Tried and True in Kitchen Design
Design tip from Terri Parsons, NKBA, Allied Member ASID
Principal Interior Designer
Anne Parsons Interiors
760-525-2501
API is an interior design firm specializing in residential and commercial design for new construction and remodels. Based locally, the firm has clients worldwide.
Like the bath, the kitchen is one of the most-used rooms of the home. Because of the functionality of this space, it’s important that the best products and features be used in the design of this room.
When homeowners are pondering the designs of their kitchens, they may not think about products and features that are tried and true. Here are reminders:
Corner sinks in the island —Try it and you’ll wonder why you never tried it before.
Cutting boards, colander holders and towel/sponge holders integrated within the sink — It’s best to get these made of high-grade stainless steel.
Integrated appliances — These panels cover appliances so they flow seamlessly with your cabinetry.
Cabinetry pullouts — They use space more efficiently by extending almost to the full depth of the counter.
Filler pullouts — Instead of using a piece of molding to plug up spaces from prefab or semi-custom cabinetry, install a pullout to hold items like olive oil, cooking spray and kitchen towels. A wide assortment of shelving is available, including glass, wire and wood.
Stainless-steel trash and recycle receptacles — Although almost everyone knows about trash and recycle receptacles, not everyone knows that spending a little more on those made of stainless steel is worth it. Stainless steel holds up, reduces odors and is easier to clean.
Tall pantry accessories — These accessories allow the full use of the depth of the tall pantry. After all, reaching way back into the pantry to discover things you didn’t know you had is not fun.
Lazy Susan — I do apologize for anyone named Susan out there, but these trays are still in, and I love them. They make the best use of space in a corner or even a tall pantry.
Tip-out trays — These are fabulous for holding sponges, scrubbers and other items in that forgotten space right below the sink that is typically installed with a piece of molding. You can hide these items in baskets and bowls, but the tip-out tray hides them entirely.
Stove hoods — These can be custom made in size, shape and material to suit the island or wall stove, to fit under the cabinet or to be used as inserts. You can get them in a variety of styles, too. You can even find hoods that automatically rise when needed. Your stove hood can be a piece of art in your kitchen with a little thought and an eye for design.
The companion piece written by Terri Parsons on bathrooms ran in the SDH/GL eClub newsletter the first week of November. The article can be found by visiting www.sandiegohomegarden.com and clicking on eClub design.
Correction: Terri Parsons designed the kitchen in this photo, which ran with Lisa Hoyt’s kitchen tip last week. SDH/GL regrets the error.
