#1 PASSAGES – Entry and exit to the dining area of the kitchen. Is it accessible from the garage? Is it easy to use bring groceries? Do guests have to enter from another room or is there a main entrance?
In an effort to keep #1 brief, I’ll stop here simply saying that easy access and aesthetics make or break a “fabulous kitchen.” So often we are asked to help out with a kitchen in Reno with unsuspecting homeowners trying to work in a horrendous floor plan. The kitchen, that is, the woodwork itself, is probably charming. However, since a kitchen renovation alone is the most expensive investment in your home, consider modifying the basic space. Fix what doesn’t work; then go from there.
#2 ACCESSES THROUGH: Outline the space with all your “wants” in mind vs. “wishes”. Will the space be comfortable for walking? Do all your doors and drawers have enough space? Do you need a minibar and/or desk area? Is your table suitable for accessing chairs and guests inside and outside?
#3 FUNCTIONALITY – The term work triangle has been used for years. I always find this quite comical as few configurations, if any, are outside of this shape, be it a large or small triangle. Think about how you cook! When you take the ingredients out of your fridge, is there room to put things? Is your sink close by for rinsing food? Is there optimal counter space for prep before cooking? It’s very important!! to tour the floor plan. Remember that everything looks great on paper… use masking tape on the floor to trace it yourself.
#4 AESTHETICS – The kitchen is usually the center of the house. The aesthetics of this space, keeping functionality and flow in mind, should be pleasing to the eye. What look are you looking for? Do you want smooth/subtle? Formal? Artistic? What moves you? What inspires you? Trends: Fantastic, but shopper beware: they come and go. How long does this aspect need to move based on the associated investment?
#5 FLOOR PLAN – Interestingly, when I discuss the floor plan with clients, people often tell me that we only focus on the “kitchen”. I respond by saying that it is like focusing on the “wedding”, not the marriage. Think of a floor plan as a relationship. You need to set certain expectations before moving forward. You would never consider having a wedding if you were hesitant to marry this person. Renovations are no different. To make informed decisions, A comes before B. Plan accordingly.
#6 HELP – A new set of eyes. Rely on experts specialized in full-time contracting/design/decoration. Live vicariously through the past mistakes of others. I always say that the most valuable lessons are learned from work done by mistake. Costly mistakes echo in our minds. We offer vision as well as solutions and years of experience helping others design their kitchens and main living areas. If a “full service” company is out of your reach, never underestimate the value of a consultant who, for a nominal fee, can at least get you on the right track. Then take the kidneys of that.
#7 ENTERTAINMENT – Consider your life patterns. Do you entertain? How often? Are you a gourmet cook or frozen dinner guru? Maybe transitional pieces… folding tables; Does a large island with seating suit your needs?
#8 HARDWARE – Pulls or knobs. Glass or brass? All part and parcel of the big picture.
#9 STYLE/PROFILE – Mission; raised panel; Glass doors, extractor hood? Yes or no? More to consider!
#10 APPLIANCES: stove; wall ovens, full range; Dishwasher, Refrigerator/Freezer Combo – Built-in, Stainless Steel, White/Black…more to consider!
#11 FLOORS – Wood, tile, granite, porcelain, ceramic, patterns, size, grout… more to consider — other rooms?
#12 LIGHTING – Planters, decorative, task, ambient plans… just a little more to consider!
#13 BACK-SPLASH – Tile, paint, wood…hmmm, even more!
#14 TABLE – Round/rectangular — leaves — number of seats?
#15 SINKS/FAUCET – Double, Single, Farmhouse, Garberator, Sprayer, Soap Dispenser, Electronic Faucet?
#16 WINDOW TREATMENTS – Privacy required. Decorative. Fabrics, Styles?
#17 BELLS AND WHISTLES – Updates – Internal Features – Lazy Susans, Drawer Inserts, Water Fountains, Drawers for pots and pans?
#18 STORAGE – Separate Pantry, Cold Cellar?
#19 OFFICE – Desk service area, calendar, filing cabinets, laptop center?
#20 DETAILS – Style / Accessories, Final Details, Final Touches.
#21 ISLAND – Function / Decorative, Second Sink, Prep, Same Finish. Different color, countertop?
#22 FINISHES / COLOR – Wood, paint, combination, type of stain?
#23 COUNTERTOPS – Quartz, butcher block, stainless steel, granite, tile, Formica?
#24 SOCKETS / ELECTRICITY – The requirements are standard
– Increase the ease of preparation
– What additional countertop appliances will you choose? (Coffee maker, toaster, blender, crock pot, electric knife, etc.) Plot your regular home.
#25 WOW – Save some money towards the end so you can splurge on a cool item that you’ll treasure every time you see it!
Now that you’ve addressed all 25 concerns, put down your pen and paper. Make a list. Discover your needs.