Any designer will tell you there are no real “rules” when it comes to cultivating your space, yet Bakes & Kropp fine cabinetry hears them all the time ”“ stray from gray, choose cohesive stainless steel appliances ”“ the list goes on. The company would argue, however, the risk of breaking the rules is well worth the reward. It”™s put together a list of “rules” for breaking when it comes to kitchen design:
Don”™t mix your metals: “I believe that people are currently a little more prepared to explore a mix of different finishes in interiors,” said Bob Bakes, head of design. “It”™s a development of expression we are seeing, which I think will continue. It’s no longer considered the standard to have matching metals, and a clever and thoughtful balance of some different looks can really pull a space together. We have incorporated mixed metals into many of our projects over the past few years, and the effect is fantastic.”
Integrate smart home tech: “I”™ve seen people try to incorporate technology into every aspect of design,” said Paul Kropp, head of operations. “We are looking to create kitchens that function well for our clients, and sometimes integration of technology goes too far. Instead, focus on harnessing design to foster interpersonal connection, and you will find the essentials don”™t go ignored.”
Skip open shelving: “Open shelves are useful in freeing wall space and creating more air and movement within a kitchen,” said Bakes. “Open shelving can also be beneficial to showcase an elaborate or compelling backsplash.” Added senior kitchen designer Mary Dimichino: “I like to incorporate open shelving as a focal point either at the sink wall to the left and right of a window or at the range wall to the left and right of the hood. A few rules of thumb: Stick to one color or pattern, group items together, for example bowls, plates and glassware, and avoid cluttering your shelves. Less is more.”
Stock up on storage: “It”™s common for people to overthink storage,” Bakes said. “It isn”™t always necessary to use every inch, and I”™ve seen people compromise bulk storage in an effort to do so. An example of this is putting a Lazy Susan inside a corner cabinet. It solves some accessibility problems but also minimizes the amount of available space in other ways.”
