We all have a basic idea of our "dream" kitchen. We have visions of what countertops, cabinets and appliances we may want. However, there are a few things you need to consider in the space you have before you start purging and purchasing everything you can!
Plan Your Layout - If you are doing a full kitchen reno, you need to plan how the layout will be most efficient for your particular space. If everything is cleared out, use painters tape to lay out where everything will go and the measurements they will be. Walk it. Think of cooking in it--and what works best. If you have doorways to be considered, remember which way the doors swing. If you are doing a reno on a budget, you may have to plan a layout around the plumbing and other utility features. If an island or a peninsula is in order, consider the walking areas around these immovable objects. You may feel you have a huge open space, but when something permanent is there, getting around it with several people in the kitchen may be difficult.
Plan Your Power - Make sure you will have plenty of power outlets at your disposal when you plan your kitchen. If you can, place them under the cabinets instead of cluttering a backsplash with holes. Now is the time to add more if you need them--before everything gets done. Of course, making sure they are safe and up to code is the answer, but, also adding some in places where you may need to have a coffee maker or use other appliances will help. Usually islands will have them, but maybe a counter area where you may have a buffet dinner would be good to, so you have a place to plug in a crockpot or warmer tray.
Plan What Materials to Use - A kitchen remodel can be the most expensive reno you may do. It's something you will probably live with a VERY long time afterwards (unless you move!). Be sure to use products that are durable, practical and attractive. What is most important to you in a kitchen? If you want all white, but you have great quality cabinets, then maybe just spending the money on a professional paint job would be better for your budget than new cabinets. Maybe some durable, beautiful counters are what is most important and you don't need a lot of storage with your cabinets. You may find there are compromises you can make that won't haunt you until you leave that house or that won't kill your wallet as well. Adding some things you really love along with some things you really don't mind, will make your remodel seem new for a long long time.
Plan Your Appliances - You may have your heart set on a professional huge range or a massive fridge. Not only do you need to be sure they will fit in the area they will be in your kitchen, but you also need to make sure that they can actually make it to your kitchen! Make sure you know the measurements of the appliances AND your doorways or walkways that will be used to get the appliance in your kitchen! Also, make sure that appliance doors won't get in the way of each other--or in the way of cabinet space. Poorly planned measurements can cause a world of issues when it's time to install that beautiful stove!
Plan with Your Heart and with Your Head - Bottom line, when it comes to remodeling your kitchen, planning what you love with what is most workable both financially and physically will give you the best experience for your home and that will last a long time.
This blog was inspired by an article in the Home Solutions section of This Old House magazine the October 2017 issue.
