Apr 43 min read

Our Barndo Kitchen

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The kitchen is the heart of the home, a space where culinary creativity meets functionality. It's not just a place for cooking; it's a hub for socializing, experimenting, and nourishing both body and soul. A well-designed kitchen can elevate the entire atmosphere of a home, making every meal preparation a delightful experience. The kitchen was the room in our home that I felt the most passionate about during the entire build experience.

Purposeful Layout

The foundation of any great kitchen design lies in its layout. Throughout the years we’ve renovated homes and lived with different layouts. Whether it's a compact galley kitchen or a spacious open-concept layout, the arrangement of key elements such as the sink, stove, and refrigerator should promote efficiency and convenience. So when it came to designing the kitchen for this home we felt confident in how we placed everything, the aisle spacing, and more.

Sink Faucet

Pot Filler

Functional Storage Solutions:

Clutter is the enemy of a well-designed kitchen. Ample storage is essential for keeping countertops clear and maintaining an organized space. From deep drawers and pull-out cabinets to innovative solutions like corner carousels and vertical dividers, there are countless options to maximize storage capacity while optimizing accessibility. Customized storage solutions tailored to your specific needs can make a significant difference in the functionality of your kitchen. My personal favorite is using as many large drawer bases in the design. Ours are filled with everything from pots and pans to dishes and we use them for snacks or other food storage. Drawers make things easy to organize and see.

Appliances are Cafe’ purchased through Plesser’s Appliances. Contact Eric Cullen ecullen@plessers.com for a discount through MR Post Frame.

Quality Materials and Finishes

Using quality materials in your kitchen build

The choice of materials and finishes can greatly impact the aesthetic appeal and durability of your kitchen. Opt for high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of daily use while adding character to the space. When selecting finishes for cabinetry and hardware, consider both aesthetics and practicality, ensuring that they compliment the overall design scheme while meeting your lifestyle requirements. As a general rule, you’ll find that stain holds up better to wear and tear than painted cabinetry.

Cabinet Direct

Use link to receive a 5% discount on your entire order

Brand: Ultracraft

Species: Red Oak

Style: Shaker

Color: Storm Grey

Backsplash Tile

Thoughtful Lighting Design

Proper lighting is crucial for creating a welcoming ambiance and enhancing functionality in the kitchen. Incorporate a layered lighting scheme that includes ambient, task, and accent lighting to accommodate various activities and moods. Pendant lights above the island or peninsula can add a touch of style and provide focused task lighting for food preparation, while under-cabinet lighting illuminates countertops and enhances visibility. Additionally, natural light from windows or skylights can brighten the space and create a sense of openness. We love using dimmable under cabinet lighting to brighten work spaces and nighttime soft lighting.

Island Pendants

Personalized Touches

A well-designed kitchen should reflect your unique personality and lifestyle. Incorporating personalized touches and decorative elements can infuse character and warmth into the space. Display cherished cookbooks, artwork, or heirloom kitchenware to add a personal touch to open shelving or wall-mounted displays. I don’t have many functional items on display in my kitchen, but instead I use it as a chance to decorate using items from my grandparents, thrifting adventures, and other gifts.

Designing the perfect kitchen in your barndo is a labor of love, combining functionality with aesthetics to create a space that inspires culinary creativity and fosters a sense of comfort and belonging. By paying attention to layout, storage, materials, lighting, and personal touches, you can transform your kitchen into a culinary haven that reflects your unique style and enhances your everyday living experience. So roll up your sleeves, sharpen your knives, and embark on the journey of crafting your dream kitchen—one thoughtful design decision at a time.