Use Focal Points to Boost Your Kitchen Design

A few places that make people stop and say, "Wow!" are the highlight of any good kitchen design.

If your kitchen needs a little wow factor, here's how to go about adding it. Start by taking a cold, hard look around. Pretend you are seeing it for the first time. Are there a few areas that stick out that need a good remodeling or designer's touch?

Kitchen Contractors
It helps to have a few remodeling contractors take a look. Ask the contractors for ideas on quick fixes and longer term projects. You need to weigh what makes sense for your kitchen design and financial situation.

Remodeling Focal Points
The kitchen cabinets are a great, first place to start, as they are the focus of most kitchen designs. If you're working with older cabinets that lack the style and convenience of today's cabinets, it's worth asking the contractors about newer products. There are many different wood species, such as cherry and maple, and unique stains and glazes to consider.

Another key focal point is the countertop and sink area. A granite countertop and stainless steel sink can boost any kitchen design. This is a fairly quick remodeling project and one that can be done with new cabinets or as its own project.

The backsplash area above the countertop can also be a great focal point. If your wall is painted, consider adding an upscale stone tile with a unique pattern. This is one remodeling boost that adds great visual appeal and can make cleanup easier.

There are many ways to use focal points to boost your kitchen design. Narrow down your options, choose two or three places, and have some fun.

Source
How Stuff Works, How to Design a Kitchen, by Mary Wynn Ryan