By Laura Beth Edwards
A kitchen is said to be the heart of any home. Even if cooking is not your forte, a kitchen is a place to entertain and enjoy time spent with your family. This means your kitchen should be a spectacular space for everyone to enjoy. Designing a brand new kitchen or remodeling an old one can be a stressful process. In order for the finished product to fit your needs, it’s crucial to plan and prepare ahead of time. Here, we’ve determined three simple steps that will lead you to the kitchen of your dreams.
Step One:
Time to plan
Planning and preparation is the most important part of this process. Try making a list of things you like and dislike about your current kitchen. Then, in order to visualize exactly what you want, try asking yourself some questions to determine how you intend to use the space:
What works in your current kitchen and what doesn’t?
Do you want a dining area, an island with stools, or a high top table?
Will you be entertaining often?
Do you like to cook?
Asking yourself these questions will help you establish exactly what you want in your kitchen layout. Now start thinking about storage and what you need the most amount of space for. Do you have a lot of dishes, pots, pans, and skillets? Do you need additional pantry space for certain foods?
Step Two: Design kitchen layout
One of the main things to consider when designing your kitchen layout is the work area. In every home there are three components that make up the kitchen work space. The refrigerator – that holds most of the food, the sink – where the food is washed, and the stove/oven – where the food is cooked. When considering a floor plan, it is crucial to see how the three areas fit into your kitchen layout.
• L Shaped Kitchen
A natural work space is created from continuous counter space and work stations on two adjacent walls. The L shape with an island has become a popular and contemporary design. This layout is perfect for one cook or multiple cooks, because there is ample counter space for all.
• U Shaped Kitchen
This layout is the most versatile because it offers continuous countertops and ample storage that surround the cook on three sides.
• G Shaped Kitchen
This layout is very similar to the U Shaped Kitchen, with the same amount of counter space and storage options that surround the cook on three sides. The difference is that this floor plan includes a peninsula or partial fourth wall of additional cabinets.
• Galley or Corridor
The space of a galley style kitchen is very efficient and is perfect for spacious living. The work stations face each other creating a smaller work triangle.
• Single Wall or Straight Kitchen
This is an ideal layout for a smaller home. The working space is instead a working line with many of the kitchen’s major components along the same wall.
Step Three: Determine kitchen style
Last but not least, consider what will “wow” family members and guests about your kitchen design. From traditional to eclectic styles, there are countless things you can do to add character to your kitchen and make it a continuation of the rest of your home. Pick a striking backsplash to make wiping up grease content a breeze, or add a countertop lamp to make it feel homier. Make sure you don’t skimp on lighting – it’s not only a design element in a kitchen, but a safety precaution too when taking sharp utensils into consideration. Sconces, pendant lights, and under-cabinet lighting are all good options for a kitchen space.