Custom Kitchen Design with Pets in Mind

Let’s not forget…….. Our Four-Legged Family Members!

Kitchen and bath design has evolved dramatically in the last 10 years.  One of my personal favorite design trends would have to be the recently discovered thoughtfulness for our family pets.

I have found that design has moved toward providing comfort for the “whole family”, including pets especially in the kitchen, bath and mudroom areas.

For instance, entryways or mudrooms are no longer just for wiping your feet and hanging your coat.  I have been incorporating pet stations, food storage and even sleeping quarters in several designs.  Some of the pet showers are built with no expense spared, many boasting high-end fixtures, custom stone and even mosaic sea glass tiles.  The design goal is for Client’s pampered pets to relax in (for a lack of a better description) spa-like retreats. I find that the rear entryway is the most logical place to rinse off your pet after a long swim in the salty ocean or roll in the mud preventing mud tracks throughout the house.

In the kitchen, I have frequently designed in some small creature comforts such as built in pet beds so those four legged family members could lounge peacefully in a hide-a-way sleeping nook while feeling close to the hustle and bustle of the busiest room.  There are also newly added cabinet options such as custom pull-out serving stations for family pets to enjoy their dinner. 

In addition, another interesting idea would be to conceal pet food and/or litter boxes away from sight but easily accessible behind cleverly cut doors possibly in the kitchen, laundry room or bath...

~Tena~

The Importance of Working with a Kitchen Designer

As kitchen designers we are repeatedly asked, what are the benefits of working with a designer rather than a stocked box company? The most important and most clear reason, in my opinion, is customization. Renovating a kitchen is a big investment and we understand that. So, in the process, why not make your new kitchen the space of your dreams?! For this "On The Water Addition" my client had a few specific needs that had to be met in the re-design of her kitchen. 

First was space. There needed to be plenty of seating for her family and friends to sit comfortably while she was busy cooking up a storm in her new kitchen. There also needed to be enough counter space so that the prepared food could be served from a spot in the kitchen other than her work areas. In order to accommodate that, we configured a large asymmetrical island that provided enough space for everyone to sit. Then, we designed a long, easily accessible, built-in buffet. With the windows above, it really becomes the focal point of the room.

Secondly, because of that entertaining, she needed to know that the clean up process wouldn't be a slow one. To make sure that didn't happen, we incorporated an additional "clean-up station" in the island. This included an extra sink and full size dishwasher. Now the home owner can be assured she won't be wasting quality time with her guests in order to finish cleaning the kitchen.

Third, the importance of recycling was expressed to me. She needed a place to keep her cans and bottles organized but, at the same time, out of sight. So, designed into the floor plan and disguised by the cabinetry is a base cabinet that allows the family to send cans and bottles to the basement. There the cans and bottles can be sorted into their correct bins. 

 And last but not least... coffee! My client wanted to make her morning routine of coffee making easier and less of a hassle. Her Keurig was going to be decently far from the sink areas. So rather than having to bring the Keurig to the faucet across the kitchen, we designed a faucet specifically for the Keurig itself. Now, no more spilling water on the floor!

I guess my point is that if you're going to be investing your time, money and energy into such a large project, the choice is clear! Work with a professional and make your new kitchen a unique space built just for you!

Bethany Gardner, Designer for Kitchen & Bath Details