I HATE MY KITCHEN! How many of you have looked at your kitchen and said the same thing? Before you commit to a total kitchen replacement consider the less costly options. The first option is to repaint or re stain the existing cabinets and swap out the hardware with new updated pulls, hinges and knobs. There are several do it yourself videos on line which help you along. Any good painter can also handle the job for you. The second option is to reface the cabinet fronts and doors with new updated styles. Your doors should be a standard size that any re facing shop can handle. The frames are kept intact and can be refaced with a wood veneer or painted. Swap out the old hardware with new styles. This is a viable option for a fraction of the cost of replacing. If your floor plan still works for you, I would suggest this route with new appliances, countertops and a fun tile backsplash. The third option is a total kitchen redo.
When considering a kitchen plan, it is wise to work with a designer or kitchen cabinet store. I suggest using a designer to work with you first. You will be surprised at how this project can spill into other rooms of the house and it would be a good idea to use a professional with skills other than cabinets. I use a good reliable cabinet shop to plug in my design into their software. Once finished I have a complete list of all pieces needed as well as perspective drawings and floor plans to show my client.
Designing the perfect kitchen takes time and knowledge. There are many guidelines you will need to follow. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) has set easy to understand guidelines which can be found on line. The following are a few important ones I like to stress to my clients: Workspace triangles ( the path from your sink to refrigerator to stove top) must not exceed 9 feet for any single leg and not exceed 26 feet total. Traffic patterns should not interfere with the workspace. Clearance from the front of the counter to the front of the back counter should be at least 42” if one person using the space and 48” if multiple persons will be using the space. Cabinet doors as well as functional doors should not interfere with the operation of appliances. I can’t tell you how often I see an oven door or dishwasher door not able to open fully. This is often the case in tight spaces where the builder just threw together a plan. That is one of my biggest pet peeves.
Once the plan is finalized, the fun really begins! There are literally hundreds of cabinet styles and finishes to consider which can be overwhelming to the customer. Keep in mind that your kitchen style must appeal to the next buyer so I like to keep it simple. I don’t recommend more than 2 cabinet finishes in the room. Center islands are a good place to change the cabinet finish and work surface material. Picking a material for your countertop can also be exhausting. There are many surfaces to choose from such as: quartz, stainless steel, butcher block, marble, concrete, granite, pressed glass, yadda..yadda…yadda…Some surfaces will need to be sealed and maintained, so keep this in mind while making your choices. The backsplash material is also an area where you can make a big statement. Remember that the more intricate the design, the more costly so also be smart when choosing your backsplash material. The same goes for hardware. If your current appliances are older than ten years, then it is a good idea to replace them with new up to date technology.
Have fun and happy cooking! If you would like help with your new kitchen, feel free to contact me at: cindylbeyerdesign@gmail.com