Kitchen Design Tips – The Ultimate Kitchen Planning Guide…

The kitchen is the heart of your home. Friends and family gather around to help with cooking, experience the delicious aromas, chat with each other, and sneak a taste of the upcoming meal. It is a place to bond, laugh, and share. Is it time for a renovation? Is your kitchen becoming outdated? Planning a kitchen remodel is an exciting project but it is also a challenge with many details to consider. In this article we will help outline a plan to guide you.

The First Step Is To Stand Back And Take A Long Look At Your Present Kitchen

Before you start making changes, you will want a solid idea of what you are working with and what works well for you now and what needs to change.

Jot down these questions:

• Do you want to add an island if you do not have one?
• Do you want the dishwasher in the same place next to the sink?
• Do you like the current location of your appliances?
• Do you have enough counter space?
• You do not have a pantry. Will you have room to add a pantry?
• Do you like the height of your cabinets?

How Do You Pick Kitchen Remodel Materials?

Deciding on finishes is one of the most challenging parts of a remodel, particularly a kitchen remodel. The fact that there are no set rules to choosing materials and finishes makes the process that much more complicated. Every project is different, but there are still some general guidelines that can help you make sense of your kitchen remodel. Rather than picking the cabinet wood species and finishing color by itself, and then picking countertops and tile, work on overall palettes of colors and materials at the same time; then layer the materials to create collages of patterns, textures, and colors to see what works best together. After you decide on the cabinet and floor material, take a look at the countertops and make sure the three coordinate. The sort of atmosphere you want to create for your kitchen is most important.

How Much Counter Space Is Average?

Once, kitchens took up just 100 to 150 square feet. In contemporary homes, they’re averaging 300 square feet, and the bigger the better. The “average” is about 30 square feet of counter space, but those numbers don’t reflect the extreme variety of kitchens. It’s important to understand that counter space and people space are equally important in a kitchen. Space for moving around is key to being efficient in the kitchen, so keep in mind that floor space and space for opening doors and drawers on both cupboards and appliances is critical too. You should work with a contractor to determine how much counter space is enough for your family needs.

What Kind Of Lighting Is Best For A Kitchen?

Opt for LED lights in your kitchen. LED technology is a trend that won’t be going out of style anytime soon. LED lights offer endless possibilities for your kitchen lighting. For example, LED lights are dimmable, meaning that whether you are cooking or entertaining, you can set just the right mood with your kitchen lights. Lighting can make or break a kitchen and is one of the most important things to consider in your plan. Look for similar lines when coordinating kitchen and dining lighting. You want both of these fixtures to be different enough yet complement each other so that you have an eclectic look in your kitchen and dining space. Also, do not forget about scale! When you finish in the kitchen at night, the under-cabinet lights can be turned on for accent/night lights. Pendants over an island can become task lights when they help you see what you’re eating. Stay flexible as you put it together.

What Kind Of Storage Space Do You Want?

Your kitchen is essentially one big storage unit. From cabinets to the pantry, to the fridge, at least 75 percent of the space is dedicated to housing things like food, linens, cookware, and utensils. When you are thinking about how you currently use your kitchen, take some time to consider what storage options will work best for you. This is one of the stages of a kitchen renovation where having a professional kitchen designer will be crucial. They can help you decide on the right combination for cabinets, drawers, and pantry space. If you are short, you may prefer to forgo upper cabinets for a large pantry. Think about the dishes and utensils you use currently. If you have a lot of utensils, you may prefer to have more drawers than cabinets.

Ventilation: The Most Overlooked Part Of A Kitchen

Kitchen ventilation systems are usually located over the cooktop, considered the primary source of odors, grease, and moisture. An oven in a range typically vents through a burner on the cook top, putting moisture and odors in the vicinity of the ventilation system. A built-in or wall oven typically vents to the front of the appliance, into the room air. A microwave oven, which may vent to the front, side, or back, is usually not placed near the kitchen ventilation system. Most kitchen design experts recommend a ventilation fan that is sized according to the recommendations of the Home Ventilating Institute. 

How To Set Up A Kitchen Work Triangle

The kitchen triangle is hailed by designers as the best way to set up a kitchen, but the concept of the kitchen work triangle can be intimidating. In reality, it’s a relatively simple idea that can save time and energy. In simple terms, the kitchen work triangle connects the three main work areas in the kitchen: the sink, the range, and the refrigerator. You can create layouts that offer plenty of space and still keep things near at hand. Your expert kitchen designer will be able to help you lay out plans that will make the best use of your space.

Kitchen Sinks To Consider

Before you jump into a kitchen sink purchase, you’ll want to be aware of the available options. While you may think you just need a sink that’s the right size or color for your kitchen, there’s a lot to consider about the type of sink that will work best in your kitchen as well. Everyone knows the main sink is a crucial part of a kitchen. But it may be a good idea to also have a bar sink. Bar sinks are very convenient for meal prep, which is why they are also commonly called prep sinks. They provide a place to get water for cooking as well as a place to wash your hands or quickly rinse mixing bowls or measuring utensils while you are cooking

Go for timeless in your kitchen design. Pick a style that will stay around for a while. A kitchen is not something you remodel often. It is best to stay away from bold trends when it comes to kitchen remodels. Stick to neutral colors and classic materials. This is an area where help from an expert designer can make a huge difference.