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Once buyers work with the Bill Clark Homes design team to find their ideal exterior design, it’s time to make their way inside the home. The first step of the interior portion of the personalization process is the kitchen, which we often call the heart of the home. Deciding on your kitchen layout, finishes and features truly helps set the tone for the rest of your home, which is why we place so much importance on this step. Read on for insider information from our design consultants on how the look of your kitchen will impact the rest of your personalization process. 

What components of the kitchen do homeowners get to select? 

The Bill Clark Homes design team assists with the layout, cabinet configuration, countertops, backsplash, hardware, appliances, light fixtures and any other speciality features a homeowner might want in their new kitchen. Our Design Center makes it easy for homeowners to see materials for themselves and get a true vision for what different combinations will look like when finished. 

Which kitchen feature do you suggest homeowners begin with during the design process? 

A lot goes into designing a kitchen, and while homeowners might be excited to find the countertop and backsplash pairing they’ve been dreaming about, we prioritize nailing down a layout first. Getting the kitchen layout right is imperative to creating a functional, practical kitchen area that homeowners will love to spend time in. The layout decisions also include appliance configuration, which lets us work with homeowners to decide the best place for their oven, refrigerator, built-in microwaves, range hood and more. 

What are some fun kitchen trends you’ve seen buyers going for lately?

Lately, we’ve seen a lot of homeowners mixing island and perimeter cabinet colors. One of the most popular combinations has been a navy island paired with a crisp, clean white on the perimeter. We love this trend as it incorporates a fun pop of color with the timelessness of white cabinets, adding interest to the overall look of the space and highlighting the coastal design of our homes. 

What advice do you give homeowners when it comes to kitchen design?

With the kitchen being the heart of the home, it’s important for homeowners to take time and really consider what’s important to them. Do you like to entertain and host dinner parties? Upgraded appliances, a deep-basin sink and a raised double-oven will definitely be worthwhile in the space. Do you want the opportunity to spend time with your family as you cook? A large island with plenty of space for seating can help encourage that togetherness. No matter how you envision spending time in your kitchen, our design team can help create the ideal space for your needs and wants. 

How does kitchen design impact Bill Clark Homes as a whole?

As designers, we typically design the house around the kitchen—which is why it’s the first room of the interior we focus on in the personalization process. Oftentimes, we will repeat colors or materials found in the kitchen in other parts of the house, such as bathrooms, fireplaces or built-in bar areas. With most open floor plans, the kitchen will be open to the majority of other living spades, and we aim to make these spaces flow together in a seamless manner. 

Additionally, it’s important for homeowners to remember kitchens add huge resale value to a home. We always encourage homeowners to invest a good portion of their upgrade budget to this space—not only to enjoy it for themselves, but to impact the home’s selling potential in the future. 

Now that the kitchen is complete, what do we design next?

You’ve completed exterior selections, you’ve configured the perfect kitchen—now what? Homeowners will work with design consultants to focus on bathroom options before moving on to the rest of the home. Our next blog will detail best practices in bathroom design and help you create spaces that complement the rest of your home. 

If you’re looking to buy your next Bill Clark home or would like more information about our personalization process, fill out an online form or call one of our regional offices in Greenville, New Bern or Wilmington.