Basic Kitchen Design

Flooring typically ties the kitchen design and colors together.

Create a kitchen space that functions well, but ensure it has visual appeal. Cooking in a space that is well-designed is enjoyable. Placement of appliances and cabinetry can help, but materials and colors used matter too. Design the kitchen to look appropriate for the home's living spaces. Visit homes of friends and associates to get ideas, but spend time reviewing kitchen remodeling books and magazines to learn about current trends.

Designate the Work Triangle

You will need a work triangle. Any kitchen functions best if the sink, refrigerator and stove all fit a triangle, requiring you to take just two or three steps between any two of them. Begin the process of creating this pattern by figuring out the best placement of the sink first. Usually this is under an exterior wall window. However, you might decide to use a corner sink or other option.

Find Water and Electricity

Spend time reviewing electrical and plumbing access. Before you order a new sink or stove, for example, think through how wiring and plumbing are already routed into the space. You might wish to install a bar island with a stovetop in the middle of it. Look for ways to route plumbing or wiring up through the basement or down through the attic. One way to route water or electricity from the attic is to build a faux support column from the bar island top to the ceiling.

Design the Layout

The color of walls and cabinets are important. Plan to paint walls pale yellow, for example, and add cherry cabinets. Before ordering any cabinets or appliances, create a detailed floor plan for the cabinets so appliances will fit around them. Experiment with different layouts. Don't select a floor plan until you've reviewed many options. Try to create a layout that will appeal to future buyers if you ever need to sell the house.

Use Quality Appliances

Appliances can enhance the home's value. In certain instances, you will want to buy only high-end appliances. For example, if your home is a 3,000 square foot traditional brick, install a restaurant-quality stainless gas range, for example. Don't install inexpensive white appliances that are budget quality. Select a refrigerator that equals the stove in terms of quality and features. Investing in a nice kitchen is important to protect the market value of your home. If you're in doubt, consult with realtors in your area about common appliances and color choices used in new homes under construction.

Plan Attractive Flooring

Flooring should tie the kitchen together. White vinyl flooring can look fine in some homes, but if you use high-quality oak cabinets or high-end appliances, install hardwood flooring or tile. You don't want to invest in good materials for the kitchen and have a floor that detracts from the look. You can enhance a very small kitchen with a high-quality tile floor. A black tile floor with white grout looks good with simple white cabinets with black hardware, for example.

References

• Kuche Cucina: Understanding Basic Kitchen Layout
• Home Family: Kitchen Design Basics
• Darby's Cabinets: Kitchen Design

Resources

• Fine Homebuilding: Planning Your Kitchen: Five Tools for Layout
• Ask the Builder: Kitchen Design
• Flexwood Fine Cabinets: Kitchen Layout