Remodeling 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 basic elements when designing your dream kitchen.
Layout - Creating a large spacious kitchen may be the most difficult aspect of any renovation.
Most kitchen remodeling jobs require movement of an existing wall or vaulting a ceiling to add space or at least the illusion of more space.
Of course, consult a professional 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 lessen your walking distance as you work your magic in the kitchen.
Storage - Maximizing storage space will require careful thought during the design of the pantry, cabinetry, island and various nooks.
In addition to over the counter cabinetry, don't forget to utilize all under counter space along walls and within the island.
There are many trendy innovative appliances and cabinetry that expand 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 accessories within as many usable places as possible will greatly increase and organize your storage space.
Modern appliances - Well designed appliances not only make food preparation easier they can significantly enhance the style of your kitchen.
There has been a significant amount of innovation in appliances in the last few years.
Professional grade appliances are now affordable and obtainable to home owners who demand the very best appliances.
Look for trendy refrigerators with televisions, weather monitors and digital photograph albums built into the doors.
From a design perspective, stainless steel appliances are the most recent 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 finalizing your home improvement plans, don't forget to include expanded counter top space.
Also, if your counter tops are outdated, consider upgrading to some of the newest innovations.
You will find a wide variety of styles and costs.
Granite is a very hard natural rock that is durable, long lasting and relatively low maintenance.
Unfortunately granite is costly.
Marble is another natural choice, but it is higher-priced than granite and not as durable.
There are also superb man-made or engineered products made from quartz and other products.
Common products include SileStone, Zodiaq and Corian.
As a rule these are medium priced options that are low or maintenance free.
At the bottom of the price scale is tile, formica and similar man made products.
These are low budget options, but commonly 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 later.
The days of an isolated overhead kitchen light fixture are gone.
Kitchen lighting should include multiple types of lighting: direct task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting.
Utilize task lighting for illuminating projects surfaces, recessed cans or fluorescent 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 cause a blinding reflection if lighting above the counter is bright direct lighting.
Consider consulting a lighting specialist who can help determine the best light styles and arrangements for your purposes and room layout.
Whether you are remodeling or building new, your kitchen will be the hub of your home.
A well designed and user friendly kitchen should significantly enhance the 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.
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 basic elements when designing your dream kitchen.
Layout - Creating a large spacious kitchen may be the most difficult aspect of any renovation.
Most kitchen remodeling jobs require movement of an existing wall or vaulting a ceiling to add space or at least the illusion of more space.
Of course, consult a professional 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 lessen your walking distance as you work your magic in the kitchen.
Storage - Maximizing storage space will require careful thought during the design of the pantry, cabinetry, island and various nooks.
In addition to over the counter cabinetry, don't forget to utilize all under counter space along walls and within the island.
There are many trendy innovative appliances and cabinetry that expand 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 accessories within as many usable places as possible will greatly increase and organize your storage space.
Modern appliances - Well designed appliances not only make food preparation easier they can significantly enhance the style of your kitchen.
There has been a significant amount of innovation in appliances in the last few years.
Professional grade appliances are now affordable and obtainable to home owners who demand the very best appliances.
Look for trendy refrigerators with televisions, weather monitors and digital photograph albums built into the doors.
From a design perspective, stainless steel appliances are the most recent 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 finalizing your home improvement plans, don't forget to include expanded counter top space.
Also, if your counter tops are outdated, consider upgrading to some of the newest innovations.
You will find a wide variety of styles and costs.
Granite is a very hard natural rock that is durable, long lasting and relatively low maintenance.
Unfortunately granite is costly.
Marble is another natural choice, but it is higher-priced than granite and not as durable.
There are also superb man-made or engineered products made from quartz and other products.
Common products include SileStone, Zodiaq and Corian.
As a rule these are medium priced options that are low or maintenance free.
At the bottom of the price scale is tile, formica and similar man made products.
These are low budget options, but commonly 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 later.
The days of an isolated overhead kitchen light fixture are gone.
Kitchen lighting should include multiple types of lighting: direct task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting.
Utilize task lighting for illuminating projects surfaces, recessed cans or fluorescent 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 cause a blinding reflection if lighting above the counter is bright direct lighting.
Consider consulting a lighting specialist who can help determine the best light styles and arrangements for your purposes and room layout.
Whether you are remodeling or building new, your kitchen will be the hub of your home.
A well designed and user friendly kitchen should significantly enhance the 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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