You've decided it's finally time to remodel that outdated kitchen of yours. But where do you even start? With so many options for cabinet styles, countertops, backsplashes, and appliances, it can feel totally overwhelming trying to nail down your dream design. Well, take a deep breath - you've got this! There are tons of incredible sources out there to spark your creativity and help zero in on the look you love. Whether you're addicted to scrolling through Pinterest boards, flipping through home design magazines, or even peeking into neighbors' windows (kidding!), inspiration is all around.
In this article, we'll explore some of the best places to get those creative kitchen juices flowing. Get ready for some serious design inspiration!
Browse Interior Design Websites and Blogs
There are tons of resources online for kitchen design ideas. Interior design websites and blogs are a treasure trove of inspiration.
Follow Popular Interior Designers and Decorators
Many well-known designers like Emily Henderson, Joanna Gaines, and Bobby Berk regularly share kitchen makeovers, trend roundups, and shopping guides on their websites and social media. They spotlight the latest colors, materials, and layouts so you can get a feel for what’s hot.
Scroll Through Kitchen Galleries
Sites like Houzz, Remodelista, and Apartment Therapy feature massive kitchen galleries where you can scroll through hundreds of pictures. Look for kitchens with a similar size or style to your own. Pin or save any images that catch your eye so you can review them later for ideas.
Read Kitchen Design Blog Posts
Interior design blogs publish regular posts on kitchen trends, storage solutions, lighting ideas, and more. For example, posts may discuss using mixed metals, maximizing a small kitchen, or adding a kitchen island. Read through the posts and comments for specific product recommendations, pros and cons of different options, and advice from others who have recently renovated their kitchens.
With so many resources at your fingertips, you'll have no shortage of kitchen design inspiration. The key is not getting overwhelmed. Focus on one website, designer, or blog at a time and save the ideas and images that resonate most with your style and needs. Before you know it, you'll have a vision for your dream kitchen!
Look at Model Homes and Showrooms
One of the best ways to find kitchen design inspiration is by visiting model homes and showrooms. You'll get to see the latest trends in cabinetry, countertops, flooring and appliances in person.
Cabinets
Open up those cabinet doors and have a peek inside. Are pull-out drawers, lazy Susans or built-in organizers catching your eye? Maybe a particular wood stain or hardware is calling your name. Snap some photos for reference.
Countertops
There are so many options for countertops these days, from granite and quartz to laminate and concrete. See which materials and colors spark your creativity. Run your hands along the surfaces to get a feel for different textures. Some showrooms even have sample pieces you can take home.
Flooring
Pay attention to the types of flooring used in the kitchens you tour, like tile, wood, vinyl, or stone. Think about what would work well for your space and lifestyle. Ceramic or porcelain tile comes in a variety of styles from wood-look to stone and is durable and low maintenance. Wood or laminate flooring adds warmth but may dent or scratch more easily.
Appliances
The latest high-tech appliances can motivate you to renovate your kitchen. Check out induction cooktops, convection ovens, wine refrigerators and soapstone sinks. Even if you can’t afford all new appliances, you’ll get innovative ideas for storage, ventilation and more.
Touring model homes and showrooms is a fun, interactive way to discover your ideal kitchen style. You’ll leave feeling inspired with a vision for your space and a long list of possibilities to consider. Best of all, everything you see is attainable by working with kitchen designers and contractors in your area. Your dream kitchen is within reach!
Find Inspiration in Magazines and Books
One of the best ways to find kitchen design inspiration is by browsing home decor magazines and coffee table books. Pick up recent issues of popular magazines like Better Homes & Gardens, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful. You'll discover pages of beautiful kitchens in all styles, from rustic to modern. Pay attention to layouts, cabinetry, flooring, and lighting that catch your eye. Tear out pages or take photos of designs you love.
Browse books dedicated solely to kitchen designs. You'll uncover a treasure trove of inspirational kitchens. Look for titles like The Kitchen Bible, Inspired Kitchens, or Kitchen Ideas That Work. These books feature hundreds of kitchen designs along with helpful tips and advice for creating your own dream kitchen.
Don't limit yourself to just current designs. Retro and vintage kitchen styles are making a comeback and can spark ideas for creative, one-of-a-kind designs. Search for books on mid-century modern, art deco, or 1950's retro kitchens. The nostalgic styles and pastel colors popular during these eras have a charming, whimsical feel that still works today.
Once you have gathered a collection of inspiring kitchen designs, look for common elements or themes you are repeatedly drawn to. Maybe you prefer an open, airy kitchen with lots of natural light. Or a cozy kitchen with rich wood cabinets and stone accents. Use these preferences to help define the style and essential components of your own kitchen remodel.
The options for finding kitchen inspiration are endless. Magazines, books, websites, TV shows, and social media all provide a steady stream of new designs and ideas. Keep an open mind and think outside the box. An intriguing color, texture or layout in a completely unrelated space like a restaurant or office could spark inspiration for your kitchen. You never know where your next great idea may come from!
Conclusion
So there you have it – lots of places to spark your creativity for your dream kitchen. Whether you want to go bold with colors and patterns or keep it simple and sleek, inspiration is all around you. Flip through magazines, browse social media and blogs, or visit showrooms to get ideas. And don't forget to look inward, too.
Think about how you use your kitchen now and how you want it to function in the future. Let your lifestyle, cooking habits and taste guide the design. With an open mind and a dose of inspiration, you'll create a kitchen that's uniquely you.
Contact us for help creating your perfect kitchen, we will help you center in on your perfect design!