Size Matters: Things To Consider When Planning Your Kitchen Remodeling Project
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of picking out new appliances and shopping for the perfect cabinets for your kitchen remodeling project. However, you should consult with your interior design specialist first to discuss the footprint of your existing kitchen.
Discussing your expectations first, and being realistic regarding the size of your kitchen, will help your interior designer plan a configuration that will give you an efficient and practical workspace in the kitchen. The end result will be a kitchen that looks great and performs well.
Small kitchens
If your kitchen footprint is small, and expanding the room is not an option, don't despair. Focus on maximizing every inch of space. For instance, cabinets can be run all the way to the ceiling.
Don't overlook ceiling space. Use pot racks and overhead hooks to store cooking pots and cooking utensils.
If possible, visually open up the space by adding a skylight or enlarging an existing window to let more natural light in.
Rather than a traditional island bar, consider choosing one with drop-down sections or one on casters that can be moved out of the way when not in use.
Let the inside of your cupboards work for you. Choose drawers and cabinets with lots of inside dividers.
A narrow snack bar along a wall will save space. Stools or chairs can be tucked beneath the bar when not being used.
Medium kitchens
The great advantage of medium kitchens is the fact that they can function like large ones with some modest improvements. In older homes, opening up the kitchen to an adjoining living room or family room will add a spacious feeling to the kitchen.
If expanding is not an option, maximize length by creating unbroken runs of work space. For instance, locate the stove at the end of a counter, not in the middle.
Maximizing storage space may make it possible to remove an existing cabinet and replace it with a big-kitchen option like a desk nook or second sink if desired.
Choose an island bar that pulls double duty as a work station on one side and a breakfast nook on the other side.
Large kitchens
If you have a large kitchen space to work with, you will have plenty of options to make your kitchen more practical. Today's kitchens often double as entertaining centers and are quickly becoming all-purpose family rooms.
Large islands with multiple work surfaces are great choices. Butcher block counters are useful for cutting and preparing food. An additional marble countertop is perfect for making pastries.
Two wall ovens will provide plenty of cooking space for large dinner parties and family holidays. Consider adding a second dishwasher if you host a lot of parties or have a large family.
Breakfast nooks, computer areas, and entertainment centers are other things to consider adding if you have a large kitchen footprint to work with.
Being realistic about your kitchen's footprint, and discussing your desires for improvement with your interior design specialist, will go a long way towards achieving a favorable outcome.
While size matters when considering your options, it won't change the fact that you can have a kitchen that looks great and performs well regardless of the size.
To learn more, contact an interior design firm like Persimmon Lane.
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