If you could plan your dream kitchen, what would it look like? Most people can name a half-dozen “must have” items to create their ideal kitchen, but more often than not, they don’t know how to plan their dream kitchen.
Designing your perfect kitchen is one of the most exciting and fun aspects of building a home or remodeling it. It allows you to implement practical solutions, be creative, and use all the Pinterest boards you’ve created over the years. However, the process can be overwhelming if you lack ideas on what to do. Here are tips for planning your dream kitchen.
Set Clear Goals and Budget
The first step to plan your dream kitchen is to set clear goals and a realistic budget. Start by creating a list of all the features you must have and those that don’t have to be present. Set a budget to determine how far you’ll go with your wish list. Establish how much you are comfortable spending on your kitchen. Your builder/remodeler will help you set reasonable allowances for things like plumbing, heating and mechanical, but there is so much more that goes into designing your kitchen.
As you plan your dream kitchen, things to consider include:
- kitchen flooring
- kitchen lighting
- kitchen storage
- kitchen countertops
- kitchen appliances
- kitchen windows and kitchen window treatments
Your design style will drive your budget, so as you think about your goals and budget, be realistic about the features and finishes you want in your kitchen. Remember to add 10% as a contingency for remodeling projects in case of unforeseen costs (and your remodeling company will advise you on this, as well).
Designing Your Kitchen Around Your Lifestyle
Consider how you plan to use your kitchen before settling on the design. As you plan your dream kitchen, remember that it is not only about creating a layout that fits your space; it involves creating a design that is also functional. For example, do you want seating in your kitchen, such as at the kitchen island, or would you prefer a separate breakfast nook? Do you use your kitchen for entertaining? Is your kitchen often used as the homework area or home office? The answer to these questions will give you an idea of how much space you’ll want to cook, sit, entertain, and eat in the kitchen.
Choose Your Kitchen Design Style
There are many popular kitchen design styles, but it’s up to you to determine which style you’ll love. For example, are you more aligned with a contemporary or traditional kitchen? Do you prefer modern and traditional design elements or do you like your kitchen to be trendy? Your design style is a crucial step to plan your dream kitchen, as the style of your kitchen will drive the selection of features and fixtures.
Additionally, determine the textures and colors you would love in your kitchen. You can choose muted or bright colors depending on your taste and preference.
Understand the Best Kitchen Layout
Go through different kitchen layouts and select one that suits your space. U-shaped and G-shaped kitchen layouts are popular as they allow ample room for the kitchen cabinets and work best in large kitchens.
The L-shaped layout is flexible and can be adapted to any space to create a functional and practical kitchen. It is excellent if you have a small kitchen. An island layout provides a large working surface and storage areas in the middle of the kitchen. It is perfect for large spaces and can be incorporated with any kitchen layout option.
A peninsula kitchen layout involves turning a U-shaped layout into a G-shaped format. It is also made by changing an L-shaped layout to a U-shaped design. This layout is perfect if you wish to have a kitchen island but need more space.
As you plan your dream kitchen, keep in mind that this should be a fun and exciting adventure. First, it involves coming up with your wish list and a budget. You then work through the design process to develop a floor plan that best suits your lifestyle, taste, and preference. Once the design is finalized, construction can begin!
At Prime 1 Builders, we help you remodel your kitchen space. We provide you with a streamlined, memorable, informative building experience in Pittsburgh, PA. Contact us to remodel your kitchen.
