Kitchen Design / Decoration Ideas & Inspiration (Simple, Small, Modern, Luxury)

I was honored to be selected as one of the eight judges to cast ballots for 43 entries in 8 categories in the 2020 NKBA Design Competition for the Midwest Region, Minnesota Chapter Small Kitchen DESIGN CHALLENGES Comments: I feel like the designer could downplay the “whiteness” by bringing in more “grayness” in as a balance and soft contrast. During morning sunrise, the kitchen may be too bright and of an eyesore for an older couple to absorb and enjoy daily. ELEMENTS & PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN Comments: Needs more of a balance by bringing in a wood trim around the windows by the sink and by the eating nook area (if part of budget and project scope). Perhaps, the crown moulding above the overhead cabinets could be painted with a grey tone. A balance would also be more accomplished if the designer were to carry some grey tone color into the kitchen and eating nook. BASIC SAFETY & ERGONOMICS Comments: The sharp projected (bottom left) corner of the extended countertop is a bit of a concern if childreN are running around or try to hop up on the bar stools and jump off, etc. Perhaps, the corners could be smoothed out with a curve. In addition, I would also recommend “smoothing” out all the corners of the entire countertop, extended area and non-extended area. Of course, this would be compliant per dimension limits per project scope. VISUAL APPEAL Comments: Overall, nicely done but needs to tone down the white modernism into daily livable conventionality. Also, since the island/countertop is the main focal point with traffic wrapping around the built millwork, the corners, if were “rounded” would give a beautiful visual appeal to see and eat at every day. #nkba #nationalkitchenbathassociation #designcompetition #castballot #smallkitchendesign #smallkitchenideas #designchallenge #designsolutions #visualappeal #beforeandafter #kitchendesign #ergonomics #presentation #designprinciplesandpractices #kitchendesign #nationalkitchenandbathmonth