So I joined a couple of design groups on social media, and they’re mostly homeowners trying to reinvent their space to reflect what they believe is en vogue, or currently fashionable/acceptable. There are some who simply want to copy what they’ve seen in some magazine or TV show reveal. They believe in design rules, like a style Bible. But they don’t realize that whatever designer they were influenced by did things the way they wanted, based on their experience and training, not because they adhered to all the rules. Pros know you gotta know the rules, and when to break them. Every space commands a certain kind of attention, every client needs certain things, and that’s just that. I believe in listening to the home and the client, while coaxing out some flavor they didn’t know they had.
Occasionally, I’m pleasantly surprised to find someone in these groups who genuinely wants help finding something that appeals to and reflects their personal taste and style. They just need a little push or a spark to get them going. Today’s topics brought me to kitchen design.
Which cabinet stain or color do I choose? Which flooring should I use here? What backsplash tile would work? What color should I paint the walls? What about wallpaper in this corner?
My initial approach to kitchens is simple, and yet not everyone will be able to follow because, well, you’ll see. Once I’ve gotten details about how the space should function, I get to work on how to manifest the appropriate style and flow that makes my client beam with pride, like Yes! I’m so stylish and smart! My space is awesome! That’s what I’m always aiming for.
The first things I recommend choosing are cabinets (style and color) and flooring. The cabinets do take up the majority of the wall and/or floor space; however, flooring is just as important because it’s usually as expansive as the cabinets on their respective walls. Anyway, they go together. My hack: I like to approach kitchens like outfits. See why some may not get this? Because not everyone can pull threads together and make an outfit work. But I’m here to help. Hit me up. Anyway, imagine cabinets are the suit/dress/gown. Floors are the shoes. The two must mesh well. They must be the moment, in harmony. Follow me on this; it’ll all make sense.
The smaller details like countertops and backsplash help to complete the statement or add a surprise element, like a patterned shirt and the right belt, or a vibrant scarf. Hardware, and the appliance finish are the bling or the pop. The necklace, the broach, the handbag, the bracelet, the rings honey! Does this outfit call for accessories in gold, silver, black, or something way more interesting? For the sake of argument, I’ll say leave the paint for last. Once everything is all pulled together, the color scheme should be obvious, thus requiring a specific color family and tone to achieve the desired feeling, mood or energy you’re looking for.
Design is not rocket science; it’s art, it’s a feeling, it’s a mood, it’s an expression. It should be very much YOU, and how you would like to feel whenever you enter and spend time in your space. A good designer will have regard for your ideas and needs, as well as a good sense of what works well together, and how you can sometimes take things that do not seem to align and make them work in harmony. Because it’s art, with a splash of math and science. Isn’t design great?! I love it.
From the Mind of Tonya D Floyd, Lifestyle Consultant