Kitchen Design Primer

Your ideal kitchen will be a place that looks perfect and is easy to use as well. As you think about how that kitchen ought to be design, here are some areas to focus on.

Cabinets

Think about the placement of the cabinets. Do you want them all hanging low over the counter, or do you want some of them higher up to give you space? Perhaps you want to relocate some of them entirely to give you a much more open feeling. Are you looking for clean lines or something ornate? Do you want the airy feel of lighter wood or the sturdy, always in style look of cherry?

Countertops

Think about what you want to be able to do on the countertop. Do you want to be able to slice and dice right on it? A butcher block or stainless steel counter may be just the thing for you. Do you want to place hot pots and pans directly on the surface? A tile or stone countertop may be the answer. As you picture these things, you'll also want to think about whether you want the countertop to look sturdy and solid (stone), airy and cheerful (tile), warm and inviting (wood), or all business (stainless steel).

Flooring

Obviously you want flooring that will be easy to clean when you have the inevitable spill. Is linoleum the right answer or would you prefer the look and feel of tile? For a little extra you can have stone flooring or even porcelain. Porcelain flooring can be textured and colored and the color goes all the way through so chips aren't as noticeable. Wood flooring is also nice and can be treated to be stain resistant. Darker woods can also help in that endeavor as well.

Sinks

Do you want a standard stainless steel sink or should you glitz things up a little with chrome? Would an integrated drain board be helpful? Is the regular old double sink right for you or would you like one large sink that can accommodate cookie trays, roasting pans, and other larger items?

Islands

One great way to add counter space is by including a kitchen island. If you've got the space, this item can really come in handy. Do you want the island to be a permanent fixture with electrical outlets? Or would you prefer something that can be rolled away to make extra space if necessary? Would you like it to have running water? What about a dishwasher?

Appliances

How do you want your appliances integrated into the kitchen? Do you want them covered with paneling so they blend in with the cabinets? Do you want the control panels to be hidden when not in use, adding to the sleekness of the design? What appliances do you want built in? Besides refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers, you can have built in microwaves, coffee makers, wine chillers, and toaster ovens.

Lighting

A single overhead fluorescent fixture is standard, but is that really the light you want? Would you prefer the warmer light of several incandescent bulbs dotting the ceiling? Does the light get into every nook and cranny so you can see what you're doing? Or do you end up blocking the light as you stand at the counter? Lights can be installed under cabinets to provide better illumination for your slicing and dicing.