Decorating & Design

E-mail It

Design lesson: Dream kitchens

Send to a friend

* marked fields are required.

Design lesson: Dream kitchens

By
Kimberley Seldon

Design guru Kimberley Seldon gives you easy upgrades to create your dream kitchen.

Cabinetry, countertops & storage

Start by rethinking old standards. Taller kitchen counters (42 inches rather than 36 inches high) provide more cupboard and drawer space, and eliminate unnecessary bending, especially for those who are taller than the average man or woman. To create a seamless, easy-to-navigate kitchen, opt for integrated appliances that don’t jut out beyond cabinetry. Continue the seamless appearance with stone countertops. Granite provides impervious service, but some find its appearance too heavy. Engineered products like Silestone and CaesarStone work equally hard and come in a variety of colours.

The ultimate luxury for those who love to entertain is surely the butler’s pantry, ideally located between the kitchen and dining room. It’s the perfect spot to store wine and crystal drinking glasses, silver flatware, and tabletop accessories like placemats and candlesticks.

designlessoncoffee.jpgPersonal enjoyment

Coffee lovers want – make that need –
a built-in espresso maker like the popular Miele system. Locate it near the breakfast table, where it’s guaranteed to keep mealtimes percolating.

Store wines in a freestanding or
undercounter wine fridge
. Intro models are 15 to 24  inches wide and start under $300. Sophisticated versions have independent temperature zones for red, white and sparkling.

4 Comments

  • by
    amna
    on 2008-08-26
    Reply to this comment

    Oh thank you! I know...i decided to go with stainless dishwasher too.

  • by
    jose
    on 2008-08-23
    Reply to this comment

    yes it would look odd.

  • by
    amna
    on 2008-08-17
    Reply to this comment

    I am wondering if it will look really odd to have stainless steel fridge and stove and a black dishwasher? The stove is a kitchenaid gas range that has a lot of black in it. I think this will be a good mix and match and it'll be easier if i dont have to worry about marks on one of the appliances.

  • by
    Laurakelly
    on 2008-08-15
    Reply to this comment

    I would like to have appliances that are counter depth...ie 24 inches....I have not found a selection of what you call Intergrated appliances...could you tell me a resource to purchase these appliances.

Leave a Comment
Leave a comment

My Style At Home network

  • Login to account

    Login

  • Sign Up

    Sign up now to receive exclusive access to the My Home & Garden network!

Sign up for the StyleAtHome E-Newsletter

Get free decorating and design tips delivered straight to your in-box! You’ll also receive recipes, entertaining advice, and contest notifications for your chance to win fabulous prizes. Sign up now to get all this and more!

E-MAIL ADDRESS

Contests

Latest Contests

more contests