Keeping future needs in mind as
that is one section where scope for changes later on is limited.
When contemplating a kitchen
remodel or designing one from scratch before moving into a new home, remember
planning is the key first step. Deciding beforehand what you will need from
your kitchen depending on your own unique lifestyle and budget will help to
make sure you end up with a kitchen you will enjoy for years to come. Even if
you plan on moving at some point after the remodel, don’t forget that kitchen
projects add more value to your home than any other improvement.
Narrow kitchen
In the simplest of kitchen you
might find cabinets along one wall only. This could be practical if you have a
long narrow kitchen. This is the least functional type of kitchen. If you have
to have this type of plan, make sure the sink is in the centre with the oven
and fridge close by so the cook can easily prepare the food.
Also make sure you have enough
counter space between appliance – a common mistake is to put only 8” to a foot
between appliances and there is not much you can do with that little space.
This type of layout is not
conducive to family gatherings in the kitchen unless you have a larger area
where you can put a table and chairs – even then, your back will be to everyone
as you are preparing the food.
Galley Kitchen
The Galley Kitchen consists of
a somewhat narrow kitchen with cabinets along 2 opposing walls. While this plan
is efficient on space it can be difficult to work in as the traffic pattern is
right in the middle of where you are trying to prepare food.
The configuration makes it a
little easier to prepare food in than the “once wall” configuration, but it
does not leave any room for family or friends to join in the fun. The typical
galley kitchen is narrow with walls on either side.
In this style kitchen, it is
best to place the sink and stove on one side of the galley and the fridge on
the other.
L shaped Kitchen
An L shaped cabinet arrangement
can make good use of space and be a lot easier to work in. Try to locate the
appliances close to the middle of the L, but leave plenty of counter space in
between each appliance so the cook has space to work on.
If one end of the L is open to
another room, you can add bar stools and make it a counter – this type of
kitchen is great for having family and friends gather while you are preparing
the food.
U shaped Kitchen
A U shaped kitchen requires
plenty of space – 8 feet by 8 feet at the bare minimum. This type of layout
maximizes storage but can be difficult for more than one cook. Putting a table
at the opening to the U can add seating for family to gather.
Another option is to open up
one side of the U and put bar stools on the other side of the counter. In a U shaped
kitchen, the major appliances (sink, fridge, stove) should each be placed each
on one leg of the U.
If your kitchen is too small to
allow for this, try a portable island that you can move in and out as needed. Islands
are great places to have an extra appliance or add an eating counter.
Island Kitchen
Island are great additions to
any style kitchen as long as you have the room. An island can be incorporated
into any of the kitchen floor plans above and can add to the ease of cooking in
kitchens that are rather large as you can locate a sink or stove on the island
and have it near the other appliances for ease of use in cooking and preparing
food.
In order to incorporate an
island into out kitchen you need to have 42” of aisle space on all sides.
Cabinets and Countertops
The biggest expense of your
kitchen remodel will be the cabinets and countertops. Cabinets range from the
most expensive custom built, to the “off the shelf” variety.
Countertops range from the
upper end granite and marble type to laminate, the least expensive. Whatever your
budget, there is a large variety of cabinets and countertops available that
will fit your taste and budget.
