What are your favorite things to cook? Are you a baker or a pancake-maker? Are you always running out of burners or freezer space? Do you frequently eat in the kitchen or would you prefer a more traditional divide between kitchen and dining room? Do you like the aesthetic of hanging pots, knives and cutting boards or are you for a more minimalist look? Where do you need more light? What drawers are already a mess, and what appliances are gathering dust because they're difficult to get to? The ultimate custom kitchen will address all of these questions and more, giving you a space that's perfectly tailored to your lifestyle, preferences and habits. As you work with our expert designers and construction team, keep asking yourself those sort of questions and consider these four things: Appliances Beautiful cabinets, stylish countertops and exquisite details are fun, but nothing can improve your kitchen experience like a hardware upgrade. Talk to your designer about making space for that extra freezer, second sink, wine cooler and roomy oven. Go with stainless steel and focus on build quality, appropriate sizing and professional reputation instead of overly-complicated features and obscure buttons you'll never get around to using. Cabinet Hardware and Finishes Clear Maple or Mahogany? Hidden or decorative hinges? Those decisions are all about your own vision and sense of style, but there are a few features that every set of luxury, custom-designed kitchen cabinets should have. Quality guides on your drawers and select shelves can be the difference between a good and amazing kitchen. Ask for full-extension, soft close glides that will allow you to nudge drawers shut with your hip, and do the same for your cabinet doors. Glides should also be mounted on the bottom versus the side in order to maximize the size of the drawer or shelf. Finally, whether painting or staining, make sure to go with a water-base and high-quality, low-toxicity sealer. It will cost a few more pennies up front, but the one-of-a-kind cabinets you fall in love with will look better and last longer. Backsplash A backsplash is a practical necessity for any kitchen, but the backsplash of your custom project should be an opportunity for your creativity to shine through rather than an afterthought. Consider ceramic tiles, glass, marble and metal, use interlocking pieces in a variety of sizes or lay out a landscape or invite sparkling reflections-the possibilities are truly limitless. Create a complementary backdrop for your cabinets, or a focal piece above your stove or sink. Lighting A custom kitchen will finally allow the space to take full advantage of the available natural light, but of course you'll need more than that for winter mornings and evening entertainment. Consider antique pieces, hanging pendants, chandeliers, lanterns, sconces or copper fixtures. Even a minimalist kitchen will benefit from an alternative to harsh track lighting. Start your post here...
