Almost all of us, at some point in our lives, have visited or lived in homes that were poorly built or designed, or both.
From cluelessly conceived kitchens to badly built bathrooms, we’ve all seen houses that offer perfect examples of unfortunate design and execution.
“Edgy themes with limited appeal and ephemeral trends with limited relevance are definitely things to avoid,” advises Lenore Smith, client care manager at Graham Builders in Honolulu. “That’s almost as important as following a few simple design rules that will help make your home functional and comfortable.”
Kitchen wisdom
Arguably the most important room in the house, the kitchen requires thoughtful, careful design to ensure that each area functions properly and harmoniously with other areas and workspaces.
“Every kitchen has three basic components: sink, refrigerator, and stove,” Smith explains. “Appropriate positioning and distance between these components is crucial.”
If your kitchen includes an island or a peninsula, make sure there’s an adequately wide work aisle around it. If the island offers a seating area, make sure there’s sufficient space between chairs or stools, and room for everybody’s knees under its overhang.
“Lack of outlets for small appliances can be an issue; consider putting them on your island,” adds Smith. “And where will your trash go? Some people like a freestanding garbage can; others want to hide it in a drawer or behind a door.”
Lazy Susans in corners can be difficult to access; consider pull-out shelves. “Giant drawers are great for pots, pans and small appliances but not for everything,” says Smith. “Be sure to include cupboards with shelves for pantry items.”
Timeless over trendy
Fads can be fun, but when it comes to home design, it’s a universal truth: trends almost always become dated and stale.
“If you do go with a trend, make sure it’s one that is changeable or adaptable in the future,” suggests Malia Yee, lead designer for Graham Builders. “Kitchens are expensive, and what seems like a cool and creative idea today might be a reason for potential buyers to pass on your house down the road.”
Add touches of personality to classic design with clever and impermanent accessories like art, furnishings, and rugs. Remember, even color trends pass. “Gray was very popular for a couple of years; now it’s out,” says Yee. “Gray and ash-colored floors are also out, as are small mosaic glass backsplash tiles.”
If you’ve been considering open shelving for your kitchen, you might want to rethink your plan. “Before cabinets were available and affordable, kitchens only had open shelving,” says Yee. “Open shelving exposes dishware and cookware to grease, grime and dust, and their contents seem to need constant rearranging.”
Rules to design by
A few additional simple guidelines can enable you to make smart decisions for your new build or renovation.
“Make sure contractors and subcontractors offer warranties, especially for bathrooms and showers where leaks and repairs can be very expensive,” suggests Smith. “And if you’re planning to age in place in your new or renovated home, plan for accessibility, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and entrances.”
Last but not least, an award-winning design+build firm like Graham Builders can help you avoid short-lived trends and costly design mistakes… and empower you to make your dream home a beautiful reality.
Founded in 1990, Graham Builders remains the only contractor in Hawaii honored by the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Business Ethics. You’re cordially invited to attend Graham Builders’ FREE “Building Your Home for Life” seminar on Saturday, September 6, from 9-11 a.m. Register at grahambuilders.com or call 808/593-2808.