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A Well-Balanced Kitchen

u-shaped white traditional kitchen with dark stained eat-in islandBalance is an integral part of a kitchen design. In order to have balance within a space, proportion, and scale need to be taken into account. Here’s some perspective from Normandy Designer Karen Chanan on how proportion and scale work together to impact your space.

“Proportion refers to the balance between design elements, while scale refers to the size of one object compared to another,” said Karen. “In general, to achieve balance in a kitchen, you need to consider size, ceiling height, cabinetry height, and appliances.”

open kitchen layout with an adjoining sitting area“There are also other considerations like island size too,” added Karen.

One rule of thumb is selecting cabinetry that reflects the height of the ceiling. For example, tall cabinetry works best for a very tall ceiling. Why? If your cabinets are too short, they can cut off your sightline.

“Many think ‘more storage’ when they think of cabinets that go to the ceiling,” noted Karen. “However, extending cabinetry to the ceiling also draws your eye upward. This makes the room appear bigger and the ceiling appears taller.”

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Kitchen islands should also be sized accordingly with the kitchen.

“A really large kitchen needs a large island,” said Karen. “On the other hand, if a kitchen is tiny, it might not benefit from a small and narrow island.”
A final consideration is an asymmetry through appliance location. One example is the placement of the refrigerator in relation to the pantry. Because both are close in size, they look symmetrical when placed on opposite sides of the room.

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There are just a few examples of proportion and scale. Working with a designer to create initial drawings and floor plans can help ensure that balance is achieved in every aspect of your kitchen remodel.

If you are ready to get started on your next project, set up an appointment with Karen. Or, follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for me design tips and ideas. You can also learn more about the kitchen remodeling process by registering to attend an upcoming seminar at the Normandy Remodeling showroom.

 

Aging in Place: How to Prepare Your Home

free standing shower in master bathroomFor many, finances often come to mind when planning for the future. However, a safe living situation also needs to be taken into account. If it is preferable to grow old in your home, here are some “aging in place” insights from Normandy Designer Maury Jones.

“As we get older, our style of living changes. For example, it might be more difficult to get in and out of the shower or use the stairs,” said Maury. “The term ‘aging in place’ refers to identifying these issues and modifying your home to make it a safe and comfortable environment.”

Once you have made the decision to remain in your home, the next step is to consider what improvements need to be made. Here are some common adjustments:

Flooring and Lighting –Hardwood floors also provide a flat surface all the way through the home and make a smooth transition from room to room, helping to avoid trips or falls. Better lighting will also be helpful when navigating your home.

First Floor Living – A first-floor bedroom and full bathroom is an ideal situation because it eliminates the need to climb up and down the stairs.

free standing shower and dark stained cabinets in bathroom remodelGrips and Handles –Switching the door handles from knobs to levers makes them easier to grip. Single lever plumbing fixtures also provide a better experience. Grab bars in the bathroom near the shower and toilet provide additional support too.

Door Width – Consider whether your interior doors are wide enough to accommodate a walker or wheelchair.

“Aging in place updates can be made in such a way that the home is beautiful and works for all ages and stages of life,” said Maury. “We call this universal design.”

Set up a consultation with Maury to discuss your renovation and universal design. You can also gather design inspiration through the Normandy photo gallery or by following Normandy Remodeling on Facebook and Instagram.

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