Is it time to update the look of your kitchen? Is it time to add some more functional space to your existing floor plan, or do you just need some new appliances? Whether you are in for a major overhaul, or just a face-lift, it is important to think everything through and do your research before you start. If your kitchen is anything like ours, it is such a central gathering place for the family, and so essential to our daily meals, that any time “out of service” time would be a huge inconvenience and hassle. So, if we were in for even the smallest of upgrades, we would certainly plan diligently to minimize down-time and ensure that we ended up with what we really wanted.
If you are going to do a complete kitchen renovation, here are some “big picture” things to think about and questions to ask:
- How much light does your existing kitchen get? Is the lighting adequate? Would more windows or a change in lighting help? Would changing the position/orientation of the sink or food prep. areas help to provide more working light? For example, would adding a well-lit food preparation island in the center of the kitchen keep you from having to prep. food on a countertop facing a dark wall or backsplash?
- Is counter space adequate?
- Is your sink adequate? Do you like one large sink or a partitioned double sink?
- Is the seating adequate? Do you have an eating area that compliments your lifestyle? Would it be handy to have a bar counter where you can feed children a quick and easy meal. Is there enough space for a dining table to seat friends and family?
- Does your kitchen adjoin any other room, and if so, is there a need to tie in flooring or make a solid contiguous floor surface?
- Do you have enough cabinet space? Do you prefer enclosed cabinets, or is it preferable to have shelving or open cabinets to showcase unique cookware pieces? Is there space for hanging pots and pans?
- Along the lines of cabinet space, is there enough dry storage space for staples like canned goods, pastas, rice, and cereals? Is there enough space for a closet-style or walk-in pantry?
- Is there anything in your current kitchen that you just don’t have a “spot” for? eg.; recycling bins/containers, wine bottles, cookbooks, etc.
- In what condition are the appliances? Is it time to replace them? Do you have an electric stove and want gas? Is your kitchen equipped for gas appliances? Are there any DIY stores such as Lowe’s or Home Depot that have special deals if you purchase multiple appliances from them? Do you want out-fit your kitchen with American made products?
In addition to asking the above questions, it may be helpful to leaf through magazines and surf the internet to find pictures of kitchen designs that you like. A very helpful site to find pictures of recent and unique kitchen renovations is www.thekitchn.com. Happy designing!
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