Planning your kitchen renovation

When another drawer front has pulled away from its drawer box, you realize that it is time to renovate your kitchen, but how do you get started?  Most people haven't examined their own or other's kitchens until this point.  First, get together with your family & understand what is & isn't currently working in your space.

Major factors to consider:

• How many people live in the home?  Does each person need a prep area or cabinet storage?
• Site lines - what do your guest see from the front door?  What do you look at while sitting at the eating area?
• Traffic flow - how easy is it to get to the refrigerator?  To walk around the table with the chairs pulled out?
• Do you and your partner cook at the same together?  Would you like your children involved in meal preparation?  A prep sink would create a separate zone.
• What is currently on your counter?  Could it be stored elsewhere?  Infrequently used items, such as waffle makers, could go in a pantry until the weekend.
• Do you plan on hosting the holidays?  Entertain frequently?  One solution is adding double ovens, but alternatives include a warming drawer.

Items to consider for your kitchen layout:

• Clean up area vs. prep area vs. cooking area
• Proper storage to avoid countertop clutter
• Storage for infrequently used small appliances
• Trash/recycling area
• Decorative open shelves/glass
• cabinet for a focal point

Adding a trash & recycle bins to your kitchen and be rid of that barrell on the floor!

A warming drawer is particularly useful when family members come

home at all different times for diiner.

Choosing the exact cabinets and countertop will come at a later time.  This initial process involves fixing the space problems.  What are some features you added to your kitchen?

Download our complete Kitchen Planning Guide!