Luxury Kitchens: Blending Form and Function
The kitchen is often called the “heart of the home.” As such, luxury kitchens aim to be beautiful, highly functional spaces tailored to each family’s needs. When designing a high-end kitchen, there are many elements to consider regarding both form (appearance) and function (usefulness). Paying attention to details and choosing quality materials are key.
At Hardwick General Contracting, we collaborate with top kitchen designers across Central Florida, the United States, and worldwide. By teaming up with industry partners around the world, our team stays on top of the latest global trends and innovations for luxury kitchens.
Layout and Workflow
- Choose your style – clean, built-ins, hidden appliances and pantry doors, or more out in the open with appliances and shelving accessible and easy to use.
- Strategic layout brings key components together
- Separate work zones improve functionality
- Islands extend appliance, work, and eating spaces
- Consider accessibility for all ages and abilities
Smart Home Technology and Appliances
- Appliances with app control deliver convenience
- Artificial Intelligence combined with cameras are future-proofing kitchens
- They can help determine items in a refrigerator
- Automatically order groceries that are low on stock
- Provide recipes for the items you have on hand
- Smart cooking can provide remote temperature monitoring for that perfect recipe
- Integrated video screens can display cooking shows, security cameras, touch screens to order more goods, and video conference friends and family.
Lighting
- Mood lighting for any occasion with automated dimming and color temperature for almost every fixture.
- Task lighting highlights work zones
- Undercabinet lighting illuminates counters and enhances backsplash materials
- Back-lite natural stone countertops and backsplashes provide an elegant artistic feel
- Door and drawer lighting can add extra brightness to traditionally unlit areas
- Windows and skylights welcome beautiful natural light
- Artificial skylights can add the same feel of natural illumination in a kitchen with no access to a roof.
Countertops
- Quartz is a great way to provide the look of natural stone “veining” while providing an easy-to-clean and durable surface
- Seamless countertops prevent dirt and bacteria buildup
- Contrasting materials on sink/stove areas add drama
- Turn the countertop material up to create a continuation of the design to the backsplash
- Turn the countertop material down to continue a waterfall edge to the floor
Cabinets
- Whether it is painted, stained, natural wood, metal, or a textured surface, creative cabinet finishes reflect personal style
- Soft-close hinges and drawer guides are quiet and prevent wear
- Glass cabinet doors show off favorite items and collections
- Pull-out cabinet shelves and drawers maximize storage
- Built-in waste bins hide trash with flair
Backsplash
- Tile or stone backsplashes make a statement
- Patterns and mixed textures allow creative freedom
- Can match or contrast countertops
- Depending on use, creative receptacle locations and finishes can hide plugs
Sinks and Faucets
- Undermount sinks give a seamless finish
- Deep single or double sinks aid workflow
- Motion sensor faucets increase convenience and cleanliness
- Toe-kick faucet operators can also reduce touches for clean hands
Flooring
- Durable surfaces that suit lifestyle
- Softer surfaces provide comfort underfoot
- Area rugs over floors customize look
Appliances
- Induction cooking provides instant temperature control, quick boiling, and safe cooling
- Professional-grade appliances now meet every culinary need
- Dual-fuel stovetops and ovens are tailored to cooking preferences
- Fridges and dishwashers designed for convenience
- Newer appliances can provide audio/visual indicators that something is left open or on
- Matching suites create a unified aesthetic
Universal Design
- Consider accessible counter heights for all
- Adjustable storage within reach
- Easy-to-operate fixtures and appliances
- Slip-resistant floors help prevent falls
- Handles can be more comfortable than knobs for many people with arthritis
By blending design inspiration from around the world with an understanding of local lifestyles, Hardwick General Contracting works with our partners to create luxury kitchens tailored to each client.