Dream Kitchens: What to Consider When Building Yours

Creating your dream kitchen is an exciting journey that involves numerous decisions to ensure it’s both beautiful and functional. Here at Colonial Reproductions Martha’s Vineyard General Contractors, we specialize in crafting kitchens that not only meet your aesthetic desires but also cater to your practical needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to consider when building your dream kitchen.

Practicality

Storage Solutions: Consider the built-ins you’ll need to store your favorite dishware. Specialty dividers, drawers, or cabinets can make a big difference. Decide whether you prefer glass doors to showcase your items or paneled cabinet doors to hide what’s inside. Custom-built pantries, pull-out spice racks, and deep drawers for pots and pans can greatly enhance your kitchen’s functionality.

Layout and Flow: Think about how you plan to use your kitchen. Do you love entertaining? An island counter with bar stools or a cozy breakfast nook with a banquette could be perfect for casual gatherings. If you prefer more formal dining, ensure the dining room is conveniently placed. The layout should promote ease of movement between prep, cooking, and serving areas.

Appliances

Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves: Identify which appliances are essential. A refrigerator-freezer combo is a must, but you might debate between a gas or induction stove or warming drawers. Remember, custom cabinetry often depends on the appliances selected, so choose wisely.

Customization: Your choice of appliances will influence your cabinetry. Built-in appliances like ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers need to be planned early. Consider if you want luxury brands or more affordable options. Top-tier appliances can last longer and offer advanced features, and often cause less headaches down the road. Some of our favorite brands are Sub-Zero, Wolf, Sharp, Bosch, Electrolux, and Fisher + Paykel. 

Water Resistance and Prep Areas

Countertop Materials: Choosing the right countertop is crucial. Opt for resilient materials like quartz that mimic the beauty of marble but offer better durability and water resistance. While Carrara marble is stunning, it’s often better suited for bathrooms due to its porous nature.

Backsplashes: A standard 4” backsplash is practical, especially near sinks and prep areas. If you prefer a more dramatic look, consider a full slab design or full-tile backsplash. These not only protect your walls but also add a stylish element to your kitchen.

Specialty Fixtures

Early Planning: Decide on specialty fixtures early in the process as they impact plumbing and electrical layouts. Pot fillers over the cooktop are great for pasta nights, while built-in soap dispensers can complement your faucet and reduce countertop clutter.

Design Elements

Material and Color Choices: Materials and colors play a significant role in both the look and feel of your kitchen. Neutral or natural-colored slabs, tiles, and paint selections create a timeless canvas. Add pops of color with accessories like glassware, tablecloths, and accent pillows.

Lighting: Lighting is both functional and decorative. Use a combination of recessed lighting for overall illumination and decorative fixtures like surface mounts, hanging lanterns, or pendants to create focal points. The kitchen island is a perfect spot to showcase unique lighting.

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, providing a backdrop for many cherished memories and gatherings. At Colonial Reproductions Martha’s Vineyard General Contractors, we’re excited to help bring your dream kitchen to life. Explore our portfolio to see other kitchens Colonial Reproductions has built for inspiration.