In this month’s blog post we highlight a few important design elements in a kitchen remodel:
- Sinks
- Plumbing Fixtures
- Lighting
At Godfrey Design-Build, we are here to guide you through these and the many other decisions you may make during the remodeling process.
Kitchen Sinks
Your kitchen sink can be more than just a utilitarian station for pot filling or dishwashing. Today, there are countless sink options and materials available, as well as workstation systems or accessories, that utilize your sink’s space for both meal prep and cleanup.
Kitchen sinks come in a myriad of sizes, basin types, materials, and accessories. Sizes typically range from 24”-36”, with the most common range being 30”-32.” While one single sink basin is the most popular (and easiest to clean!), some folks opt for a split basin, particularly if you prefer to hand wash most of your dishes or to avoid a dish drying rack on your counter. If your budget allows, we almost always recommend an undermount sink, as it is both aesthetically pleasing and makes kitchen cleanup a breeze.
Farmhouse sinks continue to be a popular choice, and like undermount sinks, come in different materials and sizes. It’s important to remember, however, that a farmhouse sink is “built in” giving it a finished look, but this often requires a custom cabinet below and will reduce your under-sink cabinet space and plumbing room.
While stainless steel sinks continue to be a popular, cost efficient and easy to clean option, there are now many other finishes available today for homeowners. Cast iron, fireclay or porcelain sinks are great options for a more traditional look, but often come at a higher cost. If you’re looking for a pop of color, a granite or composite sink in black or gray or a bright copper sink can be a wonderful focal point.
Many sink manufacturers now offer integrated workstation systems or aftermarket accessories. An integrated workstation system can include built-in drying racks, cutting boards, rinse station or other options. Many fabricators also sell stand alone systems for typical sinks, often at a fraction of the cost of a full workstation (with many available on Amazon!). A workstation sink or accessory not only maximizes your meal prep space, but also can eliminate the need for a countertop drying rack or double basin sink.
Kitchen Plumbing Fixtures
Many homeowners are surprised to realize that kitchen faucet selection can be one of the most difficult decisions in a kitchen design. Options abound, from the type, style, size, and finish, all of which can effect the cost. You can also add a pull down spray, soap dispenser, hot water tap, or spray wand. But keep in mind, additional plumbing elements means additional (and permanent!) holes drilled into your brand new countertops.
Here are some important specifications to think about when choosing your kitchen’s faucet(s):
Types
How many plumbing fixtures do you plan to include? Some kitchens have multiple sinks, such as an island sink or bar/prep sink. Other homeowners decide to include a pot filler over the stove, which eliminates lugging heavy water-filled pots from sink to stove. Finally, some pampered pets have their own feeding station making it easy to provide Fido with a drink without spilling the water bowl.
See a pet feeding station here.
Budget
Like most design elements, plumbing fixtures come in a variety of price ranges, from as low as $100 into the thousands of dollars. In some kitchens, the faucet may cost more than the dishwasher! Once you’ve determined your budget for your fixture(s) you’ll be able to narrow down your choices.
Style
What is your kitchen’s style? In a traditional kitchen, a bridge style faucet with two handles as well as decorative molding and ornate details would be appropriate. However, in a more contemporary kitchen, a sleek and simple design with bold finishes and clean lines is a better design choice.
Traditional Kitchen Faucet
Modern Faucet with Soap Dispenser
Functionality
Almost all faucet styles come in both stationary or pull down options. You can also opt for a touchless model, which helps to keep your faucet mess-free during meal prep and cleanup. You’ll also want to determine if you want separate cold and hot handle options, or a single handle which pivots for warmer or cooler water.
Finish
What finishes or metals are you already using in your kitchen? Many homeowners, particularly in more modern kitchens, opt to match finishes across the space: from hardware to lighting finishes to plumbing fixtures. Luckily in today’s design world, it’s OK to mix metals – meaning you can certainly choose brushed bronze cabinet hardware, yet opt for polished chrome faucets.
Kitchen Lighting
Lighting in the kitchen is often referred to as the “jewelry” of the kitchen. A beautiful light fixture draws the eye in and can guide the entire style of the kitchen – from farmhouse or contemporary, to mid-century modern.
Light fixtures can also be used to either bring in a pop of color or to highlight other hardware or accents in the space. The kitchen is often one of the most well-lit rooms in the house, and a well-appointed kitchen will have multiple lighting types throughout.
Here we will highlight when and where to use lighting across your kitchen:
Ceiling Lights
Ceiling, or recessed lighting, is installed into the ceiling directly, with most of the lighting fixture actually hidden. These lights take up little space, are generally low cost, are often available on a dimmer and typically provide the bulk of the ambient (or general) lighting in the kitchen. Their only typical limitation would be determining where in the ceiling there is space for the light and wiring to be housed.
Chandelier and Pendant Lighting
Chandeliers or pendants are typically installed above an island, peninsula, or table in the kitchen. They provide task or additional lighting, which helps for accuracy when cutting, cooking, or even eating! Chandeliers or pendants are almost always used in addition to ambient recessed ceiling lights. Chandeliers are typically singular and over a table, whereas pendant lighting is often in groups of two or three. Both types hang directly from the ceiling and can also be set on a dimmer which increases their functionality.
Pendant, Ceiling, and Under Cabinet Lighting
Sconce
A sconce, typically mounted to the wall, is used to light a specific spot within the space. These can be installed along an open wall to highlight a piece of art, or more often in a kitchen, over the sink. Sconces are typically used as accent lighting and are mostly decorative, however they can often be used as task lighting in specific spots in the kitchen.
Sconce
Cabinet Lighting
Cabinet lighting remains one of the fastest growing types of lighting in kitchens today. Under-cabinet lighting provides both task and ambient lighting, and is a beautiful complement to other types of lighting. While in-cabinet lighting is a bit of a luxury, it also provides a function – helping you, the homeowner, find dishes or glasses, and also provides a way to showcase a special collection.
Ready to get started on your kiten remodel?
Looking to renovate your kitchen? Choosing products, accents and finishes doesn’t have to be a full time job! Let Godfrey Design-Build help you every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.