Backsplashes: Once a purely functional feature, the kitchen backsplash has become a key focal point in kitchen design. The possibilities for self-expression are nearly endless. Backsplashes can be created from a variety of materials, each with its own distinct contribution to the aesthetics of a room: granite, marble, stainless steel and other metals, textured glass, ceramic tiles, mosaic and stone are just some of the choices today. Colorful hand-painted mosaic tiles, which add a one-of-a-kind artistic flair to the kitchen, are a trend we’ve recently seen growing in popularity.

Innovative Storage: One of the factors that will determine how much you enjoy your kitchen in the future is how easy it is to work in and use every day. The latest storage solutions embrace a sleek and practical functionality. Storage is being introduced everywhere in the kitchen, at levels that are more accessible for everyone. Pull-out pantries and cabinets create ease of use and a clean, seamless design at the same time. “Magic” corner cabinets slide and rotate to allow twice the customary space, while once ordinary cabinet drawers can be fitted with hyper-organized dividers to make finding the right cooking tool a breeze.

Cool Appliances: While energy-efficiency has become a leading concern for homeowners choosing new appliances, a focus on small luxuries has also taken a leading role. Appliances such as built-in wine refrigerators or espresso makers add that small touch of convenience and luxury to everyday living that makes you appreciate your kitchen remodel daily.

However you decide to plan your kitchen remodel, working with a professional designer you can find the ideal balance between personal expression and functionality so that your new kitchen is a room you treasure for many years to come!

1. Space Planning: While space planning is always one of the most important elements of any room design, smaller areas call for creative, sometimes unconventional thinking. Every square foot of the room must be used efficiently and effectively. Sometimes, “borrowing” space from a nearby room is the best option, by knocking down a wall to open the kitchen to another area of your home. Often, the free space is already in the room but hidden by poor planning – the rearrangement of the key elements in the kitchen can make the room seem significantly larger.

2. Colors, Materials and Lighting: Everything you put in a small space will be noticeable, so you want it to be beautiful. Choose a focal point for the room, such as a beautiful back splash or an unusual finish for your countertops or flooring. Conventional wisdom dictates white or light colors in a small space – these can work, but a higher priority should be choosing a color scheme that fits with the overall aesthetic and character of your home. Just as important as color is lighting – in a small space it becomes a primary element in the design. If more or bigger windows are an option, they can transform limited space dramatically. If not, a mixture of natural and ambient light should be carefully planned throughout the space, with special attention paid to areas that are typically dark, such as under cabinets and counters.

3. Appliances and Storage: Manufacturers offer many appliance options that are perfect for a smaller kitchen, such as compact refrigerators, space-saving microwaves, built-in stovetops, or extra deep sinks. Once again space planning is essential when it comes to deciding where to place appliances in the room and what you need to find storage for, as is a healthy dose of practicality. Think carefully about how you use your kitchen every day and whether or not you really need that espresso machine or bread maker readily at hand. In a small space, a clutter-free environment is essential.

Give careful thought to the details of space planning and functionality and your small San Diego kitchen design can be just as memorable as one twice its size. Take a look at this cool video on our Facebook page about an ingenious home design in Hong Kong for inspiration and see a small apartment transformed into 24 rooms!

You Are Invited:
What: Jackson Design & Remodeling Open House
When: June 5th, 1pm to 5pm
Where: Scripps Ranch (address will be provided to those who RSVP)
Wine & Food | Music by Javid & Naoko New Flamenco

RSVP by June 1, 2010
858.356.5410 or 800.861.3103
www.JacksonDesignandRemodeling.com/OpenHouse
All guests can enter to win a Restoration Hardware Gift Card.

If you appreciate innovative home design, you do not want to miss this exclusive event!

1. Be clear about what you love. Before beginning your remodel, think carefully about what makes you love your historical home and which aspects of its design and overall character are most important to you. These are the elements that cannot be compromised, and the characteristics you want to accentuate.

2. Now think about what you need. How would you like your kitchen remodel to work for your lifestyle today? Are there modern appliances you’ve been daydreaming about? Do you need more storage space? Think about how you use the kitchen now and how you would ideally like to use the room. Kitchens can be designed to thrill the gourmet cook, to provide a welcoming hub for a busy family, or to create a dramatic center of the home for people who like to entertain. Some kitchens do it all! The important thing is to give careful thought to how you and your family are most likely to use the kitchen after the remodel.

3. Work with a remodeling company that understands historical homes. Because of the delicate balance required in the design process, your contractor should have specific experience working with historical homes. You don’t want your new kitchen to look like it landed in your home from the future! Preserving the original character of your home, while adding modern convenience and scale, requires a high level of design skills, careful research and meticulous attention to detail. There are also legal requirements to consider for remodeling historic properties (such as those outlined in the Mills Act) that your contractor needs to be knowledgeable about … missing these details in the initial design process and then having to correct them later can be costly.

Above all, a kitchen remodel in a historical home should look like it has always been there. The successful remodel of a historic home honors its essential character, while adding new spirit and convenience.

Kitchens have gone through a substantial evolution, parallel with social changes over the years. To accommodate our fast-paced lifestyles, the spatial planning of kitchens allows for more time to spend with family and close friends. Instead of enclosing the kitchen, many people now choose a kitchen remodel that connects the new room to the adjacent living areas. This has given a whole new meaning to a kitchen’s daily use. No longer is it just a place to cook meals; now family and friends gather around the kitchen to enjoy good food and great conversation. While making dinner, parents can help their kids with homework or check what they are watching on television or the internet. When entertaining, homeowners can invite their guests into the kitchen to demonstrate exciting new appliances and features while continuing to socialize.

Kitchens are being transformed from ordinary work rooms to extraordinary spaces that enhance the quality of homes and lives. Considering the potential impact it delivers, if you are thinking about a kitchen remodel, give the heart of your home the love and importance it deserves!