1. Layout
There are three standard ways to set up the layout of your
kitchen. They style that is right for you depends on the shape of your existing
kitchen, how often and who will use it, and the balance of functionality versus
aesthetics.
-Galley or corridor style.
A galley style kitchen has two straight “runs” on either
side of an island or table. Usually, the sink is on one side and the oven range
on the other. This is the typical setup for a kitchen that is long but not wide
and a perfect rectangular shape.
-U-Shaped Kitchen layout.
U-Shaped kitchens are a product of modern kitchen design, as
people need more counter and storage space and ease of movement.
-L-Shaped layout.
An L-Shaped kitchen segregates the work area off the main
kitchen space, which is ideal for entertaining guests or family in the kitchen
without intrusion of the practical cooking and food prep areas.
When planning your kitchen, start by laying out the work
triangle – that is the placement of stove, sink, and fridge, the most commonly
used appliances. It’s recommended they form a rough triangle all within 6’ or
less so you don’t have them all lined up on one wall or too far away. Once you
have your work triangle carefully planned, the rest of the kitchen will fall
into place.
Consider a sink that’s bigger and deeper than standard, but
no set back so it’s hard to reach. Remember to get it plumbed correctly so the
dishwasher fits in beside it. It’s also convenient to have more than one spout
or a sprayer, or spigot for filtered drinking water. A sink is well-placed
right under the main window in the kitchen. If you have a separate drink
preparation area or large island, consider putting in a second, smaller sink.
4. Fridge.
The refrigerator will probably be the largest continuous
single surface in the kitchen. Make sure it’s placed so it won’t stick out too
far past the cabinets and the doors have plenty of clearance when opened, even
if other drawers are open around it. Have the proper plumbing line installed
for an icemaker and water. Even if you don’t have one, you’ll want it if you
get a new fridge down the road. While stainless steel is a popular choice for
fridges, consider slight surface and design alternatives so it doesn’t dominate
the kitchen.
Think simplicity and practicality when choosing countertops.
Too often, people install granite with distracting complex patterns or tile
with grout lines that collect dirt and mold. There are many evolutions of
synthetic counter tops that look neutral, modern, match with many design
styles, and are easy to clean and maintain. You can never have too much counter
space but sometimes we design counters way too deep (where no one can reach) or
too shallow. Make sure you have countertops around the cook top and beverage
counter/bill paying desk, etc. in the kitchen. And don’t forget about the
backsplash! Don’t be afraid to install backsplashes with surfaces, textures,
patterns, and colors that differ from the countertops, but go well with them,
as well as the cabinets.
6. Islands.
Build an island into your kitchen but don’t make it too big, or too dominated by cabinets underneath – break it up with a wine fridge or that’s a great place for your microwave. Realize that there are two different heights – working counter height and then a height convenient to sit at, so know the purpose of your island. If you expect people to sit there, like a breakfast bar, first pick out the standard height stools you want and make sure they fit in comfortably. If there isn't room for an island, consider a nice butcher block, which can serve the same purpose but be rolled out of the way.
Too often, people install elaborate and colorful countertops
but then very plain (and cheap looking) countertops. But if anything, keep a
neutral countertop and go with rich or ornate cabinets, as they are the best
place to express your kitchen’s personality. Use fogged or glass doors to break
them up and bring in light. These days, they have beautiful cabinets in just
about every color, style, and surface you can imagine!
8. Storage.
Too often, people squeeze so many cabinets into their
kitchen but forget other areas for storage, like Lazy Susans, pantries, or
taller areas for brooms and the like. Designate one corner of the kitchen for
alternative storage cabinets. Also, don’t forget cabinets next to or underneath
the sink where the garbage and recycle bin can be retracted so you won’t have
to have them sitting out.
9. Lighting.
A kitchen can never have too much light, but it needs to be in the right place. Consider using mini-canned lighting that you can rotate to focus in different directions, not standard wide canned lightings. Make sure there is sufficient light over the sink, stove, and work areas, but other areas aren’t too bright. The light fixture over your table or island should be your signature piece, so have fun with it but make sure it matches your appliances and other hardware. Install under-cabinet LED lighting to keep everything illuminated.
10. Appliances.
Like cabinets, appliances are one area you won’t want to
skimp. That doesn’t mean you have to over spend on the newest and latest
technology, but invest in something you like, that blends well into the kitchen
design, and that you’ll use for a long time. Don’t try to salvage the fridge or
stove, etc. and replace the other appliances – it’s all or nothing. But to
differ the cost, you can sell your old appliances. Come to think of it, make
sure your contractor removes your cabinets intact so those can be sold as well.
Lay out the correct electric (like 220) and gas lines where your appliances
will sit.
Don’t be afraid to use some bold colors in the kitchen, but
make sure they work well with the counter tops, cabinets, appliances, and
flooring. If you’re going with bold and colorful elements, you might want to
tone down the walls to neutral beiges, off whites, etc. Remember that there
usually aren’t large open spaces on the kitchen walls because wall space is
chopped up.
12. Range hood.
Consider the range hood when you are both picking out the
cooktop range and also your signature lighting piece over the kitchen table or
island. Match them up the surfaces and styles so they compliment each other. A
good range hood isn’t cheap but it will be worth it as it ventilates the
kitchen effectively and quietly.
Like countertops, the right flooring isn’t just about how it
looks but its practicality. Standard tiles have grout that can look aged and
dingy after a while. Hardwood floors look great but are susceptible to damage
if water gets on them and they’ll wear out in higher-traffic areas. Some
natural stones are not a good fit for kitchens because they have many pours
that can accumulate junk and they need to be constantly resealed. Choose a
flooring material that is non-slip, easy to maintain, and easy to clean but
still neutral enough to blend into the rest of the room.
14. Transition.
The most beautiful kitchen in the world will still look
awkward if it doesn’t blend well into the adjoining rooms. So make sure you
consider the style and design of neighboring areas and make it a smooth,
gradual transition so it’s not even noticeable to the eye.
Why is it you’ll personalize every other room of the house
with family photos, artwork, and personal memorabilia, but our kitchens end up
the most generic room in the house? Reverse that trend by warming and
humanizing your kitchen with personal affects. Get creative and treat your
kitchen like your own personal restaurant, complete with its unique personality
and motif!
