How Cook-Friendly is Your Kitchen?

A good layout for your kitchen should consider function, traffic flow, and efficiency. By understanding a few basic kitchen layout concepts, you can work with your kitchen designer to create the kitchen of your dreams!

The “work triangle”
A triangle is an important element of a kitchen’s design and functionality. The National Kitchen and Bath Association defines the “work triangle” as an imaginary straight line drawn from the center of the sink, to the center of the cooktop, to the center of the refrigerator, and back to the sink. In an efficient design, your work triangle will minimize the distance between meal preparation and cleanup.

Kitchen Work Triangle basics:
The sum of the three sides should not exceed 26 feet, and each leg should be between 4 and 9 feet.
A cabinet or island should not intersect a side of the triangle by more than 12 inches.
If the kitchen has only one sink, it should be between or across from the cooktop, preparation site or refrigerator.

The kitchen work triangle is just a guideline. In larger kitchens, which feature more than three work sites, or in a kitchen where two or more people are cooking, the regular triangle isn’t as practical. A kitchen designer will consider your lifestyle in determining the function of your kitchen.

Basic Kitchen Layouts
When selecting the floor plan for your kitchen, there are basic kitchen layouts to consider. Within these layouts, you’ll want to take into account where you will place your appliances, preparation areas, and storage.

Click here to read more! Plus, you’ll learn how you can transform your small kitchen or bathroom with careful planning, strong design and good use of finishes.

Where to start when considering Remodeling Your Kitchen

If you are considering remodeling your kitchen, you are probably overwhelmed beyond belief. I mean, where do you start? Well, before you bust out the hammer and nails, you need to lay the ground work. This includes having a clear idea of what you are doing – this can be as simple as sketching a layout or as complicated as compiling a binder or folder with clippings of styles that you like and are aiming for. Having clearly expressed goals will make the process of remodeling your kitchen move along faster, as you will be working for a clearly defined purpose.

Also, one of the biggest investments you will be making when remodeling your kitchen is new cabinets. For this reason, it is essential that you take the time to choose the new kitchen cabinets that are right for you. While it may be tempting to simply choose the cheapest cabinets that meet your needs, it is essential for the longevity of your new kitchen that you choose your new cabinets for quality as well. One of the best ways to ensure that you get the best value (price in relation to quality) for your kitchen cabinet dollar is to work with a custom kitchen cabinet maker. Custom cabinets are generally the highest quality available, and while you may spend more in the short term, they can save you a lot of time and money over the life of your kitchen.

Additionally, when you are in the beginning stages of a kitchen remodeling project, it is necessary for the success of the project (as well as your feelings of wellbeing about the project) that you clearly budget both money and time, so there are no nasty surprises during the course of your kitchen remodeling project. Budget sparingly, giving yourself a little more time and a little more money that you really expect to need. This is because ending up under budget is good, and ending up over budget can be devastating. Being realistic in your budgeting and giving yourself some wiggle room can really make the difference between a successful kitchen remodeling project and a disastrous one.

Finally, it is important to go into any kitchen remodel with a positive attitude. Understand that everything is not going to go smoothly at all times, and be ready for the little pitfalls that you are likely to encounter. The right attitude can make all the difference in the world.

Custom vs. Box Cabinets

While it may seem cost-effective to go for prefabricated box cabinets when remodeling your kitchen, it is likely that the money you save will be offset by the limited selection you will find whe looking at box cabinets.As they are made in only limited sizes, styles, and colors, it can be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to find cabinets that are the style and color you want as well as the size you need.

For example, box cabinets are generally only available in standard sizes, which generally start at 9″ in width and go up to 48″ in width in 3″ increments.  That means that if the area you are remodeling does not measure precisely, you could be left with unsightly gaps.  The sizing restriction also applies to height and depth.  Realistically speaking, unless you have a cookie-cutter kitchen, you may find that you have difficulty meeting your needs with box cabinets.

And that is just regarding size.  Did you know that the only way you can guarantee that you will be able to have full reign when it comes to wood color, style, hardware and upgrades is to go for custom cabinets?  Many box cabinet designs do not even allow for options in basic hardware, let alone allow you to choose a finish of your choice?  If you choose box cabinets, your cabinets will be hauled to your home from a warehouse and installed right out of a box.  On the other hand, if you choose custom cabinets, actual cabinet makers [not just installers] will meet with you at your home, take measurements, and produce cabinets that exactly meet your size requirements.  You will have complete freedom of choice when it comes to color, style and hardware.  Of course, custom kitchen cabinets are going to have a longer lead time and higher initial cost than box cabinets, but the concessions you make in price and time are going to be made up for by fact that you will have complete control over your remodeling project, and the end result will be high quality cabinets that reflect your personal taste and style.  The last thing you want to do is walk into somebody else’s home and see your kitchen.  If you are going to invest time and money in your cabinets, you should do it in such a way that your home gains in value, and not in such a way that costs you more in the long run.