are in use and tuck neatly down to disguise appliances when not in use; no unplugging or shuffling is needed. Clutter loves to hide in corners, but it's easier to control when it is easier to see. Swing-out storage solutions for blind base cabinets like the "magic corner" from Rev-a-shelf or the Lemans swing-out shelf from Richilieu are lovely solutions to these traditionally troublesome areas.
Ensure your kitchen is beautiful and functional by fully exploring your lifestyle and needs with your kitchen designer. They will ensure that your kitchen is outfitted with the best tools to improve your workflow and maximize your remodel investment. Their creative solutions for increasing functionality and accessibility will ensure that you enjoy working in your new space with your family for years to come.
Anneke is a Sr. Designer at KSI Kitchen & Bath. She has over 15 years of experience helping people achieve their kitchen dreams by crafting beautiful, functional spaces. She also serves on the board of the West Michigan chapter of the NKBA, where she connects with other industry professionals to create professional growth and educational opportunities for the membership.