When meeting with clients to discuss their upcoming remodel and understand their wants and needs, one of the most common requests is to enhance the size and feel of their kitchen. While some remodels may allow us to increase the kitchen’s square footage, often we are working within the existing space. In this blog, we will explore various changes that can be implemented during remodels to create an open and spacious atmosphere in your kitchen, all without altering its footprint.
Our first suggestion is to choose lighter shades when selecting the color palette for your kitchen. This applies to cabinets, appliances, and wall colors. Gentle, light hues like white, soft grays, or even pastel tones promote effective light reflection and create a sense of spaciousness. Conversely, darker, heavier colors tend to create the opposite effect, making a room feel cramped. However, incorporating dark accents, such as hardware and backsplashes, can provide striking contrast and depth to the overall design.
The second suggestion is to incorporate glass or reflective materials into your design. A popular method to introduce these elements in your kitchen is by using glass-front cabinetry. This doesn’t mean you need to use glass for all the cabinets; you can select a few in a specific area or even add small upper cabinets that reach the ceiling. The glass not only enhances the openness of the space, but it also allows you to display special dishes or personalize the kitchen to match your style. Additionally, reflective materials can create a similar sense of spaciousness. For instance, using stainless steel for larger appliances and glossy tiles for your backsplash can introduce reflective elements that give the illusion of a larger area.
Another effective way to enhance the area and achieve a brighter, more spacious appearance is by incorporating smart lighting. Installing lights within or beneath the cabinetry can illuminate smaller nooks and corners.
Another suggestion for creating a more spacious atmosphere in your kitchen is to choose continuous flooring. Instead of selecting a new flooring material or tile solely for the kitchen, consider extending the flooring found throughout the house into this space. Additionally, we have enhanced the openness of kitchens by removing columns that divide it from the living room. While these pillars may seem insignificant, but you would be surprised by the difference in ambiance once they are gone. This change allows the kitchen to blend seamlessly with the rest of the home, fostering a sense of openness with the other living areas.
Our final suggestion for this blog is to establish a single focal point in your kitchen, whether it’s a striking lighting fixture or a standout backsplash. A focal point like this captures attention and enables you to maintain a clean and simple aesthetic throughout the rest of the space, helping to avoid clutter.
By integrating these design elements, you’ll be able to create an open and inviting atmosphere. Keep these ideas in mind for your next remodeling project! If you are in the greater Houston area, Framestead would love to help you bring these ideas and your dream kitchen to life. Our team would love to hear from you and learn more about your dream project. Reach out today!
