How to Plan and Design your Kitchen Renovation

Take all angles into account for traffic flow and more.

You've enjoyed your home for a number of years, but now it's time to make a few changes. Perhaps you've noticed certain concerns about your kitchen, like traffic-flow problems, a cabinet shortage or a badly placed dishwasher. Whatever your reasons for remodeling, you'll want to carefully think through any needed alterations. At the same time, keep in mind the appeal of various colors, textures and materials. If your resources allow, consult with reputable professionals for useful input and ideas regarding how to plan your renovated kitchen.

Things You'll Need

• Existing floor plan
• Paper cutouts
• Paper
• Pencil
• Measuring tape
• Paint samples
• Fabric swatches
• Design software (optional)
• Camera (optional)

Instructions

1. Study your kitchen's layout and make a list of areas you want to change in your renovation. Check cabinets, doorways, windows, appliances, ceilings, walls, flooring, lighting and other details. Note any particular problem areas or concerns. Walk around your kitchen and study it from all angles.

2. List new items you want to add, such as a pop-out window for plants or a pantry. Also list what you want to remove, such as a wall. Note the items you'd like rearranged for smarter usefulness or ease of access.

3. Copy, cut out or print pictures that appeal to you regarding a new style for your kitchen. Use magazines for clipping pictures of newly designed or remodeled kitchens, or find images in books or online to help you visualize ideas.

4. Visit hardware, appliance and building stores to price various items, including building materials. Whether you do your project yourself or not, knowing the approximate anticipated costs involved will help you avoid conflict and distress. This is also a good time to put out feelers for the costs of hiring contractors.

5. Draw a general plan of your kitchen. Measure the counters, walls, doors, windows and appliances, and rough out an approximate layout on large paper. If you have existing house plans, you can refer to them. Make cutouts of furniture pieces or various elements and move them around your floor plan sketches to get different ideas of what works best for the overall layout.

6. Draw a more formal plan, or use design software to create your remodel plans. Once you have a solid idea of the full design, create a scale drawing to match your vision. Architects and designers can contribute excellent input, too. But the more work you do in advance allows you to get more clear on your ultimate goal.

7. Create a budget using the information you've gathered. Determine what parts of the work you will want to do yourself, such as painting, and what you will hire a good designer and contractor to manage. Alternatively, you can simply set the maximum amount you are willing to spend, determine what you can get for it and stick to it.

Tips & Warnings

• Take before and after photographs of your kitchen. Also, having recent images on hand to discuss with consultants is quite handy.

• Do your homework regarding hiring help for your project. There are a lot of horror stories about those who are not reputable, but many fine designers and contractors can be found. Check their references, portfolios and documentation before signing any agreements.

• If you plan to do your own remodeling project because you have the skills, training and proper tools, follow all the safety standards and precautions necessary.

References

• Singer Construction and Remodeling: How to Plan a Kitchen Remodel on Paper; June 2011
• This Old House: The (Don't Get Burned) Kitchen Remodeling Guide; Marjorie E. Gage

Resources

• KraftMaid: Design Your Room
• Home Designer Software: Remodeling Software