We don’t get to pick the rhythm of our own heartbeat—but the heartbeat of your home? That’s a different story. When you’re building a custom home with Andries Builders, you actually get to design the heart of it all: your kitchen. Whether you’re a microwave-only kind of chef or you could give Gordon Ramsay a run for his money, building your kitchen from scratch is your golden ticket to a space that works for your daily culinary adventures (and misadventures).
But before you get lost in the Pinterest black hole or start hauling home tile samples like souvenirs, let’s get real. Designing a custom kitchen doesn’t have to make you lose your mind—or your measuring cups. Here are some sanity-saving, life-friendly tips to keep your kitchen fabulous and functional.
The Work Triangle Still Works
Some design fads fade, but the sink–stove–fridge trifecta? It’s basically sacred. This little triangle keeps your kitchen flowing, saving you from endless laps between appliances. Think of it as geometry that actually matters in real life.
Give Every Gadget a Home (Even That Fondue Set)
We all have that weird kitchen tool that only comes out once a year—hello, turkey baster. The beauty of custom design is planning for those quirks. Pull-out racks, hidden drawers, spice organizers, lazy Susans—these aren’t bougie extras, they’re the difference between a smooth cooking session and a cabinet avalanche.
Islands Aren’t Optional
Unless you live on an actual island, a kitchen island is non-negotiable. Extra counter space? Check. Storage? Check. A place for your kids to eat cereal or for your friends to sip wine while you cook? Double check. Add in a prep sink or a built-in charging station, and boom—you’ve got your own Mission Control.
Pro tip: leave enough space to dance around it when your favorite song comes on.
Light It Like You Mean It
One lonely ceiling light just isn’t cutting it anymore. Your kitchen deserves layers—bright task lighting for chopping, cozy ambient lighting for family meals, and accent lighting for that dramatic flair. Pendants over the island? Yes, please. Under-cabinet lights? Absolutely. Disco ball? Okay… maybe not.
Balance Open Shelves and Closed Cabinets
Want a kitchen that looks like a magazine but actually works for real life? Mix it up. Open shelves for your prettiest mugs and dishes, but plenty of closed cabinets for the clutter (aka mismatched Tupperware and that one pot with the battle scars).
Pick Counters That Fit Your Life
Marble may be stunning, but if you’ve got kids or a habit of spilling red wine, it might cause more stress than joy. Love to bake? Choose a cool surface like quartz. Need durability? Go with something that can handle life’s messes. Pretty is great, but practical is better.
Plan for Outlets—Lots of Them
Your future self will thank you for every single well-placed outlet. On the island, under cabinets, inside drawers… make sure your toaster, mixer, and phone charger can all live in peace without battling for socket space.
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Make It Yours
At the end of the day, your kitchen should feel like you. Go bold with color, add a funky backsplash, or choose a countertop that says, “Yes, I’m totally eating leftover pizza at 1 a.m. and loving it.” A custom kitchen is equal parts function and joy—and it should match your family’s heartbeat.
The Andries Builders Promise
With a pinch of planning, a dash of design savvy, and the expertise of Andries Builders, your custom kitchen won’t just be beautiful—it’ll be the hardest working room in the house. So go ahead, dream big. We’ll handle the details, the flow, and yes—even the cabinet doors that close softly.
Here’s to countertops that survive the chaos, cookies that bake evenly, and a kitchen that feels like home.