Designing a Kitchen
Kitchens are usually the heart of the home. As a result, you need to spend some time planning and designing a layout before removing the first appliance. You’ll need to check the local regulations and research options available. Using a kitchen layout will make the process a bit breezier.
- Check the local building codes for your area. There may be requirements, like clear space needs and door placement. Local codes will stress minimum requirements, but check with organizations such as the National Kitchen and Bath Association to find guidelines based on comfort and organization.
- Draw the room’s dimensions on graph paper, taking wall to wall measurements and ignoring the current placement of fixtures. Add the door and window locations and the existing mechanical systems, i.e. the plumbing and electrical outlets. If you are on a budget, these mechanical systems should be left in place.
- Gather dimensions of items in the kitchen, appliances, countertops and cabinetry.
- Design the work triangle. Most kitchen work is done at the sink, stove and refrigerator, so optimize the flow between these three appliances.
- Decide if the kitchen will house other features, like office space or a laundry room.
- Add plenty of lighting to your design. Bright light adds value to the home, and makies it easier to see what you're doing.
- Consider using a kitchen software design program to make it a little easier. The programs come with templates to help with basic design elements, and they allow you to create the kitchen of your dreams.