Here in New York, we enjoy the changes each season brings. Clients have asked how they can optimize their kitchen space to take advantage of each season. We ask our clients what is important to them when it comes to function and design for seasonal enjoyment. Below are our clients desirable outcomes:
Color palettes that are adaptable to each season
Durable materials that can withstand winter snow and summer sea and sand.
Light to grow herb gardens in the winter.
Flow into the yard for entertaining all seasons.
Appliances to accommodate all type of meals including holidays
Outdoor entertaining from the hot summer to frosty weather.
Following has been our experience.
Color Palette - When a client is interested in accessorizing their kitchen based on the color scheme of holidays and seasonal festivities, we typically recommend staying in the more neutral tones on the perimeter cabinetry, backsplash and countertops. They can be more creative with the floors if they choose as well as the island. We also recommend several glass upper cabinets that can be decorated beautifully. Decorating with seasonal and holiday colors vary greatly. You can go from light blue & pink, to oranges and browns, to green & red, black, dark blue, pastels and more. Building a background of white, light gray or wood stain can accommodate most color schemes.
Durable Materials - Porcelain floor tiles can withstand the harshest snow mixed with salt and dripping bathing suits. Wood floors are less forgiving. Islands with stain on wood or veneers/laminates are more durable than paint. The perimeter cabinetry can be paint since it is less likely to be used by family members just coming in from the cold or hot weather. Counter-tops made of quartz are more durable than most other materials such as granite and marble. As far as seating, pay attention to the materials on the cushions. Clients that have a pool may want to look into materials such as sunbrella on inside seating.
Flow - Considering where people enter into the kitchen will determine the flow of traffic and affect the layout and design of the kitchen. For active families who enter the kitchen through the yard, creating a small sitting area to remove boots, wet towels, etc.. during seasonal activities can help preserve the kitchen. If they enter through another doorway and do not come directly in from the outside, we usually do not design in a special area for outside belongings. When possible, having two entrances into the kitchen is ideal. It helps with crowding when you entertain family and friends. Opening the kitchen into another room is also a wonderful design for all seasons. Holiday parties, summer BBQ's, and casual entertaining are enhanced with the additional space and ability to be part of every moment while food is prepared.
Appliances - Designing an undercounter fridge into an island (or elsewhere) will keep wet hands away from the major appliances. Fingerprint proof stainless steel can be a big time saver if you choose stainless steel appliances - especially on the fridge. For convenience sake, a small wine / beverage fridge makes cold beverages available when you need them. Of course ample burners and oven space is important for larger dinner parties. Specialty appliances such as warming drawers, steam ovens and built in blast chillers make planning easier for all meals.
Position in home - Where is the kitchen located? Is it an ideal location for access to the yard? How about for holiday entertaining? We have relocated kitchens to have full access to the yard since each season warrants this freedom. We have also built extensions to create an all season entertainment area. Backyard heaters on the patio for outdoor entertaining when the weather is cooler is a nice feature. Of course relocating the kitchen or adding an extension is not always possible. Sometimes simply adding a new sliding door into the yard can make the difference.
Lighting - Having a lighting plan is key. This is so important. Designing to allow the maximum natural light keeps the blues away in the winter. We have added larger windows fairly often to let more light in all year round. Natural light keeps the kitchen bright in a spiritual way. Moods are enhanced with nature and what better way than in the kitchen preparing meals. When possible, skylights add a beautiful addition. Adding windows, sliding doors to the backyard, a vaulted ceiling with skylights are great options. You always need to add additional lighting to complement the natural light. Especially when daylight is limited in the winter months. Positioning of lights over prep areas is always in the plan. It is difficult to prep or cook in the dim light.
Herbs - Well, we don't get this request too often. When we do, we try to ensure full natural light is available. Sometimes plant lights are added.
