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Where to Look for Kitchen Inspiration

Inspiration can be found all around us – and although that sounds a bit philosophical, it’s absolutely practical as well. When it comes to seeking new and creative approaches to apply to your dream kitchen, there’s nothing that can’t be an opportunity to learn a little more about your own tastes. Whether you’re learning as you go, deep diving into home improvement magazines, or building your own carefully curated Pinterest boards, it’s important to have all the information you feel you will need to be confident that you are building a kitchen you are sure to love.

Friends and Family

Some of the best inspiration can come straight from your inner circle. When visiting the homes of friends and loved ones, or even just passing acquaintances, take note of the things you love and don’t love. If you see something that truly inspires you – ask questions! Much like you, the owner of that kitchen likely takes a lot of pride in seeing it designed to their preferences, and knowing you appreciate it to will likely be a big compliment, as well as give you valuable information. You can learn a lot about different materials by seeing them in different floor plans and styles, and – as long as you feel you’re close enough and it’s appropriate to ask – you may even be able to gain some insight into the financials of certain materials too (or if not, Google is a great place to start).

Out and About

You can be shocked at where you find some lovely design elements. The bathroom of your local coffee shop may have a backsplash that speaks to you on a personal level, or the waiting room of your doctor’s office could have wood finishings on their chairs that you know would look great on a dining set. Always keep your eyes open for new places to inspire your tastes and take photos if you see something you don’t want to forget!

Pinterest or Instagram

Specialized media is a great place to find everything you could be possibly looking for, and much (much) more. Start a Pinterest board, or simply a folder full of saved materials on your computer, to compile anything that inspires and could be put to use later. A word of caution – don’t forget these photos are carefully staged, lighted, and set – although they may look beautiful, they aren’t as realistic of a reference point as things you can see in the flesh. Though remember, the same is also true of staged galleries where you can shop for hardware and appliances. You can absolutely find a jumping off point in these places, but temper expectations and do more research on the practical application of any materials or features you may find.

These are just a few great places to begin, but truly, inspiration can be found in the most unexpected of places! If you know a remodel or update is in your future, keep your eyes open so you don’t miss out on any learning opportunities when it comes to designing your dream home.