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Step 1
Seek inspiration and creative ideas for your kitchen. Look through your favorite home magazines and books that feature modern and useful kitchen ideas. Make a note of the kitchens that most resemble the shape and size of the kitchen in your home. Take notes on ideas from kitchens that have features you are looking for.
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Step 2
Consider the function and shape of your kitchen. Is there a good flow in your kitchen? Can you prepare meals in an easy and efficient manner? Does your kitchen use the triangular effect, where the stove, refrigerator and sink are no more than 22 feet and no less than 12 feet apart.
The most popular kitchen shapes are: the L-shape, the U-shape and the galley kitchen. All of these basic designs are functional. The L-shape combined with a kitchen island is considered most effective, while the U-shape provides the most counter space. The galley kitchen is best for smaller or narrow spaces.
Determine which shape and design your kitchen features. Then, map out a plan to make it more efficient. If necessary, consider re-designing your kitchen's floor-plan completely. -
Step 3
Paint is a great way to liven up a kitchen. Painting the walls is a great way to add color and provide a new look to your kitchen. Warm colors can give your kitchen a warm feel, while bright colors can provide a more cheery feeling. Consider painting the ceilings if your kitchen has tall vaulted ceilings.
For a more exotic look or feel, consider adding a mural to your walls for a Tuscan feel, or expose a brick wall for a cozy feeling. -
Step 4
Tiles can provide a wonderful protection to the walls of your kitchen while adding color and character. Tiles are usually placed between the counters and cabinets but can be continued throughout the kitchen by placing them on other walls. Tiles made of ceramic, glass and travertine are the most common, but there are other materials that can be used as well.
Tiles and butcher block wood can also be used as counter-tops, although other materials have since gained in popularity. Consider using forms of stone such as granite, quartz, limestone, soapstone for your kitchen counter-top. Marble and polished concrete have gained in popularity as well as man-made products such as laminate counters.
For floors, consider using ceramic and travertine tile, stones such as slate, laminate and hardwood floors. Cheaper alternatives such as vinyl and linoleum are also options. -
Step 5
Appliances provide most of the function of the kitchen and choosing these are of major importance. Stainless steel appliances are all the rage these days, but traditional black and white appliances are still functional and remain popular.
Updating your kitchen with a multi-functional refrigerator, high end range with a hood for ventilation can be extremely useful. A dishwasher and wine cooler can add to the usefulness of your kitchen. -
Step 6
Storage is extremely important in a kitchen. While most storage takes the form of cabinets, the creation and use of a pantry for extra storage space can really come in handy. A butler's pantry is the ultimate in this form because you can add a sink and additional appliances.
Before you replace good and sturdy cabinets, consider sanding and re-painting them a warm or cheerful color, which can add another level of ambiance to your kitchen.
If you choose to replace your cabinets consider purchasing 42" cabinets for maximum storage. Popular materials used for cabinet are maple, birch, cherry and walnut woods. -
Step 7
Lighting and accents complete the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Lighting in the form of recessed lighting in the ceiling, overhead lighting for your island and counter-space and under cabinet lighting provide the ultimate in lighting for your kitchen.
Accents can take many different forms. Islands with bar stools, extra storage space and a second sink provide additional functional use to your kitchen. A blackboard in the kitchen adds a fun and convenient way to record messages and lists of items needed in your kitchen. -
Step 8
Consider going to department stores that cater to homeowners and look at different materials and textures to get a closer view. You must consider if the textures and colors of the materials that you have chosen will look good together in your space. Consider drawing out your design or using a kitchen design software program.
Discuss your choices in updating your kitchen design with a professional kitchen designer and contractor and take your design plans and ideas with you.
