The time has come to discuss the most important room in a house: The kitchen. With so much hustle-and-bustle taking place in the heart of the home, it is especially important that you make it a place of delight. To accomplish this, we at John McClain Design highly suggest customizing the kitchen to your own taste buds. Pun intended!

Here are our recommendations to get you inspired:

1. Kitchen as the Epicenter
   The most requested customization for clients by far? Enlarged kitchen islands. Times have changed, and so has the function of the kitchen island. It went from being a prep/grocery drop-off station to a deck of all cards. Now the kitchen island is where homework gets done, entire meals get eaten and guests are entertained. In this case, bigger is better and we totally recommend adjusting this kitchen staple to fit your needs. Don’t forget to get creative with the bar stools!
   
   
2. Sleek and Clean
   Function is taking front and center in design overall, and we couldn’t be more content — especially in the kitchen.  Our motto is: “A spot for everything.” Cabinetry designed for specific items is all the rage. Add in a toe-kick feature, and voila! Think built-in microwave drawers or hidden compartments made to look like cabinetry but really refrigerators and ovens. Function is even making an impact in terms of style. Shaker cabinets, for instance, are taking a backseat to slab fronts for a much easier look to keep clean. Repeat: Function can be fun!
   
   
3. Bring on the Vivacity
   Gone are the days of limited cabinetry color options. Kitchen design is taking an exciting direction toward colorfully painted cabinetry. For instance, UltraCraft Cabinetry lets you step outside of their color palette and bring in any color that inspires you with their Custom Paint Color Program. Invigorated by a new shade of lipstick? Or sparked by the wall paint in an interior design ad? Just bring it in, and UltraCraft can match it. Appliances in pastel pinks, greens and blues are also making an appearance in kitchens to boost visual interest. Plus, it’s so much more fun to bake with chic cookware!
   
   Another way to say goodbye to the all-white kitchen is by welcoming patterned countertops and backsplashes made of unique materials, such as natural stone, porcelain and quartz. We designed the entire kitchen of a home with Spanish print porcelain lining the walls throughout the entire kitchen. Hint, hint: It’s pictured above. Organic elements, like reclaimed wood and exposed brick, are additional material options that can help create a look that’s all your own.
   
   Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to blend finishes. Our go-tos? Stainless steel appliances and antique brushed brass fixtures — like faucets and cabinet knobs. Light fixture options are endless, making them a perfect tool for tailoring your kitchen to your individuality. Our take? You can never be too glamorous!

Let’s end it by kicking it up a notch with our last piece of inspo: Think smart. Smart kitchens have become more affordable thanks to user-friendly applications and Bluetooth technology. Starting your coffee maker from bed? Yes, please!

Till Next Time,
Happy Designs & Bon Appetit!