Kitchen Design Planning – Start Here

Why is it so important to get things right when engaging in kitchen design planning for a new home, or a remodeling project for an existing kitchen? It is true now, more than ever, that our kitchens have become the hub of the home. Keep reading for some useful tips to help you make good decisions as you start to plan a new design for this all-important room.

In times past, kitchens were more likely to be considered a place for cooking and food storage, but not much else. Today many of us expect our kitchens to serve multiple purposes, from food preparation and storage, homework station to family meeting place, and a central gathering room to share great food and fun together. In fact, when guests enter a home, one of their first destinations is often the kitchen!

Triangle Design Principle
From a purely functional view point, the main role of the kitchen is for meal preparation. Most kitchen design planning experts recommend stationing the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangular shape, not too far apart from each other, in order to facilitate ease of movement between the three most frequently accessed areas. Having to go around a corner, or through a corridor, to get to the fridge while cooking is not going to make life easy for cook or family. It would just create unnecessary stress!

Sufficient Work top Space?
Another important aspect of design planning for meal preparation is providing sufficient available workspace. Most cooks want at least one relatively large, completely clear, area from which to prepare their meals. Some prefer to have two smaller areas. It’s also a good idea to include generous counter space next to the sink in order to make room for all those dishes that are sure to pile up. Although, having a dishwasher nearby should reduce the need for this counter top space.

More Than Just a Floor Plan…
In addition to food preparation, be sure to take into account food serving areas as well. Islands and “peninsulas” are popular choices for this purpose. Most islands or peninsula counter tops have a space for stools underneath one side, making for a convenient eat-in area. Some kids also like to do their homework in the kitchen after school, and these stools are also the perfect areas for this. Traditionally, some people would use a “butler’s pantry” to stage meals, or as a serving area. However, in contemporary homes most people prefer to bring this activity front and center in the kitchen.

Lifestyle Matters…
Outside of the basic functional requirements, during kitchen design planning you also need to take into consideration the size and lifestyle of the family the kitchen is being designed for. Obviously, a larger family, or a couple who likes to entertain frequently, are going to require more storage space than a couple or single person would.

We haven’t even started on style and decor considerations which of course are also essential elements to be included in your kitchen design planning phase.

www.LKNcabinets.com