Limekiln Hill Studio gives the recipe for a great kitchen!

 

What Makes A Kitchen Great?

With the holidays here, we're all spending more time in our kitchens. And that makes me think – what makes a kitchen great?

There are many elements, both functionally and visually, that must come together in just the right way.

At Limekiln Hill Studio we start with the work triangle – stove, fridge, and sink. There is no set rule for the measurement of how far they are from each other. Every kitchen is different. Consider your traffic patterns – you don't want the oven door to block access to the dining room. Think about how your appliances open and the affect on the flow through the work triangle. Create zones for food prep, cooking, clean up and storage. Make sure you have plenty of counter space on either side of your sink and cook top.

Does all this sound like a lot? There's even more – the National Kitchen and Bath Association has developed 31 kitchen design guidelines professionals use for functional and safe placement of appliances, walkway sizes needed and minimum counter space.

Then, of course, a great kitchen must look good. It's warm and inviting; as though a terrific dinner is about to be served. I always incorporate a special feature as a focal point. It may be a reproduction farm table topped in butcher block in place of a traditional island. Or, antique Delft tile incorporated in a range hood, which compliments other tile elsewhere in an historic home.

While your kitchen, like the rest of your home, should reflect your personality and lifestyle, I usually advice clients to keep with a neutral palette for cabinetry and countertops. A well designed and built kitchen will last for many years. You don't want it to look outdated before its time. Showcase your personal style in window treatments, cabinet hardware, even the accessories in your kitchen.

And finally, the lighting – the jewelry of the kitchen. With a mix of feature, accent and well-directed task lighting, you can create different moods whether you're preparing dinner, helping kids with homework or entertaining. Lighting, when layered, adds dimension of shadow and color to enhance the natural characteristic of the cabinetry, countertops and appliances in your kitchen.

Feature lighting, such as a pendants over an island or sink, must be scaled properly both in form and proportion to the space. The style should complement the kitchen and surrounding rooms, as more and more kitchens are open to other rooms.

Visit Limekiln Hill Studio limekilnhillstudio.com to see our inspiring kitchens.

Limekiln Hill Studio

Kitchens, Baths, Fine Cabinetry

A division of Siburtek LLC