April 8, 2022

Why Should Dream Kitchens Begin With Appliance Selection?

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Many think dream kitchens begin with shopping for cabinets, yet a growing number of designers across the country believe that the best layouts for dream kitchens start with appliance selection. According to award-winning designer Veronica Campbell of DEANE, Inc., “I like to take my clients to a Clarke Showroom early in the design process. There they can use the appliances, ask questions and know this is exactly what they like, and then I can design the cabinetry around them.”

Kitchen designer Jennifer Stuart of Metropolitan Cabinets and Countertops agrees. “Many times, homeowners don’t realize all of the exciting options, and appliance selection often impacts the layout and design of a kitchen. Doing appliance research up front saves time and helps to prevent costly redesigns when someone realizes later in the process that they want to add a convection steam oven, coffee system or wine storage.”

Small dream kitchens like in this open concept cottage.

In fact, appliance research often prompts a discussion of whether homeowners want their dream kitchens to house all of their appliances, or whether pantries or wet bars should be considered. All of these are essential questions that impact layout and cabinetry requirements.

 Dream Kitchens are Often Brought to Life by the Appliances

 When you think about it, this makes sense. Your layout may be very different if you select a Wolf 48” Dual-Fuel Range and Sub-Zero Pro 48 Refrigerator than if you envision an induction cooktop and built-in wall ovens. Once seeing them in person, you may want to incorporate Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers (rated by many designers as their favorite appliance) or include warming drawers to ensure every meal is held at the perfect temperature even when family or guests arrive at different times. All of these selections change the kitchen layout.

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According to Clarke Boston Showroom Manager Jeremy McCulla, eight out of ten visitors who tour a Clarke Showroom end up adding the Wolf Convection Steam Oven to their plan. “Once homeowners see the Convection Steam Oven in action at our showroom, they just have to own one,” shared McCulla. “You can cook anything in this oven. It’s the perfect second oven for reheating leftovers to their original restaurant perfection. Plus, with Gourmet Mode, once your oven knows what’s inside – a soufflé, crown roast, a few sweet potatoes – Wolf’s climate sensor takes over. It detects the volume, shape and consistency of these dishes, then adjusts the time, temperature and humidity for guesswork-free, delicious results, every time.” This is the stuff dream kitchens are made of if you do your research up front.

 Successful Dream Kitchens: Appliance Research Pays Off

Here are some examples of dream kitchens where layouts may well have been impacted if the owners and designers didn’t discuss specific appliances to be included up front. It’s easy to see how the designers were able to use that knowledge to offer creative design options that enhanced the kitchen and home beyond its walls. Click image to enlarge.

A Perfect Place to Start Appliance Research for Dream Kitchens

 Clarke, New England’s Official Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove Showrooms are here to help you research your best options for high-performance appliances. Clarke Consultants are the people designers rely on for appliance recommendations. Learn more here about how a showroom visit can help your kitchen project.