KITCHEN REMODELING TIPS

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When it comes to remodeling the kitchen, people tend to overlook some of the little details that make cooking easier. Here are some tips to make sure your remodel is as efficient and desirable as possible.

When you’re deciding where to put different components, think about how all kitchen items get used. Breakfast foods and breakfast bowls should be near the breakfast table. A work surface should have wraps and plastic containers nearby to wrap up leftovers. Dish ware should be stored next to the dishwasher so the unloading process is quicker and easier.

It is also convenient to have a shelf near the range so cooking oils, utensils and spices can be reached easily. Any frequently used pots and pans can be hung on an S hook on the side of the range hood to ease the cooking process. If you get tired of lugging pots from the sink to the stove, there are swing-out taps and extra-long hose attachments available for installation to fill pots near the stove. Simple steps such as these will eliminate wasted time and energy.

You’re going to want the kitchen to be safe if children will be running around the house. Keep the stove away from traffic areas so kids don’t knock into it when moving around. The refrigerator should also be in a space where everyone can reach it even if someone’s cooking to maximize safety. Any dishes or snacks for the kids should be located in a reachable area for them as well. If your kids use the microwave, you’ll want to place it at an appropriate height. A below-counter setup would be suitable for children, but for adults only, 15 inches above the counter level is typically best.

To also keep your children out of danger, a designated knife spot can be useful to keep them out of reach for kids and to make it easier to locate them for you

Design wide walkways and paths through the kitchen so it’s easier to get by when times get crowded. Paths in a kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. One-cook kitchens should have 42-inch paths in width and two-cook kitchens should have paths at least 48 inches wide.

Any added kitchen islands and bars should be measured accordingly. You’ll also want to account for more space if you plan to cook at your kitchen island. All cabinets and appliances should have space in regards to their door span. You’ll want the doors to fully swing open without banging into anything, especially appliances. It’s a good idea to keep appliances away from corners to prevent damage. More room will enhance safety in the cooking and dining area.

Plan for extra space if you are an avid chef or enjoy having a lot of ingredients and meals on the counter at one time. Having 15 inches of counter space on each side of the stove and refrigerator is good for the majority of homes. If you’re frequently in the kitchen, go for more counter space between the appliances and sink.

Adding an additional microwave oven or mini refrigerator at the edge of the kitchen can be nice to have as well in order to keep family and guests out of the work area. If you like to have a social kitchen, a bar area with stools can work as a gathering area while someone’s working in the kitchen.

It’s useful to have one focal point that you design the entire kitchen around. Too many colors, designs and textures can be overwhelming and busy. Think of one big idea and work around it with complementing designs and simple features.