Kitchen Remodel Guide

I remember when my wife left her full-time job after years of my working from home, being used to having the run of the kitchen. Now we were bumping into each other in the kitchen. When remodeling, consider how many people will be in the kitchen and the traffic flows.

The Working Triangle

The preparation area should be close to the cooking area since this is where most of the work is done. You should be able to efficiently take food out of the fridge, prepare and cook it without running a marathon. You don’t want to have to run around the kitchen preparing food and end up being a total wreck for that big important dinner party.
The working triangle traditionally referred to the sink, fridge and stove with its oven. Today’s kitchens can have a separate oven, a microwave/convection oven and a cooktop as well as a dishwasher. So, planning an efficient kitchen is a little more complicated. Of course, the dishwasher should be near the sink.
Visit kitchen show rooms and consult with a kitchen designer. Most consultations are free.

Peninsula or Island?

Both kitchen islands and peninsulas increase kitchen efficiency. They have many common advantages. However, the peninsula does not require as much room as the island. The peninsula is ideally suited to the smaller L shaped kitchen. Both provide extra work space and storage as well as eat-in space for snacks and casual meals. They can contain sinks and cooktops as well as a mini fridge in the base. A cooktop here would benefit from a downdraft exhaust system if possible. This eliminates a more expensive and potentially view blocking overhead exhaust system.
An island should have at least 42 inches of free space around it. Any less and 2 cooks will be bumping into each other! A peninsula can make a kitchen feel a little boxed in.

Both islands and peninsulas can have a drop down desk on the back. Their surfaces are good for crafts with the kids or for kids to do homework.
Extend the counter top off the back, add bar stools and there is eating space for 2 to 4 people.
A three level island has a raised bar area that serves as a lunch counter and also hides the food prep area from the adjacent more formal dining area that is a feature of open plan kitchen dining areas. A third level that is lower than the counter prep area serves as a buffet or drinks counter.

The island or peninsula kitchen provides excellent visiting with friends while you cook.

While you're thinking about updating or doing a kitchen remodel check out these free ideas and tips on building or installing your own island. Just click kitchen islands ideas.

For information on the types, care and cost of kitchen countertops click kitchen countertops.

Kitchen Cabinets

Custom built cabinets take from 6 to 12 weeks or longer.There are lots of kitchen cabinet companies. But do not forget Ikea. Ikea has an economical and smart looking line of kitchens.

Organizers

Organizers can make working in the kitchen much more efficient and less frustrating in finding the right pot when you are in a hurry. There are organizers for inside the doors, in the cupboards including roll out bins and for the waste, recycling and composting materials.

Lighting

Most people work during the day and spend the darker part of the day in their home. Upgrade some of the lighting fixtures. Use CFLs where lights remain on for about 20 minutes or more. Halogen bulbs work well with dimmers. Place lighting under the counters and over the stove and the sink.
Good lighting can highlight features of the kitchen such as a desk area, a wall decoration or the backsplash.

Appliances

Consider having all the appliances refinished. They will look like new.

Ranges and Cooktops
Smooth top cooktops come with expandable elements for larger pots. Most smooth electric cooktops require frequent cleaning. If there is not space for a free standing model consider a slide in unit.
Gourmet cooks usually prefer gas stoves.
Buy the highest quality stove that you can afford.

Fridge
Check to see if that new fridge you are looking at will fit into the old space. Remember that water and ice features in a fridge need special plumbing.

Sinks and Faucets
The sink and faucet are the most noticed features of a kitchen. People spend most of their time in the kitchen. So consider replacing the sink and faucet.
Check to see if the new faucets fittings will match the old holes. Consider touch free taps. They are more hygienic. Shallow sinks should have higher spouts.
Kitchen sinks and faucets are available in a variety of finishes, not just chrome, stainless steel or nickel. Sinks to match that granite or quartz countertop are available in a material made of granite stone pieces mixed with a resin to make them scratch proof and highly heat and stain resistant.


Washers/Dryers
Look for Energy Star appliances. They save on energy and water. The lower Energy Star rating number means they are more efficient.

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