I am not an interior designer. I do, however, have the lucky distinction of working with some of Vancouver’s best designers and builders to help design hundreds of new kitchens every year. The kitchen continues to be the most adored and expensive room in a home, and with good reason. Not only does it come with a large price tag as a result of appliances, countertops, cabinetry and hardware, but it also takes the most amount of time to get just right for maximum utility and aesthetic. When designing for a 500-sq.-ft. apartment for instance, we cannot afford to lose an inch. If the entire kitchen is 500-sq.-ft., we still need to think about scale, workability and the famous “stove-sink-fridge” triangle, among other things. Currently, we continue to see the trend of open concept homes, allowing the chef to participate in conversation in adjoining spaces.

The kitchen is so important that some builders are making it their mandate to re-think kitchen design to make this space better than ever. Recently Cressey Development Group helped design what we now refer to as the “Cressey Walk-through Kitchen”. You may be familiar with a galley or u-shaped kitchen often found in condos; Cressey has expanded this layout to use the circulation space and create a chef’s wall. The result is a much larger kitchen with more counter space, storage space and overall utility.

Beyond layout, buyers also get excited about what makes up a kitchen. Here are some recent trends and tips:

• We are currently seeing a lot of designers using two tones of cabinets like a wood grained lower cabinet with a white glossy upper cabinet. We’re also seeing more European brand name cabinetry such as Dada, Eggersmann and Armony.
• Engineered stone is a newer trend for countertops, which provides a sleek and more uniform look than granite. Although still widely used, granite naturally includes many variations, patterns and colours – no two slabs are ever the same which can make design more difficult.
• Appliance selection is critical in kitchen planning, and although stainless steel appliances remain popular, “integrated appliances” are being used wherever a budget allows. This means that appliances (eg: refrigerator and dishwasher) are covered using a panel so that they blend seamlessly with the cabinetry.
• Other features that make a kitchen function well and look great include open shelves, wine fridges or wine storage, large kitchen faucets with pull-out sprays, wood flooring, under cabinet lighting and soft-close drawer hardware.

Whether you’re buying your dream kitchen already complete or planning to renovate, make sure you start with layout and functionality. Once you have a layout, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the options for countertops, cabinets, backsplashes, faucets, etc. Visiting display suites at new developments or paging through some home design magazines will give you some great ideas. In the end, having a great kitchen will add to the value of your home both as you use it or when it is time to sell.

Cameron McNeill