5 Tips For Planning a New Kitchen

Thursday, January 1, 2009
















A kitchen that looks great but does not offer much in the way of storage, usable work space or other points of functionality is pretty worthless. You will not be happy with it, and it will be difficult to complete your daily tasks.
So when it is time to plan your new kitchen, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help ensure you get the kitchen of your dreams - one that looks great AND works great! As you plan your new kitchen, ask yourself the following questions to help get a better grasp on what you do and don't need:
1.) How do you cook? - When you ask yourself how you cook, what you must consider are a few different factors. Is your family large or small? Do you prepare small meals with only a few courses or dishes the majority of the time, or you do you prefer to prepare large, multi-course affairs the majority of the time? Answering this question will help you determine whether or not you need a large oven or cook top with more burners than usual. If you commonly prepare 7 course meals, then a cook top with more than the standard 4 burners will come in handy, but if you do not, then there is no need to take up that space with something you won't use.
2.) How much storage do you need? - Storage is a very important element of any kitchen that runs smoothly. Lack of storage is frustrating, especially if you have a large collection of cookware, utensils and dishes that you must stow away in addition to food stores and the like. Your cabinetry, therefore, should be large enough to accommodate all of your needs, and designed in such a way that it makes things easy to get to - pans near the oven, for example. And if you like to throw parties often or entertain dinner guests, then you may have serving platters and other items that are larger than the standard cabinetry can house, so having a few larger cupboards that will fit those items properly will make a big difference.
3.) How much counter space is ideal? - Large families or homeowners that enjoy entertaining will find it easier to have more counter space to work with. Preparing large amounts of food without the room to do so is an exercise in frustration, much like the lack of storage options can cause. If you need room to work, plan accordingly.
4.) How much food do you usually keep in the house? - Answering this question will help you determine how large your refrigerator needs to be. If you make small shopping trips throughout the week, then you do not need to store large amounts of food at once, but if you prefer to shop less often, having a large fridge will help keep everything safe and sound until it is needed.
5.) Who are you? - The last question to ask yourself involves your personal style and is what helps add those special touches to the kitchen that make it "home." If, for example, you like to bake, then you may want to consider a special, larger capacity oven for that. If you are concerned for the environment, then you may wish to include a special compost bin for food wastes. To show off your design tastes, consider applying them to your cabinetry finishes and cabinet hardware. For a modern feel, try sleek white surfaces and satin nickel cabinet hardware, with door knobs to match. Article Source: EzineArticles. com


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