Knowlton Concepts

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August 27, 2024

Designing Your Dream Kitchen in a Custom Home

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. A place where family and friends gather, meals are shared, and memories are made. When building a custom home, the kitchen design is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Its an opportunity to create a space that’s not only beautiful but also highly functional and tailored to your unique needs.

1. Prioritize Layout and Flow

Work Triangle: Consider the “work triangle” concept, where the stove, sink and refrigerator form a triangle, minimizing steps between each station and optimizing cooking efficiency.
Island Peninsula: Determine if you have space for a central island or a peninsula. These features offer additional workspace, storage, and seating, but the size placement must allow for easy movement around the kitchen.
Open Concept vs. Closed Layout: Decide whether you kitchen will be open to other living areas or a more closed-off, traditional space. Open concepts are great for entertaining but may require more attention to aesthetic details since the kitchen is always visible.

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2.Cabinetry and Storage Solutions

Custom Cabinetry: Invest in custom cabinetry that maximizes storage and suits your kitchen’s dimensions. Full-height cabinets, deep drawers, and pull-out shelves can optimize space and keep things organized.
Pantry Options: Consider incorporating a walk-in or pull-out pantry for extra storage. Custom pantry solutions can accommodate everything from dry goods to small appliances
Specialty Storage: Integrate storage for specific needs, like spice racks, wine storage, or built-in recycling bins. This level of personalization adds both convenience and a polished look.

Countertop Choices

Durable Materials: Choose countertops that balance aesthetics with durability. Quartz, granite, and marble are popular options due to their resilience and beauty. While butcher block or concrete offer unique design statements.
Maintenance: Consider the upkeep requirements of different countertop materials. For example, quartz is low-maintenance, whereas marble may require more care to prevent staining and scratching.
Space for All Needs: Ensure that your kitchen offers plenty of counter space for food prep, entertaining, and appliances. An extended island or a designated baking station can make all the difference.

4. Appliance Selection

High-End vs. Mid-Range: Determine the type of appliances that best fit your cooking style and budget. High-end appliances like Wolf or Sub-Zero offer premium performance but may not be necessary for everyone.
Smart Technology: Consider integrating smart appliances that can be controlled via apps or voice assistants. Smart ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers can make daily tasks more convenient.
Built-In vs. Freestanding: Built-in appliances create a seamless look and help save space, while freestanding options offer more flexibility and can often be more cost-effective.

5. Lighting Considerations

Task Lighting: Ensure there is sufficient lighting in key work areas, such as over the stove, countertops, and sink. Recessed lighting, pendant lights, and under-cabinet lighting are popular options.
Ambient Lighting: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with ambient lighting, such as chandeliers or strategically placed sconces. Dimmers can help adjust the mood based on time of day an activities.
Natural Light: Maximize natural light by placing windows strategically, or consider installing skylights if possible. A bright, sunlit kitchen feels more open and welcoming.

6.Flooring Options

Durability First: The kitchen is a high-traffic area, so choose flooring that can withstand heavy use. Harwood, tile, and luxury vinyl plank are popular, durable options.
Aesthetic Appeal: Coordinate flooring with your overall design scheme. Light-coloured flooring can make small kitchens feel larger, while darker tones add warmth and depth.
Comfort and Maintenance: Consider the maintenance and comfort of the flooring material. Tile is easy to clean but may be hard underfoot, while hardwood adds warmth but may require more upkeep.

7. Personalization and Style

Color Scheme: Choose a colour palette that reflects your personal style while complementing the rest of the home. Neutrals are timeless, but bold accent colours on backsplashes, cabinetry, or appliances can create a unique focal point.
Hardware and Fixtures: Don’t overlook the details. Cabinet hardware, faucets, and light fixtures can tie the entire design together. Whether you prefer sleek, ornate fixtures, these finishing touches can elevate the space.
Backsplashes Statement: The backsplash offers a chance to make a visual statement. Consider materials like subway tiles for a classic look or patterned tiles for something more artistic and bold.

8. Incorporating a Dining Space

Eat-In Kitchen: If space allows, consider designing an eat-in kitchen with a cozy breakfast nook or seating at the island. This makes the kitchen a more versatile space, perfect for casual meals and entertaining.
Formal Dining Connection: For those who prefer separate dining areas, think about the flow between the kitchen and dining room. Pocket doors or an open floor plan can create flexibility for formal occasions or casual family meals.

Designing your dream kitchen in a custom home is an exciting opportunity to create a space that meets your specific needs while reflecting your personal style. By focusing on functionality, quality materials, and thoughtful design elements. You can create a kitchen that’s both beautiful and practical. A space where you’ll love to cook, gather, and entertain for years to come.

What is on your must haves for kitchen design? Thanks for reading, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like to discuss incorporating any of these kitchen designs in your new custom home.

-Knowlton Concepts Team

January 26, 2024

Customizing Your Kitchen: 10 Trends and Tips for a Functional Space

Knowlton Concepts Blog

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is not only a place for cooking but also for gathering, entertaining, and creating lasting memories. For homeowners embarking on the journey of building their dream custom home, designing a functional and stylish kitchen is often a top priority. Let’s explore the latest trends and offer valuable tips for customizing your kitchen to create a space that meets your unique needs and reflects your personal style.

1. Open Concept Layouts

Embracing the trend of open concept living, many homeowners opt for spacious kitchen layouts that seamlessly integrate with adjacent living and dining areas. This allows for easier flow of movement and promotes connectivity between family members and guests.

2. Multi-Functional Islands

Kitchen islands continue to be a popular feature in modern kitchens, offering additional counter space, storage, and seating options. To maximize functionality, consider incorporating features such as built-in appliances, prep sinks, or hidden storage compartments into your island design.

3. Smart Storage Solutions

With the rise of minimalist and clutter-free living, efficient storage solutions are essential for maintaining a tidy and organized kitchen. Custom cabinets with pull-out drawers, vertical storage racks, and hidden pantry spaces are just a few examples of innovative storage options that can help maximize space and minimize clutter.

4. High-Tech Appliances

As technology continues to advance, smart appliances are becoming increasingly popular in custom kitchen designs. From Wi-Fi-enabled refrigerators with touchscreen displays to voice-activated faucets and induction cooktops, integrating high-tech appliances can add convenience and efficiency to your kitchen routine.

5. Luxurious Finishes

When it comes to finishes, homeowners are gravitating towards luxurious materials and textures that add visual interest and sophistication to their kitchen spaces. Consider incorporating elements such as quartz countertops, marble backsplashes, and custom cabinetry with sleek hardware to elevate the overall look of your kitchen.

6. Personalized Touches

Customizing your kitchen allows you to infuse your personality and style into every detail. Whether it’s adding a pop of color with vibrant accent walls or incorporating unique design elements such as statement lighting fixtures or custom tile patterns, don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine in your kitchen design.

7. Functional Layouts

When planning your kitchen layout, prioritize functionality by considering the classic “work triangle” between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Optimize the flow of movement by ensuring that these key elements are positioned near one another, allowing for efficient meal preparation and cooking.

8. Natural Lighting

Incorporating ample natural light into your kitchen design can enhance the overall ambiance and create a bright and inviting space. Consider installing large windows, skylights, or glass doors to allow natural light to flood into the kitchen, making it feel airy and welcoming.

9. Integrated Entertainment Spaces

For homeowners who love to entertain, consider incorporating integrated entertainment spaces into your kitchen design. This could include features such as built-in wine refrigerators, wet bars, or dedicated areas for coffee stations, allowing you to seamlessly host gatherings and socialize with guests while preparing meals.

10. Sustainable Practices

As sustainability becomes increasingly important in-home design, consider incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices into your kitchen design. opt for energy-efficient appliances, eco-friendly cabinetry made from sustainable materials, and low-VOC paints and finishes to create a kitchen that is both stylish and environmentally conscious.

Designing a custom kitchen is an exciting opportunity to create a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle and preferences. By incorporating the latest trends and implementing functional design principles, you can create a kitchen that is not only stylish and visually appealing but also practical and efficient for everyday use. Whether you’re a gourmet chef, avid entertainer, or simply love to gather with family and friends, customizing your kitchen allows you to create a space that truly feels like home. Contact us today to learn more about creating your dream kitchen!

Thanks for reading, and please don’t hesitate to reach out

-Knowlton Concepts Team

December 14, 2023

Why is Custom Home Design-Build Better

Knowlton Concepts Blog 0

Why is Custom Home Design-Build Better?

Deciding to build a custom home is a big decision, and you want to feel prepared with the right information about the process and what to expect. Here is something things you can expect from the custom home design-build process.

What is the Custom Home Building Process?

Building a custom home begins with the pre-construction process. One of the very first important steps is finding the right home builder. Once you’ve potentially found the right home builder for your project you will want to start with these 3 key steps.

Finding Your Land or Lot

You’ll need to select a suitable lot or piece of land for your custom home. If you already own your lot, then that’s great! If not, you can enlist a real estate agent to help you find that perfect piece of land. At Knowlton Custom Homes, we have a network of resources to help you find land that suits the type of home you are hoping to build.

Designing Your Custom Home

When going to your initial design meeting, its ideal to have plenty of information, like style ideas, a list of your must-haves, and the space your family needs. This will help your designer create a design that meets your custom home needs.

Construction

Finally, the last phase where your dream home becomes a reality! At Knowlton, we understand the importance of communication, you’ll be kept up to date on every schedule, the daily job log, and your construction budget during the construction phase.

What Do I Need To Know Before Designing My Custom Home?

Before approaching a home builder and designer, you’ll need to ask yourself a few important decisions about what your wants and needs are in a custom home.

How many bedroom and bathrooms do we need for our family?
What would you like included in your master suite?
Do you need a laundry room, mudroom office, butler pantry?
What style of home would you like?
What are some of the things you love about your current home and some of the challenges?
What is your budget?
How many stories or levels?
Think about the future, will you family grow?
What are your needs vs wants?

What is the Design-Build Process?

Design-Build is a streamlined process that’s more seamless and stress-free than the design-bid-build process. At Knowlton, we design and build your custom home to create a design that is both feasible and within your budget from the very beginning. The Design-build process is centred around collaboration and communication. Because you’re working with a team that has established professional relationships, you’ll be able to avoid the miscommunications that the design-bid-build process has.

Advantages Of The Custom Design-Build Process & Why Is It Right For You?

More Effective Communication

As mentioned before the communication with the design-build process, is simply just better. Because the design process happens with your home builder and designer in unison. Rather than before the home builder is involved, you design-build team works together. This reduces miscommunications about design or materials, ensuring your custom home stays on budget and is feasible.

Better Quality and on Budget

With the design-bid-build method, you’re more likely to run into lower bids that are unclear or incomplete, which will result in added cost down the line. The Design-Build method ensures your costs are all laid out in detail before the paperwork is signed. At Knowlton we are an open book builder, meaning you will see every invoice and subcontractors estimate, no hidden costs or fees. Which in the long run will mean you will have better quality.

Time Saver

With the design-build method, there is no excessive back and forth after your design has already been created. You also won’t have to navigate the bidding process.

How to Get Started with your custom home: Knowlton Concepts

At Knowlton Concepts we understand the importance of both your experience and quality of building your custom home. The process should be stress-free, and seamless. We prioritize building a strong relationship with every client, and understanding your family’s needs.

Contact Kelowna’s Premium custom home builder to schedule a consultation to learn more about our design-build here at Knowlton Concepts, to see if we’ll be a good fit for your project.