| Kitchens have become the centerpiece of the | | | | look and feel more open: |
| American home. It is where we eat, hang out | | | | Look for unique storage solutions. |
| with the family and entertain. Big is beautiful and | | | | Add pullout shelves, rotating inserts, and tilt out |
| elaborate is everything! Today's homeowner | | | | bins to make your small space more accessible. |
| wants a lavish showplace complete with granite | | | | Go Light. |
| countertops, custom tile backsplashes, | | | | Nothing makes a small space feel cramped than a |
| top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances and much | | | | lot of cabinets - especially if they're made of dark |
| more! | | | | wood. Opt for lighter colors in your cabinets and |
| Proper layout is crucial to designing a dream | | | | walls; use lots of open shelves; and wire |
| kitchen to rival all others in the neighborhood. But | | | | organizers. And ditch the solid cabinet doors for |
| before you can begin designing a new layout, it's | | | | glass or frosted ones. It'll give off an illusion of |
| your job to figure out how this important living | | | | more space. |
| space will be used. Begin by assessing the | | | | Choose appliances wisely. |
| homeowner's needs. Will the family be using the | | | | Keep your cook top and oven in the same area. |
| kitchen as a mecca of entertainment; a place to | | | | Hide away smaller appliance sin cupboards and |
| relax and enjoy each other's company, a place to | | | | pantries for a clutter free look and build in |
| cook five-star meals or does the space need to | | | | microwaves and dishwashers whenever possible. |
| be deigned to accommodate a hectic family with | | | | Visually expand the space with the right lighting. |
| young children? | | | | Maintain a mix of natural and ambient lighting. |
| Once you know the functions it needs to fulfill, | | | | Adding a skylight is an excellent way to make a |
| then you need to decide on size. Is an expansion | | | | room appear much larger than it is by raising a |
| in the plan? Or must you work within its current | | | | portion of the ceiling and opening the room with |
| boundaries? What about shape? | | | | more natural light from above. |
| Most kitchens are designed in one of three main | | | | When designing any kitchen it's important to |
| shapes: | | | | remember these important features: |
| U-shape. | | | | -The main purpose of the room. |
| L-shape. | | | | -The family's size and needs (for instance family's |
| G-shape. | | | | with young children generally need -colors and |
| Once you've established these basic perimeters, | | | | textures that will hide fingerprints, smudges, and, |
| you can begin the real design work! | | | | yes, dirt!). |
| Small kitchens can be a challenge, so remember | | | | -The size and shape of the room. |
| to be creative when trying to make the space | | | | -The budget. |