The kitchen is one of the most important areas of your home. Before starting the design of your dream kitchen, think about your household’s needs and set goals. Even if you’re an amateur chef or an occasional cook, gourmet kitchens make it easier to prepare, cook and enjoy your meals. 

The kitchen layout will need to be big enough to hold everything a gourmet chef needs, while still providing a cooking station with all the necessary ingredients and tools within arm’s reach. Your gourmet kitchen must be designed around you and your preferred style of cooking. A baker’s needs will be different from say a person specializing in raw foods, just as a vegetarian will choose different appliances and accessories than a meat-eater.

Kitchen Design Specifications to Consider

Start with the basics, for example, which appliances do you use frequently? Try to think beyond your everyday appliances; what other types do you often rely on? It can be everything from your Insta Pot to your air fryer or toaster oven. Then consider how many people are typically preparing food in the kitchen on a consistent basis. 

The next important decision is how much storage room will be needed. Having a gourmet kitchen tends to include specialty tools and spices that will need to be stored in a location convenient for cooking. Finally, decide if the kitchen will be set up for entertaining guests or strictly for preparing food. Having answers to these criteria will help you create a kitchen design that will fulfill your needs.

Creating Your Floor Plan

To utilize all a gourmet kitchen has to offer, an open floor plan will work best. Creating an open kitchen layout gives ease of movement from your prep counter to the stove. If you want a kitchen with room for guests, an open floor plan is a must have.  This will allow you to engage with your guests while also completing the finishing touches to dinner. 

The best open floor plan will include a spacious island because a true gourmet kitchen requires more than the typical counter space for preparing meals. A large kitchen island will not only give you extra space for meal prep, but it can also be used for entertaining with extra seating for your guests. It is like having a second kitchen in the center of the room. 

The gourmet kitchen should have plenty of cabinets and drawers for storage, plus other features like ovens, and even a second dishwashing area. Be sure to include plenty of power outlets and a built-in cutting board to add even more conveniences to your cooking experience. 

Lighting for the Gourmet Kitchen

With the right task lighting, you can create a very efficient and clean cooking environment. When trying to read recipes or ingredients on items, the right lighting is imperative. Adding one misread ingredient could ruin the whole dish. 

We recommend pendant lights that focus light over designated work areas, as well as under cabinet lighting to aid in the prepping and cooking experience. A well-lit kitchen will also help with maintaining a clean and sanitary environment.

Create Storage Space

Every chef needs adequate storage space in the kitchen. Make sure your gourmet kitchen has enough room for all your pots, pans, and other cookware. Be sure to include drawers for all of your favorite tools and utensils as well.

A walk-in pantry should be included in your kitchen to provide enough room for your spices, cooking and baking ingredients, and daily essentials. Hanging pot and pan racks, open shelving that displays ingredients, and inventive knife organizers -- such as wall hanging magnet strips -- are other great ways to add storage space to your gourmet kitchen. 

Hire a Professional to Create Your Gourmet Kitchen

In the United States, among all home remodeling projects, kitchen remodeling is the second-most requested home construction service. This is because people interested in selling and keeping their homes updated know that remodeling a kitchen is a smart investment. A kitchen remodel will increase storage space, make the kitchen more functional, and allow a homeowner to update older model appliances like refrigerators and ovens.

However, remodeling your kitchen has more than utilitarian benefits—it also increases the value and overall attractiveness of your home. The kitchen is often the second stop on the open house tour, so in many ways increasing the “wow” factor of your kitchen is one of the wisest home improvements you can undertake. This is why it is so important to hire a professional for your remodel.

Finnteriors Construction Services has been providing its commercial and residential customers with exceptional general contracting services for over 20 years. Our expert kitchen remodelers will work fast to refresh your kitchen so that you can get your life back and start enjoying your great new kitchen as soon as possible. 

At Finnteriors, our experienced kitchen remodelers are ready with innovative designs to upgrade any kind of kitchen. If you’re ready for an update, then contact us now. We will partner with you to create the kitchen of your dreams!

6 Tips to Make the Room Look Bigger

The kitchen is such an important part of your home and the main place the family will gather daily. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, you may find it is not fitting your needs. But, there are many things that can be done to bring out the most of your space. 

A kitchen remodel could be the solution you are looking for. We have listed below some design ideas that can create the spacious kitchen you need and want for your home. 

Lack of countertop and cabinet space can be challenging.

1. Lighter Colors Make a Difference

When a kitchen is small, it is important to use lighter colors to create more openness. Different shades of white and lighter shades of color can go a long way in opening up the room. 

The color of walls, appliances, counters, stools, and even the dish towels, can change the atmosphere and perceived size of the kitchen. Pastels or light colors, with good doses of white, reflect light, drawing the eyes upward and making the room seem taller. Walls that are dark and bold can make a kitchen feel crowded, while lighter hues offer an airy feel. 

2. Utilize Wall Space

It can be easy to overlook making the most of every area when considering small kitchen remodel ideas. If you have high ceilings, make those a key factor for maximizing the space with floor-to-ceiling cabinets and shelves to house items you use less often. Tall cabinets and high-reaching shelves will also work to make the room appear much grander in scale.

Cabinets are a practical and efficient storage option for kitchens. However, it gets a bit complicated with small kitchens. While you want the storage, upper cabinets also close the room and box the kitchen. Open shelving is a perfect small kitchen storage solution as well. Not only do they help in the storage aspect, but they also help add character to your kitchen design. 

3. Lighting to Enhance 

You can achieve so much with the right lighting fixtures in your kitchen remodel. Most homes come with one focal light in the kitchen. Adding multiple light sources in your small kitchen can add depth and openness. 

Some examples of the types of lighting that work best are: pendant lighting, recessed cabinet lights, and floor lights. The even distribution of light will give your kitchen a uniform look and accentuate the space.

A small kitchen can feel cramped when shadows create a strong visual line between the cabinets and the ceiling. To soften those shadows, install uplighting above the cabinets as well as beneath the upper cabinets, directed onto the countertop. The light will fill in the shadows under the cabinet and reduce the contrast, which will give the impression of a larger kitchen.  

Lighting has also been employed in flooring in recent years. It can be installed under the base cabinetry shining down onto the toe plate. This is a great added feature for late-night snacking and adding depth to the kitchen. 

4. Glass Can Add Big Changes

One of the simplest ways to open up a kitchen is by incorporating glass, which lets you see through the objects. The glass surfaces’ reflective quality will help the light in your kitchen travel better and make your kitchen seem much larger than it is. 

Everything from a glass counter or tabletop, to glass door cabinets and glass tile backsplash, can do the trick. Glass kitchen doors, to the outside world or the next room, can also visually expand the space. Shiny surfaces can bounce light and ultimately make any kitchen feel larger. 

5. Open floor plan

With the popularity of open kitchens and open living, consider options like knocking down a wall to let your small kitchen breathe. Opening up the kitchen layout has many advantages. You are not restricted to your small kitchen anymore; it becomes part of your living space and makes it more cohesive. 

This option can also allow space for you to add a breakfast nook as a transitional piece and seamlessly tie things together. With an open floor plan, you can have the kitchen space you have always wanted. 

6. Smaller Furnishings to Optimize Space

Remodeling a small kitchen to look bigger may also require replacing the furnishings. One of the most effective small kitchen design ideas is choosing furniture and fixtures that will not occupy a lot of space. For instance, if you have a petite kitchen island, try coordinating slim chairs or streamlined stools. 

Another thing to consider for your small kitchen remodel is a narrower kitchen counter. It is also best to avoid buying furniture with chunky legs and thick bases since they will only add visual bulk.

Let the Professionals Handle Your Small Kitchen Remodel

Finnteriors Construction Services has been in business for over 20 years. We are a locally owned and operated construction firm, providing high-quality kitchen remodeling services to homeowners in the St. Louis metropolitan area. 

We can design and provide guidance on which materials will work best within your budget. We are proud to serve homeowners with quality workmanship and excellent customer service.  Contact us today for a free estimate for your home remodeling.

When it comes to designing your dream kitchen, everyone wants a functional and spacious room. Deciding on a layout is one of the most important steps in remodeling. Beauty and functionality are the priority.

Selecting a layout for your kitchen will depend on your needs and the shape and size of your overall space. However, each layout can be adjusted to accommodate the kitchen floor plan you choose.

Choose a Kitchen Layout to Suit Your Needs

You have a lot to ponder when determining which kitchen layout will work for you. Think about your lifestyle, practicality, function, and storage needs when determining the layout best for you and your family.

To help you begin the kitchen design process, here are six different kitchen layouts that might work for you.

1. U-Shaped

A U-shaped kitchen layout offers great space for cabinetry. It consists of three walls or partial walls, referred to as legs. One side is open for an entry point into the living or dining room.  The U-shaped layout works best for larger kitchens, as it features three distinct legs.

A U-shaped layout will feature an equal distribution of your major appliances, with your sink on one wall, oven on another, and refrigerator on the remaining wall. This creates a functional space with plenty of countertop space, so it’s a great choice for those who love to cook.

U-shaped layouts are often combined with a kitchen island or peninsula.  For homeowners who want an open floor plan, the U-shaped kitchen layout is your best choice.

2. G-Shaped 

A G-shaped kitchen layout is similar to a U-shaped configuration. The main difference is that a G-shaped layout features a partial fourth wall or peninsula, which turns the U-shape into a “G.” You'll have a large amount of storage space and countertop surface area between the four legs. This kitchen layout works best in small to medium-sized kitchens.

If you need additional seating, countertop space, or cabinet storage, go with a G-shaped design. It is also good for an open concept style home. How you organize the layout of your G-shaped kitchen will depend mainly on how much space you have.

3. L-Shaped 

The L-shaped kitchen layout is very popular due to its flexibility, functionality, and efficiency. An L-shaped design consists of two walls of cabinets perpendicular to one another. These walls, commonly referred to as legs,  may vary in length. This layout type can be adapted to fit nearly any space and is exceptionally functional in a small kitchen.

It’s best to place upper cabinets along the longest wall of your L-shaped kitchen design. This will give you much more storage, provide space around the sink, and allow easy access to cookware. An island can also be added to an L-shaped kitchen design. This layout is ideal for homeowners who wish to have additional seating and storage space. 

4. Galley Kitchen Layout

A galley kitchen layout is one of the most classic layouts. It consists of two parallel walls or countertops separated by an area of walking space. It is popular for small kitchen spaces. Galley kitchen layouts are usually in older homes and found in smaller apartment kitchens.

A galley kitchen offers less space than other layout types and typically does not accommodate seated dining. If you enjoy entertaining, this is not the best choice for your kitchen. Easy access to your most-used appliances is part of a galley-style kitchen design. Every inch of space is utilized in this type of layout. 

5. The Island Kitchen

A very popular choice in open-plan homes, the island kitchen provides a large work surface or storage area in the middle of the kitchen. The island can incorporate a cooking surface, prep bowl, sink, or wine fridge. It can also be used as a counter for enjoying family meals.

The placement of the island is a great way to create a natural traffic flow in the area.

Island kitchen designs are ideal as a work and social area.

6. The Peninsula Kitchen

The peninsula layout incorporates a kitchen counter that comes out from a wall or cabinetry. This offers the benefits of a kitchen island where space doesn’t allow for an independent island to be installed. The peninsula can be used for food preparation, eating, or other tasks. It is a great solution for a small, enclosed kitchen.

Get the Kitchen of Your Dreams

Need an updated kitchen? The design professionals at Finnteriors can transform your space to meet your growing needs. We will work with what you have and make it better. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Designing a kitchen that can handle everything from homework to family dinners takes some creativity.   The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is the one space where families spend much of their time. Family gatherings are fun and relaxing in an environment that is conducive to family events.

Make your kitchen a room for everyone to use and enjoy. A family-friendly kitchen can be spacious and modern. You don't have to lose style to accommodate the rest of the family.  It’s important to create a kitchen designed to grow with you over time. Families should adapt their kitchen space for a growing family.

You and your kids can spend more time in the kitchen by creating the ultimate family-friendly space. Kitchens are an invaluable part of the home for the whole family. It’s time to turn it into a space all can use and enjoy.

Design a Kitchen Everyone Will Love

A family-friendly kitchen is comfortable, functional, safe, and engaging for the whole family. Here are a few ideas for designing and organizing your kitchen to make it the bustling but not chaotic space of family life you want it to be.

1. Half Wall

Carving out a half- or third-height wall will give you the flow of an open-plan space. The top of the partial wall can also act as a buffet which would be perfect for setting out plates and food when dinner is ready.

2. Barn-door Cabinets

If your children or spouse constantly leaves the cabinet doors open, there is a solution. Barn-style sliding doors are the perfect compromise between traditional doors and open shelving. You can hide the mess while leaving some things open. The best part - no one will forget to close the doors again.

3. Easy-care Surfaces

Easy-to-clean building materials, especially for the countertops and flooring, are a must-have in family-friendly kitchens. Marble counters are beautiful, but they are prone to staining. Stainless steel, Corian, and engineered quartz are great choices for tough countertop materials. They are hygienic, and easy to clean and maintain.  A butcher block countertop is another great easy-care opinion.

Stone, tile and laminate materials are all great options for your floor, as they are typically non-porous and easy to clean. Classic linoleum and Marmoleum floors are also easy to maintain.

4. Recipe Door

If you have a few favorite recipes, you can keep them where the whole family can follow them. Use a marker to write it out on the inside or outside of a cabinet, and you’ll never need to go hunting for the recipe again. You can also display a menu board in the dining area so your family can see the week’s dinner plans.

Construct your menu out of chalkboard paint or use a dry erase board, so it is easy to change each week. Pre-planning your weekly menu is an excellent way to organize your grocery shopping list and give your family an idea of what to expect each night.

5. High Shelving

Accessible storage is great for dishes; however, inaccessible storage is just as important when you have small children at home. High shelving helps keep dangerous items out of reach. Keep fragile items on shelves that cannot be reached by kids even if they stand on a chair or footstool.

6. Touch-free Faucets

Kids have a hard time turning faucets on and off and can accidentally kick on water hot enough to scald. Touch-free faucets are the solution and can be pre-set to a safe "start temperature" that can be changed once the faucet is on and running.

7. Kid-friendly Storage

Install lower cabinets or drawers so your children can grab what they need. Dedicate a drawer or cabinet in the under-cabinet section and organize it with kid's plates, bowls, cups, and utensils, as well as some of their favorite snack items. Refrigerator drawers can be great for this too. That way kids have everything they need at a safe level. 

If your kitchen is small, you can implement space-saving tricks, such as:

• Installing sliding, pull-out pantries.
• Investing in built-in spice racks inside your cabinets.
• Placing floating shelves on the wall.
• Choosing a built-in microwave to preserve counter space.

Remodeling Professionals

If you are looking to have your kitchen updated with functional design options that can stand up to the joys and messes of family mealtime, look no further than Finnteriors. Our experienced design and construction team can give you comfort, function, and aesthetics anywhere in your home. We create spaces that the whole family can enjoy.

Contact us today for a free consultation.