Today, I want to chat about something that can truly make or break your kitchen design: choosing the right appliances. It’s one of the first things you need to tackle when planning your space, and trust me, it’s more important than you might think. There are tons of amazing options out there, and picking the right ones can make your life so much easier! So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about kitchen appliances.
Where to Put Your Appliances
Once you know which appliances you need, the next step is figuring out where to put them. The placement of your appliances can really impact how you move around your kitchen, so think about how you cook and what makes the most sense for you.
Clouz Houz Tip: Start with the working triangle concept. This means positioning your sink, stove, and fridge in a triangular setup to make cooking more efficient. But remember, it’s all about what works best for your routine and space.
Stylish and Functional Appliances
Who says practical can’t be stylish? When picking appliances, look for brands that fit your budget and quality standards, while also adding a touch of style to your kitchen. Some of my current go-to brands are GE Cafe and Blue Star because they balance functionality with great design. We chose this Ilve Stainless Steel range with brass accents for our kitchen. It’s the first time I have tried this brand, and so far I am a big fan!
Integrated vs. Freestanding Appliances
Integrated appliances are perfect for achieving a sleek, seamless look in your kitchen. These appliances are designed to blend in with your cabinetry, making them almost invisible. For our Tumalo project, we chose the Forte brand for our panel-ready refrigerator. Given that panel-ready appliances can sometimes cost upwards of $10,000, we opted for two 24″ refrigerators with freezers below to stay within budget. We used this approach for the fridge/freezer and dishwasher in our Tumalo project, because I knew if I kept them panel ready it would read “larger” and more inclusive than breaking up the cabinets with stainless appliances. Make sense?
The Interior Collective was a great source of inspiration for this project, read more to explain why we went this route!
One trend I’m loving right now is the hidden vent hood. For a long time, big industrial hoods were all the rage, but now more people are opting for hoods that blend into the cabinetry. It keeps the kitchen looking clean and uncluttered. Lately, I’ve been obsessing about plaster hoods for the hood vent insert. Hide-A-Vent is my favorite for this type of installation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right appliances is a team effort. Lean on your architect, interior designer, appliance salesperson, and builder for advice on layout, style, and functionality. Your job is to know what’s out there and think about how your family cooks and does chores. From there, your design team can help you nail down the details.
Picking kitchen appliances might seem daunting, but with a little guidance and some thoughtful planning, you can create a space that’s both functional and beautiful. Good luck, and remember, keeping things simple and intentional is always beautiful. ❤️
Want to read more about our kitchen design? Check out our complete Kitchen Reveal!
so helpful! all such great tips.