Kitchen Design Tips

The two most important factors to consider in kitchen design are functionality and appearance

It makes no sense to have a kitchen design that looks great but is difficult to work in. I don't know about you but I really enjoy cooking and eating in my kitchen so, to me, the most important factor in designing a kitchen is to create a kitchen design that works well.

When I purchased my home several years ago the greatest drawback was the kitchen design. It was set up so cooking was done on one side of the kitchen and food prep and clean up was done on the other side. The kitchen design did not allow for more than one person to comfortably work in the kitchen. This was a problem.

If you have a similar situation where you simply do not like the design of your kitchen and you're ready to do some kitchen remodeling...here are some things to consider:

1. Your budget
2. Design guidlines
3. Furnishings

Your Budget

Decorative changes are not too expensive, however, structural or architechtural changes are a whole other story.  Here's how to cut some of the expenses:

• Do the work yourself.  You don't have to do everything because some things may be beyond your ability or knowledge but you certainly willl save money if you get your hands dirty.
• Cut the cost of cabinets.  Cabinets are a huge kitchen design expense.  In fact, it can be about half of your budget. So, reducing this expense can save you a lot of dough.  Choose less expensive materials like veneered, flat-center paneled doors instead solid wood which costs considerably more.
• Refurbish existing items.  Cabinets, pantries, counters, etc... if they're simply in need of a facelift then doing that instead of replacing them will save you money.

Design Guidelines

Remember...a functional and efficient kitchen design is what you're looking for.  Here are some design guidlines according to the National Kitchen and Batthroom Association (www.NKBA.org).

Appliances

• Dishwasher should be placed 36 inches from the sink.
• Place your sink between or across from the stove, food preperation area or refrigerator.

Cabinets

• Use 144 inches of wall cabinet frontage with 12 inch deep cabinets, 20-30 inches high with adjustable shelving.
• Use 156 inch base cabinet frontage with 21 in deep cabinets.
• Use 120 inches or more drawer frontage.

Counter Surface

• 132 inches of usable countertop for smaller (150 sq. feet) kitchens...198 inches for larger (over 150 sq. feet) kitchens.
• A minimum of 9 inches of counter space on one side and 15 inches on the cooking surface is needed in an open ended kitchen.
• At least 15 inches of landing space is needed near a microwave oven.
• Create a 36 inch continuous countertop for a food preperation area.
• Leave up to 15-16 inches of landing space next to an oven.

Getting the Right Furnishings

Here's what you'll need to consider to get your kitchen design just right:

• Cabinets
• Counter Top
• Flooring
• Walls
• Appliances 

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