Hidden in Plain Sight

For a clean and calm look in your kitchen, consider these five tricks for hiding appliances and trash. Whether you are looking to design a sleek and modern kitchen, or a simple and traditional kitchen, hiding trash and appliances will make your space look and feel cleaner. Most homeowners get used to seeing the toaster or coffee maker on the counter and don't think twice, but when you see a kitchen that really does have clean, open countertops, you will notice! These tricks will change the way you think about kitchen design, and how to organize your space.

1) Move Small Appliances To a Counter Top Pantry.

Most homeowners keep small appliances on the counter because they use them daily, or because they don't have a convenient storage area for them. A countertop pantry cabinet provides extra storage and allows you to keep your coffee maker, toaster, or mixer easily accessible. After breakfast, close the cabinet doors, and you have a neat and tidy kitchen with a clean countertop. Consider including glass panels in the top of the pantry doors for a traditional hutch look. 

2) Instal Panel Ready Appliances.

We love stainless steel appliances, but using a stainless stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and oven hood in a small kitchen can start to look overwhelming. With that much stainless steel, the room can look like a commercial kitchen. If you need to locate the dishwasher right next to the range, seeing two similar sized stainless appliances side by side can look funny. if you can't brake up a run of appliances with cabinetry, we suggest using a panel ready dishwasher or refrigerator. These appliances are made to be used with a panel that matches your cabinetry. Panel refrigerators are more expensive than panel dishwashers, but hiding a bulky fridge and making it look like cabinetry can be a big payoff. 

3) Keep Trash, Recycling and Compost In the Drawer.

Trash and recycling bins are an eyesore and take up kitchen floor space. Countertop compost bins get smelly and take up counter space. Even if it means losing some cabinet storage, we think pull-out trash drawers are well worth it. Cabinet fronts and hardware match your kitchen for a seamless look and smells are contained.  The pull-out trash drawer shown above holds two bins, but many configurations are available, including a single bin with storage and a single bin with stainless compost bucket. Don't be afraid to instal multiple trash drawers, recycling is bulky, and larger bins mean less trips to the curb.

4) Use Cabinetry Instead of Closets.

Many Philadelphia families would love to relocate their washers and dryers from the basement, but don't know where to put them. Other homeowners want to use square footage from a laundry room to increase their kitchen size. Building a closet or small room involves thick walls and door frames, but cabinetry can be made thiner and looks seamless in your kitchen. Pantry cabinets can be sound insulated, fitted for electric, plumbing, and venting to hold pretty much anything. With electric available, even the microwave, wine fridge, or standing mixer can be stored and used in the pantry. If your home has the space, consider adding a laundry sink or drying rack behind pantry doors too. 

5) Hide Your Kitchen Behind Barn Doors.

For small kitchens, like this poolside outdoor kitchen, closing the whole kitchen off with sliding doors may be the best way to get a tidy look. Closing off the entire kitchen is another way to keep your home looking tidy without having to worry about dishes in the sink or stuff on the counters. When designing your kitchen, or working with an Airy Kitchens Designer, think about how you use your kitchen and your habits. Most of the tips we listed will force even the messiest people to keep a neater kitchen, and when all else fails, just cover it with a barn door! 

Are you interested in designing a new kitchen in Philadelphia or the Main Line? Fill out our Contact Form today! 

 

Top 10 Reasons to hire a Kitchen Designer

Do you know what a Kitchen Designer does, how much one costs, or why you would hire one? See below for the top ten reasons you should hire a designer for your Philadelphia kitchen remodel.

10) I want a functional, well thought out kitchen. 

While most contractors are great at building, they are not designers and shouldn't be treated as such. Contractors are great at designing details that need to be figured out on site, but to get a professional and well laid out kitchen, you should consult a designer first.

9) I am renovating on a budget.

Yes, a good designer costs money, but a good designer will also save you money. At Airy Kitchens, our designers research the best appliances and hardware to make sure you get quality products at the best price. Our designers know the best tradesmen in the Philadelphia area and we demand good deals for our clients.  A good designer will make up for their cost with savings and quality that will add value and longevity to your kitchen.

8) I want to DIY my renovation.

Thats Awesome! You've done this before, right? Having a plan and a comprehensive budget never hurts. Airy kitchens can create basic or complex construction plans to help you with your project. We can recommend products, retailers and even answer questions as they come. 

7) I have no time to do anything.

After the initial design phase, our designers are available to manage your construction project. That means we basically act as your personal assistant in charge of your renovation. All questions and scheduling can go through one person instead of a handful of contractors. We will keep you in the loop and we're happy to communicate via email, text, or phone. Your designer can even order your appliances, furniture and window coverings.

See the rest of our drop dead kitchens.

6) My Kitchen should look drop dead gorgeous.

If beauty is what you desire, look no further. 'Free' design services are just trying to sell you cabinets and don't really care about the final look. If you demand details and beauty, then work with a designer to achieve that. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so using 3D renderings is a great way to get you and your contractor on the same page.

5) This 100 year old house may fall apart at any minute.

We love old houses and prefer to save and restore details if possible. By designing a modern kitchen that looks appropriate in an old house, we can help salvage and reuse some of what you have. Our designers also know the old house safety hazards to look out for. Safety is our highest priority.

4) My Kitchen is too big or small.

Scale is important in all kitchens. Our designers know how to maximize space in your tiny Old City apartment. We can also make your Wynnewood mc-mansion kitchen feel cute and cozy. Lighting, color, appliance size, and many other details can make or break a large or small kitchen.

3) I want an outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor kitchens are totally different to build and maintain than indoor kitchens. Luckily, our designers are pros at designing for the great outdoors. This is the best place to hire a designer because outdoor kitchens are a new market. That means not as many products are available and not as many builders are familiar with them.

2) I know what I like, but I'm not sure if it will work together.

Often times clients want to pick the coolest granite, prettiest backsplash, wildest wallpaper, and best floor tile. Once they see them all together (when the project is complete) they still like the individual decisions, but the overall aesthetic is not appealing. An Airy Kitchens designer will render your choices before building, so you will know exactly what the final product will look like.

1) Avoid the 'Home Depot Special'. 

Big box stores are great for many things, but don't let convenience override beauty or economy. Taking a little extra time to purchase even a few unique items will pay off in the end. Also, taking the time to call around for the best deal can be very rewarding. If you work with a designer, you will end up with a better looking kitchen for a great price.