Creating the Ultimate Kitchen

Renovating your kitchen can be an overwhelming process.  However, if done correctly it can be the most rewarding type of renovation you can make in your home.  Most people dream of having a large spacious kitchen with ample counter space and an abundance of storage space.  If you are considering a kitchen renovation, consider these five essential elements when designing your dream kitchen.

Layout – Creating a large spacious kitchen may be the most difficult aspect of any renovation.  Many kitchen remodeling projects require movement of an existing wall or vaulting a ceiling to add space or at least the illusion of more space.  You can obtain a sense of openness by moving/removing a wall from an adjacent room or vaulting the ceiling borrowing from attic space.  Of course, consult a professional contractor or remodeler if you don’t have the experience to take on this big of a renovation yourself.  When planning the layout, be sure to remember the kitchen work triangle:  the proximity between your stove, refrigerator and sink/preparation area.   These three areas should be in close proximity with one another to minimize your walking distance as you work your magic in the kitchen.   

Storage – Maximizing storage space will require some upfront creative planning during design of the pantry, cabinetry, island and various nooks.   In addition to over the counter cabinetry, be sure to utilize all under counter space along walls and within the island.   There are many new innovative appliances and cabinetry that maximize storage and preparation space.   Look for pull out bins and drawers, overhead hanging pot and pan holders, built in bookshelves for cookbooks, Lazy Susans, spice drawers, and carousel shelves.   Creatively adding these options within as many usable places as possible will significantly increase and organize your storage space.

Appliances – Well designed appliances not only make food preparation easier they can significantly enhance the style of your kitchen.  There has been a tremendous amount of innovation in appliances in the last few years.  Professional grade appliances are now affordable and accessible to small home owners who demand the best appliances.  Look for new refrigerators with televisions, weather monitors and digital photograph albums built into the doors.  Soon appliances will be interconnected via a network and accessible from your computer.  Stay tuned, these smart appliances are just hitting the market.  From a design perspective, stainless steel is the latest craze.  In addition to their functional appeal, properly placed stainless steel appliances provide sophisticated style when blended with warmer colors of the cabinetry, walls and fabrics. 

Countertops –When working on your remodeling plans, be sure to include ample counter top space.  Also, if your counter tops are outdated, consider upgrading to some of the latest innovations.   You will find a wide variety of styles and costs.  Granite is a very hard natural rock that is durable, long lasting, relatively low maintenance and unfortunately expensive.   The cost is driven mostly by quality, size and thickness. Most high-end kitchens use granite countertops because of its elegant style.  Marble is also another natural choice, but it is generally more expensive than granite and not as durable.  There are also good man-made or engineered products made from quartz and other products.  Common products include SileStone, Zodiaq and Corian.   Generally these are medium priced alternatives that are low or maintenance free.  At the bottom of the price scale is tile, formica and other man made products.   These are low cost alternatives, but generally do not have the appeal or design style offered by the more expensive products.

Lighting – While your kitchen should not feel like an operating room, consider installing more lighting than you think you will need.   It’s easier to tone down lighting than add more lighting later.  Design styles and lighting options vary considerably from can lighting to track lighting.  Whatever your favorite style, be sure to add plenty of it so your work areas in the kitchen are well lit. The days of a single overhead kitchen light fixture are gone.  Kitchen lighting should include multiple types of lighting:  direct task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting.  Use task lighting for illuminating work surfaces, recessed cans or florescent lighting for ambient light and chandeliers, track or pendant lights for accent lighting.  Be sure work surfaces are considered when installing lighting.   A shiny granite countertop can produce a blinding reflection if lighting above the counter is bright direct lighting.   Consider consulting a lighting professional who can help determine the best light styles and arrangements for your purposes. 

Whether you are remodeling or building a new home, your kitchen will be the hub of your home.  A well designed and user friendly kitchen should significantly enhance your enjoyment of your home.  The ultimate kitchen will have an ergonomic layout, simplify food preparation, blend with the surroundings and welcome your guests to observe or help with the cooking process.

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