Understanding how a homeowner utilizes their kitchen should be one of the most important determinations for the final layout when designing a kitchen.
If you are building or remodeling and can work off your own design or alter the design from the architect or builder, think through the space as if you were actually using the kitchen.
Start where you would typically enter the kitchen.
Is there a counter or table that ends up looking like a thrift store clearance, littered with keys, purses, cell phones? By adding a drawer with a charging station near your entry the counters may regain their purpose for food prep and serving.
Never settle for creative designs that look good on paper but will not function for the way you use the kitchen.
For instance, the island with a drop down seating area usually looks user friendly and appealing in an article or showroom, but if it truly will not function with your household traditions, do not even consider it.
Pull out drawers and shelves are an absolute must in today's kitchens, not only do they add organization into your life but also make items like pots and pans located in the back of the cabinet, on the bottom shelf easier to access.
If the opportunity to move appliances or change them is there, make sure to read the dimensions and specifications carefully.
Refrigerators are available in a wide range of different widths, heights and depths; never assume a 36" fridge will fit in that space of 37" next to a return wall.
Sure it may slide in nicely, but when you open the door and attempt to use the vegetable drawer, the wall blocks the door from opening the required space to allow the drawer to operate properly.
This is a common occurrence that should have been avoided by simply verifying the specs.
Think carefully and creatively about the space, make lists or clip articles or pictures of elements are designs you like.
See what products are available either online or with a visit to a kitchen and bath showroom.
If you are building or remodeling and can work off your own design or alter the design from the architect or builder, think through the space as if you were actually using the kitchen.
Start where you would typically enter the kitchen.
Is there a counter or table that ends up looking like a thrift store clearance, littered with keys, purses, cell phones? By adding a drawer with a charging station near your entry the counters may regain their purpose for food prep and serving.
Never settle for creative designs that look good on paper but will not function for the way you use the kitchen.
For instance, the island with a drop down seating area usually looks user friendly and appealing in an article or showroom, but if it truly will not function with your household traditions, do not even consider it.
Pull out drawers and shelves are an absolute must in today's kitchens, not only do they add organization into your life but also make items like pots and pans located in the back of the cabinet, on the bottom shelf easier to access.
If the opportunity to move appliances or change them is there, make sure to read the dimensions and specifications carefully.
Refrigerators are available in a wide range of different widths, heights and depths; never assume a 36" fridge will fit in that space of 37" next to a return wall.
Sure it may slide in nicely, but when you open the door and attempt to use the vegetable drawer, the wall blocks the door from opening the required space to allow the drawer to operate properly.
This is a common occurrence that should have been avoided by simply verifying the specs.
Think carefully and creatively about the space, make lists or clip articles or pictures of elements are designs you like.
See what products are available either online or with a visit to a kitchen and bath showroom.