Ask any architect to define a gourmet kitchen and you’ll likely get a definition that goes somewhat like this:
A gourmet kitchen is “… a state-of-the-art culinary setup that’s equipped with a large range of special features, appliances, and accessories that make cooking gourmet, exotic, and specialty foods from scratch in your own kitchen a reality.” (casedesign.com)
Homebuilders, on the other hand, think of a gourmet kitchen as a “… casual version of a high-end kitchen, designed for a serious cook who wants to prepare quality meals for the family and impress dinner guests with elaborate meals, but who does not need all the professional-level equipment that’s a must for a chef’s kitchen.”
Whichever way you look at it, if a gourmet kitchen is the stuff of dreams for you, read on.
Things to Consider Before You Commit
The first thing you’ll want to figure out is how much you can afford for the project. This is a longer process than it may seem, especially once you start getting quotes from contractors.
It’s shocking how much we underestimate what our dreams will cost.
Keep in mind that if you opt for a low-priced remodel, look at your current overall kitchen design. It’s not worth adding a couple of high-priced items to a low-priced remodeling job, as that only makes the rest of the kitchen look cheap.
Here are a few suggested considerations for your gourmet kitchen, offered up by the pros at designingidea.com.
- Think about which appliances you use most frequently and which you prefer.
- Are you a solo cook or is it a couple’s affair? If it’s the latter, you’ll want to consider leaving room for both of you.
- Traffic flow should also be considered if you entertain folks in your gourmet kitchen while cooking. Consider a kitchen island with seating.
- What types of special equipment do you use in the kitchen? For instance, some professional immersion blenders are built like jackhammers and will require a place to store in the gourmet kitchen.
- How much room will you need for a pantry? This depends, of course, on the type of food that you cook.
- Decide on the flow of the room. You’ll need to think about how you cook, how you move from one space to another and which of the spaces needs to be adjacent to the sink, stove, etc.
- Finally, you’ll need to find out if the project will mess with your home’s value. There is such a thing as “over-improving” for the neighborhood and that’s money you will never recoup.
We’re happy to work with you on coming up with a ball-park figure of what your home will be worth after the work is finished and whether or not the project is worth it as far as home value is concerned.
Will you actually use the features you have your eye on?
It’s oh-so-easy to be flipping through a home-related magazine and fall deeply, madly in love with the photos. While some features look appealing, however, you need to consider if they will work for you.
Take a wine chiller, for instance. If you don’t drink a lot of wine, or your guests don’t, it is rather useless and a space hog.
“Before you begin your gourmet kitchen renovation, review how you use your current kitchen and set goals for your remodel,” suggests the editors at HGTV.com. Take a look at what doesn’t work for you in your current kitchen and what would be a suitable replacement.
Then, ruminate over whether or not you’ll truly use the features you are craving.
Hot Trends for Gourmet Kitchens
Although they’ve become a staple in a gourmet kitchen, double ovens remain trending. How many times have you wished you could cook more than two dishes at a time?
Yes, the Wolf range is still one you’ll most likely find in an American gourmet kitchen. But it isn’t the only top-of-the-line range. Viking and Miele professional-style ranges gain fans every year and 2022 has been no exception.
“Dual-fuel ranges are popular with serious cooks – gas for high heat and electric burner(s) for tasks requiring lower heat,” according to the pros at kitchendesignpartner.com.
How to Avoid Breaking the Bank
While many people want custom cabinets and features, some can’t afford them. A lower-priced option is to consider semi-custom cabinets, which do offer most of the same features. To cut the cost even further, take a look at stock cabinet options as well. They offer more options than ever before.
About half of the budget of the average kitchen remodel will go to the cabinets. With that in mind, it’s important to get cabinets that work for you and that will keep you happy, since it’s unlikely you’ll replace them a second time.
You may also want to ensure you’re getting cabinets that comply with industry performance and quality standards. The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) tests cabinets under rigorous conditions and certifies those that pass with a blue and white seal that can be found on the inside of the sink base cabinet.
Also, keep in mind that not all gourmet kitchen designs have to involve a complete kitchen remodel. Depending on the features you want, some updates can be done without the use of a kitchen contractor.
We spend more time in our kitchens than any other room in our homes. So take time to work with design ideas that will make your new gourmet kitchen fun for everyone.
