New Build Kitchen Ideas

by Marsha Charles 08/22/2021

Photo by Skitterphoto via Pexels

Purchasing new construction offers a chance to design a kitchen that suits your needs and fulfills your preferences in terms of style. When you’re coming up with ideas for your kitchen, keep function and aesthetics in mind. Your kitchen should provide a practical place to handle everyday tasks while also adding visual appeal to your new home. Consider the following kitchen design ideas to help you get started on this process.

Smart Technology

Smart technology can turn your kitchen into a state-of-the-art room that makes it easier to do a variety of everyday tasks. Both large and small appliances come with smart features that allow you to control them more conveniently, such as with voice commands. These appliances also make it possible to access their controls from your smartphone or another portable device, which means you can use them when you’re not at home. For example, you can get your oven preheated when you’re on your way home. You can also choose smart lighting for your kitchen for added convenience and energy-saving features.

Energy-Efficient Features

Building a new kitchen gives you a great opportunity to ensure that it’s as energy-efficient as possible. One of the main ways to do this is by choosing energy-efficient appliances and lights. Look for the newest appliances with Energy Star ratings in order to save a significant amount on energy usage. Energy-efficient lighting features can also help you keep energy usage lower. LED or CFL bulbs, dimmer switches and lights with timer controls all offer various ways to save on energy in your new kitchen.

Clever Storage

Kitchens in new homes tend to include a more open design, which can make storage a challenge. You don’t have to sacrifice much space for storage in your new kitchen if you plan it right. Look into storage ideas that allow you to maximize usable space, such as an island with built-in cabinets or shelves. Cabinets with pull-out drawers and built-in shelves over the sink offer other ways to store items without giving up any food preparation or eating areas. Floating shelves can also provide you with extra storage, while built-in cabinets, drawers and shelves in your pantry offer convenient storage in an out-of-the-way place.

Countertops and Cabinets

The countertops and cabinets in your new kitchen should create a cohesive look, so it’s important to choose the right materials and colors. Otherwise, you could end up with a kitchen design that doesn’t quite flow well. Whether you prefer monochromatic color schemes or a color scheme that includes a contrasting color here and there, keep the overall look you’re aiming for in mind. When it comes to materials, your countertops and cabinets should also complement each other. For example, you might choose wood cabinets with natural stone countertops for a rustic look.

Functional Layout

The layout of your new kitchen should allow you and your family to move around with plenty of room while also making it easy to prepare meals and clean up afterwards. Keep the “work triangle” between your fridge, stove and sink in mind when deciding on the right layout. The layout that works best for your new kitchen might depend on the layout of the surrounding rooms and your needs in terms of everyday use. For example, an L-shaped kitchen with an island for extra countertop space might work in a smaller kitchen, while a U-shaped layout might work better in a more spacious kitchen.

About the Author
Author

Marsha Charles

Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018. 

I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.  

Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022. 

Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.