For the majority of homeowners, the decision to undergo a kitchen upgrade boils down to one thing: dissatisfaction with the status quo. You may be faced with outdated features, a style that doesn’t match your preferences, the need to repair damages, or any combination of factors. Although it’s a big undertaking, the results of renovation are well worth it, especially if you keep a few key points in mind. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a kitchen design you love!
1. Identify Your Ideal Style
Before you begin tackling any major restorations, choosing your desired style is an important first step. Why? The style itself can influence everything from color palettes to materials and finishes. Identifying your preferences upfront will help to avoid a “mishmoshed” appearance at the end. Generally, you’ll want your kitchen to match the style of the rest of your home, or at least compliment the overall look. If you find it difficult to pin down the aesthetic you like best, try flipping through magazines, browsing online, or even consulting with a designer to gather ideas.
2. Pay Attention to the “Flow” in the Floor Plan
A common rookie mistake when designing a kitchen is to disregard what’s known as the work “triangle.” This refers to the placement of the three most essential kitchen components: the refrigerator, the sink, and the stove. Each of these work areas forms a point on the triangle, allowing for optimal pathways when moving from one zone to another. The triangle’s recommended overall distance should be 13-26 feet, with each leg of the triangle measuring between 4-9 feet. Although this design concept is not a hard and fast rule, it illustrates the importance of creating an essential work flow in the kitchen.
3. Let There Be Light
Proper lighting is particularly important in a kitchen atmosphere. Whether you’re cooking, reading ingredient labels, sitting down for a meal, or cleaning up, you’ll want to optimize the lighting so that it becomes an integral part of the design. Most kitchens benefit from having direct lighting installed in a few key areas.
Overhead fixtures provide the main source of ambient light, and should be chosen with care. Opt for a fixture that is attractive, suits the overall style, and offers quality light. Avoid harsh fluorescent lighting (which can look more institutional than homey), lighting with a noticeable yellow cast, or weak lighting that is too dim to provide proper visibility. Make sure to include additional lighting fixtures in these important (yet sometimes forgotten) areas: the pantry, the dining area, near the sink, and above the stove.
4. Give Yourself Some Space
There’s nothing worse than trying to maneuver your way around a cramped kitchen. Fortunately, rooms of any size can be designed to create an open feel. Major structures take up the most room, so when planning your renovations, be sure to take their size and placement into account. If you’re considering adding an island, make sure you’ll be left with enough room to walk around the kitchen comfortably. It can be helpful to block off the area where the island would go- even by simply taping the outline of the dimensions on the floor. This will allow you to test the space, and get a clear sense of how a major addition might affect your workflow.
5. Plan for the Perfect Storage Space
Large structures aside, plan ahead for how to maximize your kitchen’s workspaces and storage areas. Consider which appliances you use most frequently, and whether they’ll need a permanent spot on your countertop. After routine appliances are accounted for, there should still be available counter space leftover (designated for food prep). A common complaint regarding poor kitchen design is that are aren’t sufficient outlets, or that their locations are inconvenient. If this is the case, then map out where you’ll want to have additional outlets added to accommodate your needs.
When it comes to storage, think both high and low: include cabinet and shelf space both above and below waist level, and be sure that the dimensions allow for items of all sizes. Don’t forget that you can make use of vacant spaces or odd-sized nooks and crannies by adding simple floating shelves or hooks. These elements provide a convenient way to add hanging storage for pots and pans, or to display decorative items like plants and vases.
6. Choose the Right Materials
From floor to ceiling, the materials in your kitchen must balance fashion with function. The finished look should reflect your ideal aesthetic without compromising on quality. Countertop materials play a huge role in each kitchen’s design, and are one of the most desired upgrades. Common choices include hard, durable surfaces such as marble, granite, or quartz, or a wood slab/butcher’s block. Budget-friendly laminate comes in a variety of patterns, but may have a shorter lifespan.
Flooring materials are equally important, because they must withstand the wear and tear of daily foot traffic, while simultaneously providing an attractive visual element. Options are plentiful, including various types of tile, refinished wood, affordable linoleum and laminates, and even cork. If you feel at a loss when it comes to making selections, consulting with a designer can be a great way to determine the best materials for your desired look and your overall budget.
7. Know When to DIY, and When to Hire a Pro
As you approach any of your kitchen renovation tasks, think honestly about your own level of experience and expertise before jumping in. For simple upgrades, like a giving the walls a fresh coat of paint, adding new handles to your cabinets, or applying peel and stick contact paper, a DIY approach is usually sufficient. If you’re particularly handy, you may also be comfortable with tasks that require additional tools and grunt work. However, certain jobs are best left to the pros, especially when it comes to highly technical areas of work. As a rule of thumb, let a certified contractor handle any plumbing, electrical work, or major installations.
8. Keep Everything in Prime Condition
If you’re facing any pre-existing kitchen damage, now is the perfect time to address those problems. Having your concerns assessed by the appropriate professionals may help determine your course of action. Pay particular attention to signs of water damage, uneven flooring, electrical issues, and even faulty appliances. By planning repairs right into your renovation budget, you’re aiding in the prevention of potential future setbacks. A damage-free kitchen becomes a hassle-free kitchen, and you’ll enjoy the final result without any nagging worries.
9. Think About the Future
While it’s easy to get swept up in the fun of redesigning your space, remember to consider the longterm implications of your choices. Ask yourself honestly whether your selections are based on a passing phase, or if they’ll stand the test of time. Resist the temptation to simply follow what is trendy, because trends quickly come and go, and they can make for an outdated kitchen down the line. This is especially true if you’re planning on selling your home in the near future. Buyers generally tend to gravitate towards more neutral color palettes, simple and clean lines, and stainless steel finishes on appliances.
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