The kitchen is the heart of a custom home, and the new year has brought many innovative designs to the forefront. Whether the space is small and modern, or large and traditional, the following ideas from Alair Homes Kelowna are sure to please any homeowner regardless of budget.

Go Transitional

Transitional design is all the rage right now. It cleverly combines both and old new elements to give the kitchen a both modern and homey feel. This approach allows the homeowner to follow design rules with the option of breaking them when needed.

Put on the Apron

Apron-front sinks, which were common in farmhouses decades ago, are making a big comeback. These sinks feature a charming front facade that acts as a focal point for the room. The homeowner can choose stainless steel or porcelain material for just the right look.

Make It a Single

After installing a fantastic sink, the next step is a fabulous faucet. Single-lever models have become popular because of their simplicity and sleekness. This type of faucet fits in with any decor, whether traditional, modern or both.

Add Some Color

Cabinets are a major kitchen component, and the choice of material is often wood. While many people prefer the natural look, some are turning to paint for a unique signature. White is the most common choice, with muted sage green and dark gray becoming more prevalent.

Photo by Alair Homes KelownaLook for kitchen design inspiration

Knock on Wood Floors

A wood floor in the kitchen may not be a homeowner’s first choice because wood does not handle moisture and spills as well as tile. It does add wonderful ambiance and a sense of consistency in a custom home with wood floors throughout. If sealing the floor is not an appealing option, there are tiles with wood grain that offer the same look as a less costly option.

Install Quartz Countertops

Kitchen countertops need to be durable as well as attractive. Marble requires constant upkeep and is vulnerable to stains. A good alternative is quartz, which is both tougher and less costly than marble. The material is suitable for any kitchen style and has a lovely natural finish that will last for years.

Light It Up

No room is complete without proper lighting, and this goes double for the kitchen. A layered approach to lighting has gained footing in recent years, utilizing recessed, LED undercabinet and pendant fixtures. This increases the brightness of the work space while adding a general pleasant ambiance to the whole room.

Make It Columns

Appliance placement can present a challenge in some designs, especially when dealing with custom sizes. One brilliant solution to this issue is using appliance columns. A refrigerator and freezer are divided into two separate spaces that can be placed anywhere in the room. This provides both flexibility and practicality in the way a homeowner uses the kitchen.