Fix My Kitchen: Turn a Hmmm Into a Wow

The kitchen you have is just not working, but you can’t quite put your finger on what will transform it from “Something’s missing,” to “I LOVE this kitchen.”

Here are some comments we hear from consumers on the verge of a kitchen remodel:
We have wood cabinetry, a matching island and hardwood floors, but the look lacks pizzazz.
The kitchen is spacious, but we’re not using that space effectively. It’s awkward when two or more of us are cooking.
We have no place to sit down and eat. The dining area is completely separated from the kitchen.
The room has no natural light.
We could use more storage and counter space so it doesn’t feel so cluttered.
Our vintage kitchen is just looking old and outdated.

Clearly, these homeowners have identified the problem(s) with their current kitchens. The next step is sitting down with a designer like Neff of Chicago to brainstorm the best solutions as they begin the design process.

Cure the monotone blues.                                                                                            
Too much of a good thing? Cabinetry and appliances are usually the main components in a kitchen. If everything turns out to be one or two colors, stainless and a wood tone, or even an all-wood look, it’s easy to end up with a less than stunning result.
Think accent and contrast, as you would in other rooms in the home. Don’t be hesitant to mix colors, textures and materials. A backsplash, a wall or an island can be used to create some ”pop.”

Gain some ground.
Desperately seeking kitchen storage?  Need room for two or more cooks to cohabit peacefully? Or, maybe you just want an in-kitchen breakfast area.

Determine if/how you can pick up a little more square footage. Can you open up a pantry area or closet, remove a wall, or incorporate a powder room into the kitchen space? You also maybe able to squeeze more usable room out of your existing footprint, by building in under-counter storage or taller cabinets, and adding an island or peninsula.

You get the idea. Just keep in mind that for every kitchen dilemma, there probably is a great design solution.