Kitchen Design Tips That Make Remodeling Easy As Pie

The kitchen is one of the most used and valuable rooms in your home. Designing your own kitchen can be a gratifying experience. Whether you want to increase your home’s value or are just in need of an update, kitchen design can help transform your home. Starting a kitchen design project can be overwhelming, so consider these main points and kitchen design tips before you dive in.

1. Budget

You don’t have to allocate money to individual projects or appliances right away, but you should have an overall budget before you start getting too caught up in your plans. You also should set budget for time as well. How long can you afford to live without your kitchen? This will affect the extent of the design. Even a rough guide will be invaluable during the initial planning phases.

2. Space and Layout

The amount of space available will be a determining factor in the final layout. Small spaces will need to be made compact and functional. Larger spaces can also pose difficulties as you don’t want to be running from fridge to oven during an important meal. You want to maximize available space and also determine what secondary functions the kitchen should have. Will it be strictly for cooking or is there space for an informal dining or activity area?

3. The Golden Triangle

This is a commonly referred to kitchen design concept. The golden triangle is the three appliances or areas of the kitchen that you utilize the most often (fridge, oven, dishwasher, sink-it will vary by person). These are recommended to be placed in a triangle formation so you will never have to move far to complete any given task. Although many people find this setup useful, there are many other layout designs that may be better suited for your needs.

4. Storage

Before you start picking out marble countertops and stainless steel appliances, you’ll want to carefully plan out storage space. Many professional designers have come up with creative ways to maximize space even in the smallest of kitchens. Drawers and cabinets should be easy to access and not spread too far apart.

You need to also think of safety issues if you have small children. Knives should be stored in either locking safety drawers or high enough up where small hands can’t reach. Heavy objects that can fall need a storage area low to the ground.

5. Lighting

Natural and artificial lighting can change the entire mood of a kitchen, so it’s best not to overlook or skimp on these aspects. Adding windows to breakfast areas or in front of preparation counters will not only make cooking a pleasure, but can help you save on some electricity as well.

6. Color

Color palettes will have a large impact on your kitchen design. The materials used for the floor, countertops, and appliances are all affected by your chosen color scheme. Are you looking for ultra-modern stainless steel appliances? Then the pastel blue walls might clash. Consider how the different components and their appearance can complement each other.