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