Five Things to Consider When Designing Your Dream Kitchen
By Jodi Leedy
Are you planning to purchase new kitchen cabinets? Whether for a newly constructed home or for a remodeling project, consider one important factor: your kitchen is the heart of your home! It is not just a place to dine; it is also the main gathering place for family and friends and a place for entertaining. This is particularly true with today’s popular open floor plans and “great room” designs. Because your kitchen plays such an important role in your home, there are a few things to consider in your planning process.
Keep Future Buyers in Mind
Even if you are currently building your dream home, it is possible that someday you will have a need to sell your home. A practical kitchen layout is typically everyone’s goal, but cabinet styles and finishes are more of a personal choice. Are you attracted to traditional or modern styles? Do you like kitchen cabinets with distinct wood grain or nearly no grain? Regardless of which you prefer, always keep future buyers in mind, as they can play an important part in your bottom line.
The Work Triangle
All homeowners seek a functional workspace in the kitchen. When planning your kitchen layout, it is important to consider the distances between your sink, stove, and refrigerator in relationship to one another. Connecting these three workstations from their center points should create an invisible “work triangle.”
Kitchen Cabinet Storage is Key
When designing your dream kitchen, it is important to consider your storage space, along with ample countertop space. Kitchen cabinet layout services are available to help you maximize your space and create the best flow of cabinetry. The first place to look for extra storage space is in your corners. In small, tight kitchens, a blind corner cabinet can make the most use out of the corner. Try adding rollout trays in your base kitchen cabinets to help access your pots and pans, or in your pantries in order to reach cans and dry goods more easily.
Bells and Whistles
Just like purchasing a new vehicle, there are upgrade options to consider when ordering your new kitchen cabinets. Consider glass door cabinets for displaying your keepsakes or china dinnerware, an appliance hutch for hiding small appliances on your countertop, rollout trays for base cabinets, integrated wastebaskets, corner shelves, and wine racks. When selecting your bells and whistles, keep in mind your budget and overall functionality and flow of your kitchen for optimal results.
Remember, your kitchen is the heart of your home! Success in constructing a timeless, comfortable space is a result of creating a balance between an efficient layout and a design with your personal tastes, and keeping with the end goal of adding value to your home.