Is there a better way to start the week than learning how to make a cocktail with friends, or coworkers, and then drinking it? The Parlor, inside Sheraton Dallas, hosts weekly interactive mixology classes, called Mixology Mondays, every Monday from 5-6pm led by the hotel’s talented Mixologist, Adam. The Parlor is an upscale lounge bar that replicates aspects of historical speakeasies and serves curated cocktails, draft beers and ciders, and tasty appetizers.

Adam will have all of the ingredients and tools ready to demonstrate how to make that week’s featured classic cocktail, such as a Cosmopolitan, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Mojito and so on, and share fun tricks of the trade during the Mixology Mondays classes. Guests can have fun mixing a cocktail and then enjoy the delicious creation afterwards. 

Classes vary weekly and reservations are required. Reservations can be made here. The cost is $30/per person which does not include tax and gratuity. 

The Mixologist, Adam, grew up on the east coast and has always had a passion for the fast-paced lifestyle which led him to working at one of the largest nightclubs in New York City. Adam has explored more than 43 countries and worked at luxury properties such as The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, The Ritz-Carlton Aspen and the Grand Cayman Marriott. He uses ingredients from around the world to create unique cocktails not found anywhere else. 

Sheraton Dallas is the largest hotel in Texas and the second largest Sheraton in the world, with 1,840 guest rooms, 230,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention spaces, pool, fitness center with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and Peloton bikes, and four dining outlets including The Parlor, Open Palette, Draft Sports Bar & Lounge and Open Mkt. Sheraton Dallas Hotel is located at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. 

The question of how to make a small kitchen look bigger is common among homeowners planning for a kitchen remodel. Small kitchens, while functional, might feel cramped, especially once guests arrive. 

If expanding your kitchen square footage isn’t in the cards, you may need to adopt a different strategy. Kitchen Design Concepts, a Dallas-based home remodeling and design company, has shared expert advice on how to make your kitchen appear larger without physical expansion, saving both time and money in a homeowner's remodel. 

Clever Storage Solutions

To make a small kitchen look bigger, the use of clever storage solutions is great for both functionality and appearance. Consider installing cabinets and shelves that reach to the ceiling. This maximizes the storage and draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of height. 

You can also opt for shallower lower cabinets in some areas, as this can open up more floor space, making the kitchen feel less cramped. These cabinets are often more accessible, making them ideal for everyday items. 

Incorporating storage solutions, like a kitchen island with built-in storage, can provide additional workspace while keeping essentials neatly organized. By optimizing cabinet and drawer organization and choosing versatile storage options, you can efficiently use every inch of space, contributing to a more open and airy kitchen ambiance.

Strategic Lighting

Natural light is particularly effective in making a small kitchen appear bigger, as it brightens the space and creates a more spacious feel. If your kitchen has windows, choose window coverings that maximize access to natural lighting. In kitchens without windows, consider adding a window to bring in natural light. This approach not only brightens the space but also visually expands it. 

The right choice of lighting fixtures is equally important. Opt for light fixtures that illuminate the entire kitchen evenly, eliminating dark corners and making the space feel more open and inviting. Using natural and artificial lighting together can effectively enhance the sense of space in a small kitchen.

Thoughtful Color Selection

Using a light and neutral color palette, such as whites or soft pastels, can create an airy, open atmosphere. These colors reflect light better, making the space feel more expansive. Incorporate low-contrast accent colors, as high-contrast options can make spaces feel smaller. 

Colors that are close to each other on the color wheel, with similar undertones, create a cohesive look, allowing the eye to move smoothly around the room without getting caught in contrasting details. This seamless flow gives the illusion of a larger space. By carefully choosing your kitchen’s color scheme, you can significantly impact its perceived size and dimensions.

Open Shelving and Minimalistic Design

Open shelving in a small kitchen significantly contributes to a sense of openness. This approach eliminates the visual bulk of cabinet doors, instantly creating an illusion of more space. However, this strategy is most effective when shelves are not cluttered. Neatly organized and minimally stocked shelves, possibly in trendy materials like copper, enhance this spacious effect. 

Embracing minimalism is crucial; decluttering and keeping only essential and aesthetically pleasing items on display can make your kitchen appear larger. A minimalist design, with its clean lines and unobstructed sightlines, promotes a roomier feel, making the kitchen feel less cramped.

Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces

Mirrors and reflective surfaces can dramatically enhance the perception of space in a small kitchen. Incorporating a large mirror on one wall, for instance, can create a striking visual impact, reflecting other elements of the kitchen and giving the illusion of an extended area. 

Using glass in furniture items, like glass pendant lights, helps maintain an unobstructed visual path, making the space appear larger. Opting for materials with reflective qualities, such as glass tiles, glossy cabinets, high-gloss paint, shiny floors, or stainless steel appliances, also contributes to this effect, as they bounce light around the room.

Smart Furniture Choices

Smart furniture choices are key in making a small kitchen look bigger. Opting for space-saving and multi-functional furniture that fits the kitchen’s dimensions is crucial. Furniture with slender profiles, such as thin chair legs or sleek table designs, can significantly enhance the perception of space. 

Bulky, oversized furniture should be avoided as it can make the surrounding area feel cramped. Proper furniture placement is also important for maintaining a fluid and open feel in the kitchen. Customizing furniture to suit the specific dimensions of the space can ensure both functionality and a sense of openness.

Creating the Illusion

Creating the illusion of a larger kitchen can be achieved through the strategic use of geometric patterns and lines. Geometric designs on tablecloths, rugs, or runners can visually expand the space. These patterns draw the eye in specific directions, such as vertically or lengthways, giving the impression of a taller or longer kitchen. 

Including horizontal lines in a kitchen’s design can effectively create an illusion of it being wider. By strategically placing elements like backsplash tiles, shelving, or even the pattern on the floor in a horizontal orientation, the kitchen can appear more spacious. This optical illusion is a simple yet impactful way to create the perception of a larger area without needing structural changes. It’s a design trick that combines functionality with aesthetics, catering to both practical needs and visual appeal.

A North Dallas home located on Stonehollow Way has recently undergone a remarkable kitchen transformation that seamlessly blends sophistication, eco-friendliness, and functionality, designed by Kitchen Design Concepts. 

This culinary haven not only addresses the client's unique challenges but also stands as a testament to sustainable design. With backgrounds in management consulting, the Kitchen Design Concepts team has defined and refined a process that shapes their partnership with each client. The process reflects how the team is synced with clients every step of the way. Using the Lifestyle Assessment Tool, expert designers create a plan with the client’s unique specifications.

Design:

Guided by the expertise of Kitchen Design Concepts, a distinguished Dallas-based home design and remodeling company, the kitchen remodel was executed to refresh the home for its family of five. The result is a space that has turned the cooking process from a dreaded task into a focal point of joy and creativity that will maintain sustainability for years to come.

The redesigned kitchen artfully blends traditional design with a modern twist, showcasing Cambria countertops in Inverness Frost. Warm white veins on a cool white canvas create a visually striking and organic design that adds vibrant intensity to the heart of the home.

Sustainability:

As sustainability remained an important priority for the homeowners, the choice to incorporate recycled materials aligns with the client's commitment to environmental consciousness. The incorporation of recycled materials, exemplified by Cambria countertops and Fireclay Tile—a certified B Corporation offering recycled products—aligns seamlessly with the client's commitment to environmental consciousness. Opting for an electric stove, in contrast to gas, underscores the kitchen's eco-friendly efforts.

Adding a touch of modernity, Sherwin-Williams’ Niebla Azul, the accent color in cabinetry and the dry bar, provides a contemporary twist on traditional design. 

The result is a kitchen that not only champions sustainability but is also aesthetically pleasing, with light and airy textures creating an inviting and timeless atmosphere.

Overcoming a Project Challenge:

Facing a unique structural challenge with a pole in the kitchen, the design team crafted an island around it, maintaining the structure's integrity while delivering a beautiful and functional solution within the client's budget.

Book lovers mark your calendars! The Sheraton Dallas will now be a venue for Reese’s Book Club gathering every month starting Saturday, January 27, 2023 in the hotel’s Club Lounge. The first book is First Lie Wins, A Novel by Ashley Elston, which will be discussed at the first gathering on January 27 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. A host will lead the monthly gathering meet-ups, and light sips and bites will be served. Reserve a spot here.

Complimentary on-site hotel parking is available for up to four hours. Please bring your parking ticket and present it to the host for validation.

The Sheraton Dallas’ Club Lounge is centrally located with the Downtown Dallas hotel on the 2nd floor and embraces modern design in a flowing and open floor plan. 

For hotel guests, Access is complimentary for Marriott Bonvoy™ members with Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite status, plus one accompanying guest. Access is also complimentary for guests who have reserved a Club room (entry for up to two people per guest room). Additional guest passes to the lounge are available for purchase at the front desk. The experience includes continental breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres, happy hour, sweet temptations, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, dedicated staff, hydration stations, coffee and tea stations, premium Wi-Fi, and business services.

The heart of every home, the kitchen, is more than just a space for preparing meals. It’s a place where memories are cooked up, conversations flow, and creativity finds its culinary canvas. For homeowners looking to embark on a journey of kitchen remodeling, the prospect of crafting an elegant yet functional design can be both exciting and daunting. Kitchen Design Concepts, a Dallas-based home design and remodeling firm, has a team of experts to guide you through the key dream kitchen design concepts that will transform your space into a haven of style and efficiency.

Layout: Maximizing Space and Flow

The foundation of any kitchen design lies in its layout. Whether you’re working with a small kitchen or a spacious one, the layout can significantly impact the functionality and aesthetics of the space. When considering a kitchen remodeling project, focus on creating an efficient work triangle between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. This triangular arrangement minimizes unnecessary movement and maximizes convenience during meal preparation.

Appliances & Fixtures: Blending Utility and Elegance

Selecting the right appliances and fixtures can enhance the overall functionality of your kitchen. When choosing appliances, opt for energy-efficient models that align with your budget. Integrating stainless steel appliances can provide a modern and sleek touch to the design while maintaining durability and ease of maintenance.

Storage: The Key to Clutter-Free Countertops

Ample storage is essential for a well-organized kitchen. To avoid cluttered countertops, invest in quality kitchen cabinets that offer both style and functionality. Consider open shelving for displaying decorative items or frequently used cookware. Customizable solutions, such as pull-out pantry shelves or deep drawers, can optimize storage space and make accessing items a breeze.

Style: Infusing Personalized Elegance

Kitchen Design Concepts designers understand the importance of infusing personal style into kitchen designs. Whether your taste leans toward contemporary, traditional, or transitional aesthetics, the key is to create a cohesive design that reflects your personality. Incorporate elements such as decorative backsplashes, pendant lighting, and elegant cabinet hardware to add character to your kitchen space.

Colors & Countertops: Harmonious Palettes

Choosing the right color palette and countertops can significantly impact the ambiance of your kitchen. Opt for neutral tones like whites, grays, or soft pastels for a timeless and elegant look. Consider durable countertop materials like quartz or granite that offer both aesthetics and functionality. These materials are not only resistant to scratches and heat but also available in a variety of colors and patterns.

Special Elements: Adding a Distinctive Touch

To truly make your kitchen design stand out, consider incorporating special elements that cater to your needs and preferences. For instance, a kitchen island can serve as a versatile workspace, a casual dining area, or additional storage. Adding a wine rack, built-in bookshelves, or a cozy breakfast nook can elevate the charm and functionality of your kitchen.