Why so many bespoke kitchen designs in the mix on Hello Lovely? Because kitchens seem to be the new living room, and they’re big ticket items. If you have ever renovated a kitchen, then you know how quickly the budget is exhausted. There is always more to learn as we extract smart functional and aesthetic ideas for our own realistic kitchen designs. Today’s topic invites you to look a bit more closely at mindful planning of your timeless kitchen. We’ll consider how bespoke kitchen inspiration photos can help in the process.
Bespoke Kitchen Designs: Real Ideas from Inspiration
If you’re gearing up for a kitchen reno or a new build, then you already knooooow. Endless details and decisions, and where to start with all of the Pinterest-worthy kitchen content to browse? What style should it have? How much storage will you require? Which cabinet door styles appeal? Cooktop or range? Which features are best for resale value?
And that’s likely just the tip of the iceberg.
Where is a good starting point?
No matter where you are in the process and regardless of the budget, I suggest that (1) a timeless style kitchen will serve you for years to come and (2) it’s best to take your sweet time as you consider your lifestyle before you ever even meet with a kitchen designer.
Before You Begin Designing
Knowing yourself well is so important. What are the current needs of your family? Are there needs you can anticipate with time?
Even before you select finishes such as countertops, appliances, and tile, it helps to get centered in all things YOU.
Do you have an idea of a kitchen style you favor? When you browse photos of beautiful kitchens online, what stops your scroll? Does the architecture of your home harmonize with your design style? (It’s okay if you’re not sure or if it doesn’t, a timeless kitchen need not adhere to a singular look.)
As far as the kitchens to which you keep returning, what common design features do they share? For example, do they all have floating shelves?
Does your organization style and tolerance level lend itself to storing objects on open shelves?
How Will Bespoke Kitchen Design Inspiration Guide the Color Story?
Begin to notice which colors feel comforting as you view kitchen photos online? Do you love living with abundant color in the rest of your home?
Are there certain colors that don’t feel calm? Do you have a sense of whether you are drawn to cooler or warmer tones?
Are there particular kitchen design elements that are a priority such as a large center island? How many people would you like to accommodate for dining in the kitchen? Do you prefer appliances be hidden?
If your answer to these questions is repeatedly “it depends,” that’s okay. I totally get it. A family’s needs change over time. What’s great about taking time for soul searching before any construction or demo is how you’ll begin to craft a custom fit plan for your specific needs, not a showroom replication or a reflection of a complete stranger’s vision.
While my own kitchen may not resemble the glorious examples here, I can study the inspo and consider what makes them appealing.
A Range of Inspiring Cutom Designs for Kitchens
Once you begin to collect inspiration for bespoke kitchen designs across the internet, you’ll note an endless array of interpretations. For example, if you determine your budget doesn’t allow for pricey slabs of marble, butcher block can be a budget-friendly alternative. Now you can browse inspiration photos of kitchens with wood counters and score ideas plus reassurance.
Or maybe you’ll see a photo of a kitchen with a small work table with a marble top and realize it would make you happy to use a piece like that everyday. A remnant of natural stone or quartz may not break the budget and could complement the balance of wood or solid surface counters.
Viewing a wide range of beautiful kitchens helps you discern between “must haves” and “not as important.” If your heart is set on solid white oak custom cabinetry, maybe the budget won’t stretch for luxurious appliances or counters.
If bringing in more natural light is top priority, perhaps the renovation or construction costs will limit the cabinetry budget.
You may not need to fret about the cabinets since there are creative means to get creative and save money.
Try to Imagine Yourself Inside Inspirational Kitchen Photos
One of the challenges of making important kitchen design decisions is feeling unsure about features and schemes that are new to you.
If you only have experience with cabinets in one colorway, how will you know if a different color on the island will suit you?
Or maybe you can’t imagine what it would be like to skip upper cabinets. Should you take a chance because you think you like the airier, open look?
If you keep saving photos of two tone kitchens, that’s a clue!
Curation of ideas from inspiration photos is helpful. When you can present them to your kitchen designer (or review them with your architect or contractor if you’re the designer), communication about the details is enriched.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Paint Colors for Kitchens
One of the most helpful aspects of inspiration kitchen photos is how they provide paint color ideas. Even if you have decided on blue cabinets, there are hundreds of blue possibilities. In our own kitchen renovation, I wanted a pale bue-grey, but finding the precise color took time.
I learned about Pavilion Gray from online photos. It was first color I sampled, and while it was too dark for my preferences, I tweaked it by using it at 66% strength.
Ready for incredible timeless kitchen inspiration for a European Country feel? See this kitchen design story!
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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