Creating the perfect kitchen does not have to be a mystifying and expensive process. If you’re gearing up for a kitchen remodel and not sure where to start, here’s our 5 step guide to designing a space that works for your family.
What you want vs what you have
Before you make a list of all the things you want in your new kitchen, take a good look around the existing layout. Take note of what’s working for you and what isn’t. Do you love the large windows but wish you had more space for the kids to play while you cook? Or maybe you really want more counter space for all your small appliances.
Evaluating the current room allows you to prioritize your needs and re-use/retain elements that you love. When you really think about it, you’ll find that there is a lot to love about your kitchen and you don’t need to rip put everything. You can always re-use individual elements like cabinet fronts, especially if they are of good quality.
Consider layout
The next thing to consider is the overall layout. Do you want an open space that integrates with the living room or would you prefer a separate space of your own? Some families want a table for the kids to do their homework but others may prefer a kitchen island or even bar seating. You should incorporate design elements that work for your needs.
The shape of the kitchen is something else you should think about. This will largely be dictated by the room – you may not be able to have a wide U-shaped kitchen in a narrow room. But a galley style kitchen may be perfect for this space.
Design the workspace
Once you have the general layout, it’s time to design the actual workspace. Now that you know where the counters will go, you can create a detailed plan which includes the location of appliances, number of cabinets and drawers, and other essentials like the sink.
Remember to focus on the working triangle – the hob, the sink, and the refrigerator. You want them to be close enough to make cooking easy but also have enough space around each station to set down pots or keep spices ready to go.
Envision the look
With the basics done, you can now think about the aesthetics of the room. Do you want a traditional kitchen to match the rest of your house? Or maybe you love the look of a minimalistic white space. Now’s the time to pick colors, finishes, and textures to complement the cabinets and counters.
The color of your cabinets plays an important role in the overall look. After all, most of the kitchen walls will be covered with them. You can opt for white or pale-colored cabinets and use bold splashes of color elsewhere (floor tiles, backsplash, even colorful appliances!) Another great idea is to go with dark cabinets and white countertops for a more striking look.
Consider the lighting ahead of time as well. You need task lighting above workspaces and more stylish fixtures. Most kitchens have ambient lighting over the eating or seating space.
Focus on details
Many of us spend hours in the kitchen each week. So the details matter just as much as the overall design.
Consider the sink for example. Do you want an undermount model that allows you to sweep things off the counters directly? Some people like double bowl sinks for multi-tasking (wash and drain dishes at once or for 2 people to work in the kitchen). Others prefer large single bowl sinks for pasta pots and big pans.
Even the faucet requires some thought. Do you want a high faucet with a pull-down hose or a touchless model? Do you want multiple spray options in a finish that matches your kitchen? Some faucets swivel while others are fixed. A tall faucet makes it easy to fill big pots with water but can get in the way when washing dishes.
Think about what will work for your most common tasks in the kitchen. You can even get some really useful accessories for your kitchen faucet. A hot water dispenser can be useful during winter. Some people like the convenience of a separate pot filler while others appreciate a filter system to drink water straight from the tap. Don’t forget about the garbage disposal either, kitchen cleanup is a lot easier with one in the sink!
Designing your dream kitchen will take some time but in the end, you should have a space that’s relaxing and comfortable for your entire family.
