For many people, the kitchen is the heart of their home.
It’s where you cook and prepare nourishment for your loved ones.
It’s where your family starts its day and gathers at the end of it.
Sometimes, it’s even where you entertain guests.
Your kitchen has a big impact on your household. So, its design should suit whatever your needs happen to be.
There are many factors to keep in mind when creating your dream kitchen, though. Here are seven important things to consider when designing kitchens.
1. What’s Your Budget?
Before you start any work or any planning the first question you need to ask yourself is this: How much do you want to spend?
It’s important to know this number and set a kitchen design budget that you won’t go over.
Assess your personal finances and determine how much you’re willing and able to put into your kitchen redesign.
In addition to what exactly you can afford, think about how this work will impact the value of your home. If you have a time limit on how long you plan to remain in your house, consider this work as an investment for when you sell it.
But also keep in mind that if you overdesign it and spend too much, you might not see that money back. So, only spend what you think you’ll make back when you put it on the market.
The average kitchen remodel costs about $25,000 – which breaks down to $150 per square foot. The cost really depends on the size of your room, the scope of the work, and the cost of the materials you’re using.
Consider each component of your kitchen as well. Your cabinets are usually the most expensive part to update and often wind up costing you more than the labor.
There are also little ways you can save a few dollars along the way, such as keeping a similar layout when redoing your kitchen and doing some of the work yourself.
2. What Are Your Needs?
As you plan your new kitchen, you should first think about what your family’s needs are.
Do you need more space to cook? Or maybe you need some more storage?
Are you hoping to include a seating area for the kids to do their homework and have a snack after school?
Every family’s needs are different, and your kitchen layout and features should reflect yours.
3. What’s Your Style?
When planning your kitchen redesign, consider your style. You’ll have a lot to think about as there are many different kitchen styles to choose from.
Maybe you want an open contemporary look with high-tech appliances. Or how about a fun, modern take on a retro kitchen?
Rustic farmhouse looks are always popular, as are clean, classic designs. You might even consider a funky, eclectic look with bold colors and contrasting elements.
To choose your style, you need to fully understand your personality and how your home reflects it. Your kitchen’s design should be an extension of who you are.
Once you pick your favorite style, think about how you can bring it to life in your culinary space.
After settling on a style, your next big decision will be your color scheme. Your colors will reflect the feel of your kitchen space: Do you want something light and airy or something bold and stunning?
Don’t take decisions about your style and color lightly as you’ll have to live with both of them.
4. Cabinets and Storage
Your kitchen cabinets will be the biggest expense of your kitchen remodel.
They’ll also set the tone for your space. Cabinets are the first thing most people notice when they enter a kitchen.
There are a lot of decisions that go into finding the right cabinets for your kitchen.
Consider different layouts for the room to install the best amount of cabinet space for your needs. Do you want a healthy mix of base and wall cabinets? Or more of one than the other? Maybe you’d like a floor-to-ceiling utility cabinet installed somewhere for some additional storage?
You’ll also need to select a type of wood that best fits the look you’re going for. Pick cherry wood for rich, exotic finishes or maple wood for a smooth, clean appearance.
The hardware on your cabinetry also makes a statement, so you’ll have to select the handles and knobs that best suit the type of wood you choose.
5. Surface Area
Another decision you’ll need to make is about how much countertop surface you’ll need in your new kitchen?
If you love to cook, you’ll want plenty of space for whipping up delicious dishes for friends and family.
In this case, you might want to consider a long continuous countertop for meal prep. You’ll definitely want counter space on either side of your stovetop.
If you have space, consider installing a kitchen island.
This might be your best bet because not only will an island provide you with additional countertop space, but you’ll also have a bonus storage area. You can even set up some bar stools for an extra seating area.
6. Appliances
Your appliances are the final touches to your kitchen. First, there are the standard appliances you find in just about every kitchen: your refrigerator, oven, and microwave.
Your biggest decision regarding these three will be their size and how state-of-the art you want them to be.
Then, think about your cooking habits. Aside from those big three, what other appliances do you use regularly? A toaster? A coffee maker? A food processor? An air fryer?
Which of these items will live on your countertops and which can be put away, out of sight, in your kitchen storage until you use them next?
Also, you’ll want to match the color of your major appliances to your kitchen.
7. Work With a Professional – or at Least Use Their Technology
With so many details to think about, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when planning a kitchen renovation. Consider working with a designer that specializes in kitchens to make the project run smoothly.
These professionals know the ins and outs of kitchen design. They also have access to professional technology, like ProKitchen Software, which makes it easy to imagine your kitchen’s new look.
If you choose to go the DIY route, this software is also available to homeowners. It’s a great tool for sketching a blueprint for your kitchen and various redesign options as you plan your project.
More Tips for Designing Kitchens
If you’re looking for more tips on designing kitchens, check out our blog for more DIY inspiration.
We’re here to help you create amazing looks for your home by featuring fun project ideas and step-by-step tutorials from DIY bloggers.