Kitchen Design Process by Performance Kitchens
The Kitchen Design Idea
Every kitchen design starts with an idea or a need that can be fulfilled. Talk through the kitchen's biggest needs, then your wants, then your style preferences, and so on. Look online or in magazines for inspiration and collect them to compare side by side for a final decision. Don't be afraid to take aspects of one design and merge them with another. Contrast can be a good thing when done correctly in a kitchen design. Don't rush decisions because you have to live with them for potentially a long time. Look at items for day after day and if you still love it after a week or two, you will be fine.
Examine the Kitchen Space
When starting a kitchen design, you have to take measurements, however, you can sometimes measure beyond just the four walls. Look for ways to open up the space, expand and create a better flow for entertaining and dining. Opening up a wall and creating a breakfast bar or open concept kitchen not only helps create better flow but it can enhance the value of your home. Always design for what you like in a kitchen design but don't forget you might sell it someday.
Make a Kitchen Layout Plan
Now that you have the measurements you have the square footage to see what will fit and what wont. No good kitchen design happened by accident. Literally draw out the layout of the kitchen. cabinet footprint, appliance locations, sinks, lights, stove, dishwasher, etc. Then re-arrange things in different ways to see what flows the best. There are many philosophies on how to lay out a kitchen but you know your habits best so make the kitchen design yours by choosing the best layout plan for your kitchen.
Deligating Kitchen Design Tasks vs DIY-ing
Creating a kitchen design can be fun and interesting but doing the actual work is a different story. Some tasks can be done by the home owner to save on costs and it's great to learn new things but some tasks should be done by licensed professionals. If you want it done right, why not have an expert do it and sometimes it's just safer.
Research contractors' credentials or if you are working with a kitchen designer, ask for suggestions. If structural items are being addressed in your kitchen design, you may need to get the proper permits from the city and have an engineer approve the plans. As long as you do your homework and always remember that safety comes first, you can have a great kitchen design in as little as a few weeks.
Get started on your kitchen design project with our six-step kitchen design process.
