Kitchen Design Details That Stand Out

It’s the details that turn a good kitchen design into a great one. Once you’ve decided on a style, layout and color scheme, the devil really is in the detail. Which small touches make your kitchen remodel standout without overpowering with your design? When done well, these details may not be obvious to everyone who enters the room, but they can take your home’s style to the next level.

Hide Appliances

Whether or not you panel your refrigerator, paneling your dishwasher gives the area beside the sink and lower cabinets a seamless feel. Also consider designing a cabinet to house your microwave, freeing up counter space and reducing the number of appliances on show. This allows you to maintain a clutter-free kitchen and lets your kitchen cabinet style take center stage.

Open Shelves

Replacing upper kitchen cabinets with open shelving is really on trend this year and it offers a great opportunity to display your favorite things and add a pop of color to your kitchen design. Choose colorful, metal, white or natural wood shelves, depending on your style preferences. Either way, categorize what you display by color and size and add at least one large piece for high impact.

Sink Area

Sinks come in a wide range of materials, shades and finishes, so choose one that stands out against a neutral backdrop. Choose a one-of-a-kind Galley Workstation for the ultimate design detail to turn your kitchen sink into a multi-functional, stylish work and entertaining zone, like the one pictured below in this Bloomfield Hills, MI kitchen design. Likewise, faucets come in interesting colors and textures if you want them to contrast with a white sink. A backsplash in brass, concrete or mirrored glass can make a huge difference behind your stove and sink. Why not consider a window backsplash to let natural flood in as you do the dishes?

Break Up Cabinetry

You can include open storage in your cabinets to add interest. Display books, a wine collection, and unusual containers. Try showing off vintage tins and bottles or some of your own pantry supplies stored in practical, but decorative containers. Herb-infused oils, pickles, pasta and lentils all add color and interest to a design, especially if it has a rustic feel.

Organized Storage

Baskets are perfect for decluttering and look good in open storage. Within cabinets, a few details can make a big difference to your design. Lids can be stored in a pull-out drawer with dividers for separation. Sliding spice racks are ideal for storing and accessing all your herbs and spices so you can easily find what you need when cooking. Drawers with built-in cutting boards let them slide out easily, and a mixer lift is ideal if you love baking.  These details allow you to organize everything you need in your kitchen, access it easily when you need it, and keep your countertops clear.

Cabinets

There are so many cabinetry styles to choose from, but all styles benefit from adding visual interest such as choosing a different color for your upper cabinets. Your island can be a pop of bright color against neutral surroundings. You can spice things up with interesting hardware too for a subtle, yet dramatic touch. Glass door cabinets break up plain wood cabinet doors, and can include interesting design details like frosted glass, leaded glass, or a mullion pattern.

Outlets

White outlets often jar against darker walls. You can match your outlets with the color you’ve chosen for your tiles and walls. Pop-up outlets and angled power strips are also excellent for concealment. Why not include a docking drawer with a charging station to keep devices out of sight as they charge?

Lighting

Task lighting is the most important part of a kitchen lighting scheme. It makes food preparation much easier. Make sure the task light is directly over where you work. To illuminate a glass front cabinet place LED strips inside to make it all glow, instead of a downward light, which can look dated. Add decorative lighting fixtures like a large drum pendant or an updated chandelier to create a design detail that stands out and creates a focal point.

Take a look at our kitchen design gallery for ideas to inspire your kitchen remodel. Contact us today for advice on planning your renovation.