Cooking up delicious design for the kitchen

The kitchen is where creativity is king – whether in culinary adventures or in entertaining duties, the kitchen is where it all happens. So, getting the right kitchen design in your new home is key.

A polished, professional look is important – meaning an uncluttered area, lots of storage spaces, and gleaming counters. But to capture the Instagram double tap, your kitchen must have game. This is where knowing the right kitchen design for you can help.

Today’s homebuilders all put extra care in creating the most contemporary kitchen designs. It is after all the heart of the home – whether one cooks or not. Many put together a standard package of kitchen design that combines some of the most popular design trends, materials and hardware to complete a look that’s suited for everyday function and hosting those big family get-togethers. Upgrade options are plentiful but even just the standard designs are well thought out to combine beauty and function and won’t break the bank.

So, when it comes time to pick out your finishes and appliances during the design stage of building your new home, it’s good to come with some extra information. We talk to a couple of Edmonton’s best homebuilders to see what new designs are coming up and what to expect at this stage of your new homebuilding journey.

A balanced design

Excel Homes puts plenty of focus in the kitchen design with an eye on functionality and efficiency that uses all available space.

“It is important to have ample and well-organized storage solutions and a generous amount of countertop space,” says Excel Homes Marketing Manager, Kristina Plank. “An island or breakfast bar can provide additional workspace and seating. Proper lighting is essential for both functionality and ambiance.”

Energy efficiency is always important in the kitchen, and Excel always includes an ENERGY STAR rated fridge and dishwasher in their package.

Coventry Homes’ Interior Designer, McKenzie Campbell, adds that form should always balance function everywhere, but especially in the kitchen.

“Your kitchen should be a balance of form and function. Our design process starts with practicality and lifestyle—ensuring that the space flows well and meets the everyday needs of the homeowner,” Campbell says.

She adds that her biggest piece of advice to clients is to invest in your kitchen upfront. “The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s not easy to make major changes after it’s been built. So, focus on getting the elements that matter most to you right from the start. You can always save money on smaller details that are easier to change or add later, but prioritize things like layout, integrated features, storage, and finishes that will make the space functional and timeless. In the long run, you’ll be glad you invested in a kitchen that meets your needs and reflects your style.”

Deliciously trendy

Timeless design is the focus at both Excel and Coventry, but they also take into account what their customers want.

“Some of the newest kitchen trends that we have been noticing is the addition of a spice kitchen or butler pantry to provide more storage and prep space. We have also seen an influx in customers who are more inclined to choose a bold statement lighting in their kitchen,” Plank says.
“While neutral tones are still popular, there’s a growing trend towards bold colors and patterns. Homeowners have been opting for more durable and easy-to-clean materials for countertops, cabinets, and flooring. Popular choices include quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and high-quality cabinet finishes.”

Campbell, meanwhile, says Coventry is seeing a shift toward warm, neutral tones in kitchen design from the all-white designs that previously been most popular.

“Mushroom tones, taupes, and warm whites are trending, as they bring a cozy yet sophisticated feel to the space,” she adds. “Light, neutral wood finishes are popular, adding a natural, earthy touch that feels welcoming. These tones are not only on-trend but offer a timeless appeal, making them perfect for homeowners who want a kitchen that will stand the test of time.”

Take your pick

The design stage of a new home build can be stressful, especially when it comes to choosing the specifications for your kitchen. That’s why builders almost always offer professionally curated design palettes that can make decisions easier. The standard offerings provide a great building block to start your choices with.

“Each of our kitchens comes standard with a modern appliance package,” Excel’s Plank says. “They include ¾-inch quartz countertops, full height designer tiled backsplash on the main wall, stainless steel undermount kitchen sinks with double basins installed, a waterline added to the fridge and water shut off valves.”

She adds that Excel strives to “make the buying process easy and simple for our homeowners, creating an extensive suite of pre-planned personalization options that provide our customers with the most value.”

Excel’s most popular kitchen upgrade is Level 1, which includes 42-inch upper cabinets, crown moulding, one drawer bank, a larger island, a third disc light and a second outlet.

Plank says a good representation of what Excel offers is the kitchen in their Melrose showhome located in the Southwest community of Keswick Landing. “It is spacious and functional, with a large walk-in pantry and island. The gourmet kitchen boasts a stainless-steel built-in appliance package, and a bold, classy chevron patterned backsplash. It also includes popular upgrades like a coffee station and raised cabinets to the ceiling.” Find out more at excelhomes.ca.

Start from scratch

At Coventry Homes, all kitchen specification is built to include all of the essential and luxurious features homeowner are looking for, Campbell says.

“Our presale specifications include quartz countertops throughout, stainless steel appliances, a large selections of backsplash tiles, 39- to 42-inch upper cabinets with soft close hinges and of course an appointment in our Choices by Design centre to pick all of their finishes in one place.”

She says some of the most popular kitchen upgrades our clients choose include pot-and-pan drawers, which make accessing cookware easier and more organized, and garbage pull-outs that offer a cleaner, more efficient waste solution. “Increasing the height of upper cabinets is another top choice, as it not only provides extra storage but also creates a more open, elegant feel in the kitchen,” Campbell adds.

She recommends checking out Coventry’s kitchen design in their Riverside Odessa showhome. “It has become a favorite among clients, and many choose to replicate its design in their own homes. It features a perfect combination of warm white cabinets paired with wood accents, which creates a space that feels both modern and inviting. The subtle contrast between the warm tones gives the kitchen a timeless appeal, and the wood details add a touch of natural beauty that draws people in. This kitchen truly showcases how thoughtful design can enhance the look and feel of a home.” Go to coventryhomes.ca for more.