DESIGN TIPS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR DREAM KITCHEN

Probably THE most crucial factor to think about when constructing a new kitchen (or any area for that matter) is to establish what purpose you desire it to fulfill. You may be thinking "thats a ridiculous question Sarah! I can't survive without access to a kitchen." And yeah, you are exactly correct. The kitchen's primary purpose is to prepare food, but it has evolved into much more than that over the years. It is now the hub of family life and the primary social space inside most homes. Its become the single most significant room in the home. Count how many times you use the kitchen today. I do everything from working to dining to hanging out with friends to unwinding with a glass (or two) of wine in my kitchen, and that's not even including the obvious activities like cooking and eating. Now, this may not be absolutely everything YOU want to be doing in your area, and that's totally OK. Thats why its so vital to narrow down precisely what you envision yourself doing in this area, and how to make it work for your family. Here are some things to keep in mind when you plan the kitchen's layout.

In what ways do you anticipate using it in regular life? Does your regular life include a crowded kitchen like mine does? Or would you rather keep it out of sight and just use it to reheat leftovers and clean your wine glasses when you really have to?

Besides cooking, what other everyday tasks do you prefer to perform in the kitchen? Do your children do their assignments as you prepare dinner? Or, maybe you like reading about the latest food trends on Pinterest as you drink your morning brew. Do you like watching the newest episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey while making a batch of your favorite cookies? Including a spot for a workstation, TV, or dropzone may be useful.

To what extent do you like hosting parties? You should give some thought to setting up a beverage center, complete with a wine cooler, wine glasses, and a coffee bar, if you often invite guests for wine and cheese or an afternoon cup of coffee.

How many chairs do you require? As most modern kitchens are "eat-in" and have space for a standard family table, those who often host guests or who just want a more relaxed space to speak with their children while they munch on an afternoon snack may opt to add seats around an Island or peninsula.

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The Efficiency Triangle

2. CONSIDER THE WORK TRIANGLE

You should think about the work triangle while arranging your kitchen. The kitchen's work triangle consists of the three points formed by the range, the fridge, and the sink. By strategically placing the three nodes in a triangle, you may streamline your operations and go from one to the other quickly and easily. If your kitchen's work triangle isn't set up well, you'll have to waste time running back and forth between essential locations. Just picture yourself making a break for it to drain a pot of boiling noodles across the room. Inconvenient to use. Here is a picture of my kitchen's work triangle. (Note I have 2 since there are 2 distinct cooking points)

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One thing to keep in mind is the lengths between each point in your triangle. Although there is no hard and fast rule, I find that keeping each edge of the triangle between 40 and 60 inches works best for me. The finest clearances between points may be planned with the aid of a kitchen designer or interior designer who is familiar with your specific layout.

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storage

Third, give enough space for storage.

The lack of storage space is a common gripe I hear from customers who are considering a kitchen remodel. With the right storage options, even a little kitchen may function like a full-fledged pantry.

Consider where it would be most convenient to keep frequently used small appliances. Build a spacious pantry with pull-out drawers to make removing the instant pot a breeze, or install a retractable door appliance garage. (without a doubt, my most cherished home gadget!) A recent customer uses two of them almost every day, so we built a special shelf in the wall adjacent to the pantry so they don't take up any valuable work surface area.

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Pots and pans drawers, pantries with pull-out shelves, and walk-in pantries are some more storage ideas that may help your kitchen run more smoothly. Think about what goods you use relatively regularly and where the most convenient spot to put them would be. I had pull-out spice cabinets placed next to my stove since I use so many different herbs and spices when I cook. What I need is within easy reach, and I don't even have to leave the kitchen to get it. Similarly, make use of less obvious areas to store things you don't need often. I created concealed doors beneath the sitting area at the Island to house all my excellent serving items. Though the location isn't ideal for daily usage, it's suitable for occasional use since they only appear when entertaining.

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lighting

Number four: let there be light!

Having enough lighting in the kitchen may seem like a no-brainer, but it really plays a critical role. How frequently this basic design principle is neglected blows my mind! For every kitchen I design, I provide an electrical plan with detailed wiring diagrams for the following three lighting options.

Ambient Light. This is what illuminates the whole area. Because they illuminate a space more uniformly than above bulbs, recessed pot lights are my go-to suggestion for ambient lighting. If you install dimmer switches, you may quickly adjust the brightness of the lights for parties or to create a romantic atmosphere before supper. General lighting may also be ornamental accent pieces, such as the pendant lights over the island or the chandeliers over the tables.

Lamps for Specific Purposes. The same as how it reads. Designed to aid in the completion of certain tasks As an example of task lighting, under-cabinet lighting is often overlooked despite its critical nature. Preparing food on the countertops may be problematic if overhead illumination casts shadows beneath the cabinets. This is especially true if your finger doesn't notice the blade of the knife approaching. ouch! When designing cabinets, it's best to include the lighting into the overall design. The area above the sink is another common area where task lighting is neglected. I've lost count of the number of times I've spoken to friends or acquaintances who, after finishing a remodel or constructing a new home, found themselves in need of the services of electricians to install a fixture above the kitchen sink. A serious oversight in the making.

Use as an accent or supplementary light source. This is the kind of lighting that isn't strictly essential for tasks, but will help you show off your kitchen's beautiful design. Accent lighting includes things like uplighting and lighting inside of glass cabinets. Task lighting from under cabinets is not only practical, but it can also be a stunning decorative touch for your upper cabinets and counters.