South Bay Area homeowners can get the most out of a kitchen remodel by improving the room’s layout and adding a few key features to an existing kitchen. The kitchen pictured below has several characteristics of a well-designed kitchen that may go unnoticed at first glance, because the elements are so well integrated into the design.
Kitchen island. Adding a kitchen island or peninsula instantly solves several design dilemmas in the kitchen. The island pictured in the slideshow of a remodeled kitchen in San Jose adds a large countertop workspace, plenty of cabinet storage, and a kitchen work triangle. Many kitchen islands also provide extra seating by integrating a bar. In smaller kitchens, an island can literally double the amount of workspace and cabinet storage in the room, while still maintaining an open feeling.
Kitchen work triangle. This island includes a sink and dishwasher to complete the kitchen work triangle. A work triangle consists of the sink, stovetop, and fridge all located within close proximity to help streamline cooking and cleanup.
Peninsula countertop. The peninsula countertop pictured in the foreground uses open floor space to create additional countertops and cabinet storage, while still leaving the space open to the adjacent room.
Clear peninsula cabinets. The cabinets located above the peninsula are completely clear on all sides, allowing light from the next room to permeate the kitchen while maintaining an open view. A set of clear cabinets also gives the homeowners the chance to showcase some of their fine china and other unique items, while still keeping them protected.
Disguised industrial-strength ventilation hood. The custom cabinetry above the range is actually a series of false panels designed to disguise an oversized ventilation hood. Homeowners who love to cook are discovering that a commercial-grade ventilation system better suits their home’s needs, but their size can easily dominate the kitchen’s aesthetic. False cabinet fronts can be a great solution.
Extra storage. This larger kitchen took advantage of extra wall space near the eating nook to add plenty of extra storage with floor to ceiling cabinetry. Less frequently used kitchen items can still be stored close at hand without taking up valuable storage space within the work triangle. In this kitchen, several of the extra cabinets are used as the kitchen’s pantry.
Task lighting. Extra lighting in individual work stations makes cooking and cleanup faster, safer, and more effective, in addition to highlighting some of the beautiful materials used in this kitchen.
Clear cabinet fronts. The clear cabinets pictured here provide a view into the kitchen’s most frequently used shelves while still keeping items contained and protected. Placed on either side of the cook station, these cabinets help create symmetry and an aesthetic focal point in the room.
Stacked appliances. In a smaller kitchen, it makes more sense to build up rather than out. Here a stacked oven and microwave-convection oven are consolidated into a single space, freeing up useful cabinet storage below the cooking station.
Continuous countertop space. Continuous countertops can be difficult to come by in a smaller kitchen. Here a flat rangetop makes the countertop space look and feel more continuous and can be used as an additional surface area when the stove isn’t in use.
Big backsplashes. Backsplashes that fill the entire space between the countertop and wall cabinets don’t just look beautiful, they also make cleanup and maintenance much more practical.
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