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Hey, Reader

I’m sure you know designing a kitchen is more than placing cabinets in a room and picking out a countertop. However, for many years that’s all it was to me, a boring repetitive cycle.
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Thank God I’ve learned an approach to design that not only breathed life into my career but has formed how I look at every client’s kitchen.

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Instead of just “throwing” cabinets onto a floor plan and hoping for the best, I approach my work using these three pillars! And the cool thing about it is these will apply to everything you do in life and even life itself (deep I know)!

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🏡 Purpose - Understanding the “Why”

Every decision you make with your design needs to be intentional. There should be no area of your kitchen that doesn’t serve a distinct purpose. You can approach this in a few different ways.
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• Customization is Key: Think about how you use your kitchen. Do you love baking, entertaining, or just chilling with a snack? Customize your kitchen to fit your lifestyle.

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• Efficiency Matters: Organize your kitchen to make your life easier. Group similar items together and create zones for different tasks.

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• Personalization: Make your kitchen uniquely yours with personal touches. Add colourful accents, cozy textiles, and artwork that reflects your personality.

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These are just a few, but the main takeaway is understanding the “why” behind the design.

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🎨 Creativity - Infusing the “What”

You are creative. You have likes and dislikes, favourite colours, design styles, material choices, etc.

The kitchen is a room that needs your creative touch.

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• Colour Your World: Don't be afraid to play with colours. Your kitchen walls, cabinets, or even appliances can become your canvas for self-expression.

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• Funky Details: Consider quirky cabinet knobs, stylish light fixtures, and unique countertop materials to add character to your kitchen.

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• Gallery of Inspiration: Why not turn your kitchen into an art gallery? Display family photos, your own artwork, or even a vision board to inspire your culinary adventures.

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As you can see, creativity answers the question “What will this look like”? “What will this feel like”?

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🌟 Balance - Focusing on the “How”

Balance is essential in kitchen design. The mixture of purpose and creativity needs to form the perfect blend for a successful design to come to life.
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• Texture and Material Mix: Combine different textures and materials. Pair sleek surfaces with rustic elements to create a balanced, inviting atmosphere.

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• Lighting Magic: Lighting sets the mood. Use various types of lighting to create ambiance and functionality, like task lighting for work areas and soft, warm lighting for a cozy atmosphere.

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• Maximize Space: In a small kitchen, utilize smart storage solutions, like open shelves, hooks, and pull-out drawers, to optimize space and maintain a clutter-free environment.

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How you do this is up to you, and depends on your current or future needs.

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I’ll be talking about this more in an upcoming video but I wanted to give you a glimpse into these pillars and hopefully, you’ll find them useful in your next design, career, family or life.

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Find out how to work with me HERE.

Chat soon,

Mark