Are you planning on purchasing new kitchen cabinets? Whether for a
newly constructed home or for a remodeling project, consider one
important factor, your kitchen is the heart of your home! It is not just
a place to dine; it is also the main gathering place for family and
friends and a place for entertaining. This is particularly true with
today’s popular open floor plans and great room designs. Because your
kitchen plays such an important part of your home there are a few things
to consider in your planning process.
1) Kind in mind future buyers
Even
if you are currently building your dream home, it is possible that
someday you will have a need to sell your home. Or, if you are
remodeling your existing home to make it more comfortable for you and
your family, you may still find the need to sell it someday. Because of
this, even if you aren’t ready to sell your home today you should always
ponder what potential buyers would think of your kitchen cabinet
selection and layout because opinions of your kitchen can drastically
either increase or decrease your selling price. A practical kitchen
layout is typically everyone’s goal, but cabinet styles and finishes are
more of a personal choice. Are you attracted to traditional styles or
more modern styles? Do you like kitchen cabinets with distinct wood
grain or ones with nearly no grain? Whichever you personally prefer
always keep future buyers in mind as it can play an important part in
your bottom line.
2) The Work Triangle
All
homeowners seek a functional workspace in the kitchen. In planning your
kitchen layout it is important to consider the distance between your
sink, stove and refrigerator in relationship to each other. Connecting
these three workstations from their center points should create an
invisible “work triangle.” According to the National Kitchen and Bath
Association the sum of the three distances should be no more than 26
feet, with no single side of the triangle being less than four feet or
more than nine feet. There are a couple things to consider with planning
a well-designed work triangle; watch out for any triangle legs that may
intersect an obstacle like an island, and make sure that no major
traffic patterns cross through the work triangle. Proper planning of
your “work triangle,” taking all obstacles and limitations into review,
will help create a functional workspace that will be both practical for
you and your future buyers.
3) Kitchen cabinet storage is key
When
designing your dream kitchen it is key to consider your storage space,
along with ample countertop space. Kitchen cabinet layout services are
available to help you maximize your space and create the best flow of
cabinetry. The first place to look for extra storage space is your
corners. In small, tight kitchens a blind corner cabinet can be used to
get the most use out of the corner. However, to get the most efficient
use of the corner space a lazy susan corner cabinet or easy reach
cabinet should be used. These cabinet options maximize the corner space
while allowing easy entry to it contents. Or try adding rollout trays in
your base kitchen cabinets to help access your pots and pans, or in
your pantries in order to reach cans and dry goods more easily. Another
suggestion would be to include a 24″ deep bridge cabinet in your kitchen
cabinet layout above your refrigerator. Most people keep unused or
seasonal items above the refrigerator for the simple fact that they
can’t reach the cabinet. Therefore, consider a 24″ deep refrigerator
cabinet for easier access.
4) Use kitchen cabinets to create islands or peninsulas
Kitchen cabinets
can be configured to create center islands or peninsulas. These cabinet
configurations are very attractive to homeowners with an open floor
plan. Using kitchen cabinets this way creates an area for a breakfast
nook with the ability to pull up stools. Kitchen cabinets used in this
manner instantly increases seating space, which is ideal since kitchens
are typically gathering places. Islands and peninsulas also create more
storage space.
5) Bells and Whistles
Just
like purchasing a new vehicle, there are upgrade options to consider
when purchasing your new kitchen cabints. For example, what type of
drawers do you want in your base cabinets? Will the standard
particleboard drawer secured with glue and staples be sufficient? Or
would you prefer an all-wood drawer constructed with dove-tailed joints?
Or better yet, would you want the all-wood, dove-tailed drawer with
full-extension drawer glides that include a silent close feature? Other
construction upgrades can include all plywood construction, and custom
depth cabinets. Besides construction upgrades there are accessory
cabinets that provide you with some “bell and whistle” qualities that
can give your kitchen a custom and personalized look. Give consideration
to glass door cabinets for displaying your keepsakes or china
dinnerware, an appliance hutch for hiding small appliances on your
countertop, roll out trays for base cabinets, integrated waste baskets,
corner shelves, and wine racks. When selecting your bells and whistles
keep in mind both your budget and overall functionality and flow of your
kitchen for optimal results.
Remember, your kitchen is the heart
of your home! Success in constructing a timeless, comfortable space is
creating a balance between an efficient layout and design with your
personal tastes, while keeping with the end goal of adding value to your
home.