Kitchen Design ? No Need to Do It Alone


You can't opt out of the process altogether, though, because you need to decide what equipment you want in the kitchen, the type of units, fitted or freestanding, the flooring, lighting ? the list goes on.

The size and shape of your kitchen will, to some extent, dictate the equipment you have and where you put it. Remember not to overfill small kitchens ? these should have a simple, uncluttered look unless you want permanent claustrophobia.

First decide where to site your sink, drainer and dishwasher ? remembering to retain the position of existing service points if possible, since re-wiring and re-plumbing can cut a swathe through your budget. Bear in mind, though, that track lighting above the worksurfaces is a real boon ? alterations to existing wiring to incorporate this shouldn't break the bank.

Remember, too, the 'magic triangle' of sink, cooker and fridge. Some (male) designers pour scorn on this formula but these three pieces of equipemnt should always be kept close together for maximum efficiency, with your food preparation area nearby.

If your kitchen is large enough to dine in, work out where to site the table or breakfast bar and stools/chairs.

Then decide what other equipment you want and how much space you will need for it. Remember that labour-saving items like food mixers and juicers need to be permanently at the ready ? if you have to get them out of a cupboard every time you want to use them, you won't! Likewise, plan how much storage space you will need for food, cutlery and crockery, cooking utensils, cleaning equipment, etc ? a family of five will need much more space than a couple, for instance.

Your choice of units depends on personal taste, budget and lifestyle. Hard-wearing, easy-clean surfaces like wood, veneers or laminates are a boon for busy people and families with young children. Higher-maintenance glass and stainless steel are for those with time to care for them ? or a daily help!

Unless you have money to burn you should choose cabinets you'll be happy to live with for a number of years ? you can always ring the changes economically with a coat of paint and/or new handles.

When it comes to decoration, remember to use ? or specify, if you're in the fortunate position of having someone to do the work for you ? grout that is resistant to heat, dirt and water. Similarly, choose special 'kitchen and bathroom' paint and wallpaper ? the ranges are expanding all the time. However, a kitchen is a very 'busy' place so it makes sense to keep the walls and furnishings fairly neutral to avoid visual overload.

When your kitchen is installed, think logically about where to put everything. Keep items you use regularly in the most accessible cupboards. Those you use infrequently can go in higher cupboards while heavier items should be tucked away in cupboards underneath the worktops.

Fitting a new kitchen involves quite a bit of upheaval and it's not something you do very often. It makes sense, therefore, to get it right and careful planning is the key. Your preferences, allied with your supplier's expert guidance, should result in a room that meets all your needs for a kitchen that is efficient, aesthetically pleasing and a pleasure to use.

Barry Dunlop is the Founder of Kitchen-Buyers-Guide.com - The site that promises you lots of tips, advice and help to plan, design and buy your dream kitchen! Find out more at his website: http://www.almostimpartialguide.co.uk/kitchens.htm







Related News



LA ordinance would require new home improvement stores to set ... - USA Today

Los Angeles Times

LA ordinance would require new home improvement stores to set ...
USA Today -Aug 15, 2008
New home improvement stores would be required to provide amenities to day laborers under a bill that the Los Angeles City Council approved this week. ...
LA adopts day laborer rules for home improvement storesLos Angeles Times
Should big home-improvement stores be required to provide shelter ...NBC Sandiego.com
City ordinance seeks to encourage laborer shelters in Los AngelesXinhua
New York Times - Los Angeles Times
all 55 news articles

Two Local Home Improvement Giants Merge; Homeowners Benefit - MarketWatch

Two Local Home Improvement Giants Merge; Homeowners Benefit
MarketWatch -10 hours ago
Advance looks at each home as a whole, conducting a complimentary Home Energy Analysis(TM), during which a homeowner's energy bills are reviewed and a plan ...

No Improvement for Home Depot, Lowe's - Minyanville.com

No Improvement for Home Depot, Lowe's
Minyanville.com, New York -Aug 26, 2008
The slumping housing market continues to take a bite out of home improvement - and there’s no immediate relief in sight. Consumers are pressed by high ...

Housing Related: Home Improvement Magazines Disappear [Housing ... - Seeking Alpha

Housing Related: Home Improvement Magazines Disappear [Housing ...
Seeking Alpha, NY -3 hours ago
27) Home Magazine a Victim of Housing Woes. “Lagardère SCA's Hachette Filipacchi Media US… is pulling the plug on its struggling Home magazine. ...

Lowe’s opening new home improvement store at Alamo Ranch - Bizjournals.com

Boston Globe

Lowe’s opening new home improvement store at Alamo Ranch
Bizjournals.com, NC -Aug 21, 2008
Inc. is set to open the home improvement retailer’s newest store in San Antonio. Mooresville, NC-based Lowe’s (NYSE: LOW) will open its new store at Alamo ...
Rebuilding at Home Improvement Stores?Motley Fool
Home improvement won't improve quicklyMarketWatch
Home improvement retailers fall with Home DepotForbes
Xinhua - CNNMoney.com
all 707 news articles

Rautakesko opens the eighth K-rauta in Estonia in Kuressaare - Ad-Hoc-News (Pressemitteilung)

Rautakesko opens the eighth K-rauta in Estonia in Kuressaare
Ad-Hoc-News (Pressemitteilung), Germany -18 hours ago
AS Rautakesko, the largest building and home improvement supplies retailer in Estonia, opened the country's eighth K-rauta in Kuressaare today. ...


Home Depot gets credit card boost - Atlanta Journal Constitution

Home Depot gets credit card boost
Atlanta Journal Constitution,  USA -40 minutes ago
“This extension between the world’s largest home improvement retailer and the world’s largest provider of credit cards creates significant new opportunities ...

Storm-inspired shoppers already stocking up at local home stores - Pensacola News Journal

Times Online

Storm-inspired shoppers already stocking up at local home stores
Pensacola News Journal, FL -8 hours ago
Sales are increasing at local home improvement stores as Tropical Storm Gustav’s threat moves closer to warm Gulf waters. At the Lowe’s Home Improvement...
Video: Gustav Strengthens, New Orleans BracesAssociatedPress
The pride of New OrleansBoston Globe
A look at football District 16-5AMiamiHerald.com
all 3,556 news articles

Independent.co.uk Web - Independent

Independent.co.uk Web
Independent, UK -Aug 26, 2008
Roman Russocki, the executive director of the National Home Improvement Council, says: "Over four million new UK households are expected to be created ...

Consumer Advisory from the California Solar Energy Industries ... - MarketWatch

Consumer Advisory from the California Solar Energy Industries ...
MarketWatch -5 hours ago
Consumers considering having a solar energy systems installed should consider it as a significant home improvement project, and should follow the same ...