How To Design A Kitchen Layout Like A Pro
When planning a new construction or remodeling project it is very tempting to dive right into designing kitchen layout plans. This is natural since you probably have been planning or working on this project for several months or even years. You have spent hundreds of hours looking at magazines, and digging into home improvement or interior design websites.
Kitchen Layout Plans Steps
There are several things you need to keep in mind while working on this project: problems with the current layout, needed improvement, tasks to be performed in the kitchen area, dining space, construction of the kitchen and of course your financial limitations.
Existing Problems - The first step to kitchen layout ideas are based on the problems with the existing kitchen. Are the cabinets in bad shape or have drawers that get stuck and won’t work? Is it hard to reach items in the back of base cabinets?
Does it feel cramped around the sink, stove or food prep work areas? Is the lighting dim or poorly directed? Does the current kitchen design plan layout have adequate storage space for your big or over sized items? Is the counter too low or too high for everyone who works in the kitchen?
What improvements are desired? - Next you need think of all the things you need to make better in the new kitchen design plan layout. Do you need more counters? Do you need adjustments to counter heights? Increased overhead or base cabinet storage? Need cabinet accessories like racks, organizers and trays to arrange your dishes, pots and pans? Do you need updated cabinets or new cabinets and drawers all together?
Kitchen Activities - What activities do you plan to do in the kitchen? Most kitchens not only places where you cook or prepare meals but is also where friends and family gather along with studying, paying the bills or just reading or relaxing. Because of this you should plan your kitchen layout with an idea of a small home office complete with a desk, phone and possible PC access.
Dining and Seating Arrangements - Do want to have dining or space to eat in the kitchen or do you want to limit all dining to a more formal area? Do you need more seating in the kitchen? What size table or chairs do you want or need in the kitchen if it has an eating area?
Structure & Fixtures - Next you need to look as the overall structure and fixtures in your kitchen. There is no sense in planning on adding a huge kitchen lighting layout if the overhead rafters will not support it. If necessary, you may have to have a home inspector or builder come in to check your kitchen’s architecture.
Budget & Time - And of course the final consideration are your budget and time schedule. Kitchen remodel layouts can often run into hidden snags or upsets due to unknown structural problems or slow delivery of materials or scheduling delays from outside contractors. These in turn can put a strain on your budget and personal schedule. You should be sure to plan in advance for these kinds of problems.
