It’s. Up. To. You. 

When you opt for a custom home, you have the chance to build a kitchen that works for you, your family, and your lifestyle. On the practical side, this means ensuring there’s plenty of counter space for your culinary masterpieces (or to set your takeout containers on), that you have sufficient seating for family and friends, that there is enough storage space and outlets. But on the grownup kid-in-a-candy-store side, it’s an opportunity to let inspiration lead the way and realize your vision.  

Short of specifying Gordon Ramsey or Bobby Flay directly into the design plans, you have the freedom to create a space that adds flavor to your life and truly satisfies your appetites. 

Where do you start? Here! 

Your Custom Kitchen Checklist  

The beauty of a custom home is that it is uniquely designed and built for you. What do you need and want? What inspires you? To what do you aspire?  

Style 

Start at the beginning. How would you like your kitchen to look and feel? This is the time to scour HGTV, Houzz, Pinterest, and other design resources. Do you like the clean lines of a contemporary kitchen? The cozy nature of a cottage core style? Do you prioritize versatility so you can accommodate evolving tastes/preferences with ease?  

Envision your space, and how you will move within it. This is the starting point. 

Layout 

The layout is where functional priorities of the kitchen interact with aesthetic aspects to create a space that works. You may be familiar with the kitchen “work triangle.” While the needs of today’s households have changed, it remains essential to have optimal flow between the following zones: 

  • Cooking 
  • Cleaning 
  • Prep/Storage 

This ensures that the person or people working in the kitchen have streamlined, seamless access to the functionality they need — without bumping into one another. Zones can work in a number of common layouts, including galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, kitchen island, and peninsula setups. Depending on how you want to use your space, arranging key elements strategically in your chosen layout is key to using the space effectively and enjoyably.  

Speaking with a designer in the earliest stages of your projects can help you coalesce your vision with feasible layout options. 

Cabinetry 

When it comes to kitchen cabinetry, there are a number of choices to make. Think about: 

  • Style. Do you want closed cabinets or open shelves? How about a combination? 
  • Material. Choosing a durable material allows you the quality and versatility you need to create a timeless kitchen. Top options include light-stained oak, walnut, hickory, or another hard wood.  
  • Door Style. Depending on the look you want to create, you can choose from a raised panel, recessed panel, flat front, full overlay, partial overlay, or insert.  
  • Hardware. Knobs? Pulls? A strategic combination? Subtle finish or bold statement? No hardware at all? How do you envision your cabinets looking and operating? 

Countertops 

Countertops are one of the most functional features of any kitchen. The material you select also plays an important role when it comes to durability, hygienic properties, and ease of maintenance/cleaning. Popular options include: 

  • Granite  
  • Marble  
  • Quartzite 
  • Quartz 
  • Sandstone 
  • Butcherblock  
  • Recycled glass and cement 
  • Concrete  

Flooring 

To stand up to the rigors of kitchen life, you need a viable flooring option. Engineered hardwood, natural stone, tile, and high-quality vinyl may be the right choice for you. To make the best choice, think about your priorities. Is a flooring surface: 

  • Resistant to humidity and moisture? 
  • Resistant to heavy foot traffic, dents, dings, scratches, and scuffs? 
  • Easy to clean? 
  • Hygienic? 
  • Low maintenance? 
  • Sustainable? 
  • Versatile?  

Your G&G team is here to help you select the best flooring option to suit your needs. 

Appliances  

Most of us can agree: we want life to be just a bit more easy and convenient! Your appliances can help make routine tasks more manageable. If this is a priority for you, opt for smart appliances and those that are ENERGY STAR rated. 

Also consider the size and positioning of your appliances. For example, a counter-depth refrigerator helps you achieve a built-in look and seamless feel. It is typically taller than a typical fridge, but it only extends as far as your base cabinets for wonderful flow. 

Luxury Kitchen Touches 

This is your dream kitchen. You may want to include features, such as: 

  • Warming drawers 
  • Steam oven 
  • Dishwasher drawer  
  • Beverage fridge and/or wine cooler 
  • Prep sink 
  • Built-in microwave, secondary oven, cooktop, sink, etc., located on/in the island 

Budget  

When building a custom home, one of the most important steps is establishing a budget and allocating those dollars where you most need and want them to go. Use our helpful budget calculator to help clarify your priorities and plan for a successful project. 

A custom kitchen checklist can encompass everything but the kitchen sink… Well, actually, everything and the kitchen sink. The point is: there are a lot of decisions to make. G&G Custom Homes is committed to making the process as streamlined (and exciting) as possible. Tell us what you want, what you need, what you dream of. We’ll help you make it a reality. 

If you are ready to talk about your vision, we are here to listen. Contact G&G Custom Homes. 

 

Custom Kitchen