As Flower Mound custom home builders, we know that for most families the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s the hub of so many activities, whether cooking up meals, sharing a family dinner, or gathering around and enjoying a great party with friends or neighbors. Maybe you even play cards or board games with the kids or close friends. No matter what you enjoy in this favorite area of most homeowners, there are a few “secret” ingredients that can make it even better. Let us explain.
Because it is one of the most important spaces in your home, you want it to feel spacious and inviting. How can you make your kitchen feel open and welcoming? Even if square footage is limited, there are ways to open up the space.
First, consider the cabinetry. Dark colors make areas feel smaller or diminished, whereas lighter colors make an area feel more bright and open. White is always a great color for the cabinets, but if you feel a little uneasy about using white and how it could become stained or greasy in the kitchen, consider other light shades such as tan, cream, soft gray, or ivory. Additionally, using glass fronts in top cabinetry is a great way to open up your spaces further, while highlighting beautiful China or antique dishware and other collectibles. You can really use any color you love as the primary color in the kitchen, as long as you keep it light and airy.
Include great lighting. Natural lighting is always great, especially a beautiful window located over the sink. While you’ll probably want lots of windows in the kitchen and dining areas, don’t forget the importance of other light sources to provide light for important tasks and set the mood! Pendant lighting above the island is great, along with recessed lighting above cabinets or even lights inside glass fronted cabinets.
Floors can dramatically change the perceived size of your kitchen. Again, light colored tiles or other types of flooring work to visually expand your space. If you’re using ceramic or porcelain tile, you’ll want to consider 18- or 24-inch tile rather than the standard 12-inch to give the appearance of a larger space. In addition to larger tiles, installing them on a diagonal will create the illusion of an even larger kitchen. The fewer grout lines, the larger your kitchen will appear – and the easier your floor will be to maintain and keep clean!
At Bud Bartley Homes our Flower Mound custom home builders are all about bringing the dreams of our clients to life, helping you enjoy a beautiful, upscale home you’ll love coming home to every day 20 years from now as much as the day you moved in. Never settle for less than extraordinary.
