Taking the time to figure out why your old space isn’t working for you, can help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams!
Know Your Why
It’s always important to know why you’ve chosen a particular course of action. However, it’s especially crucial when you are embarking on a kitchen remodeling project.
Obviously, something isn’t working in your current kitchen for you to want to make changes, so let’s start with a few questions to determine your “why”:
- Do you need a better layout? Do bottlenecks occur when more than one person is working in an area? If it is arranged in an inefficient manner, your kitchen won’t function properly – even for only one person.
- Is the lighting bad? Colors will reflect or absorb light, and every space has its own lighting requirements. Evaluate your current lighting arrangement to make sure that when it’s combined with the colors of your appliances, cabinets, walls and window treatments your light is not negatively impacted.
- Are your appliances, counter tops, and cabinets too old? Colors and styles that were popular years ago might look dated now. Technological advances have made today’s appliances more energy efficient.
Determining the issues you are having with the space will help focus your project on solving them, possibly saving you money in the long run.
Figuring Out What You Need
Make sure that you – and your designer – know what you’re going to need from the space. You (or he/she) should be asking questions such as:
- Does more than one person help prepare meals at the same time?
- Do your children do their homework in the kitchen?
- Is your storage or meal preparation space adequate?
- What are the normal traffic patterns? Do you require specific accommodations for the people who will use the space – such as aging in place or handicapped accessibility features?
Understanding your functional needs will help ensure that the new layout maximizes your utilization of the space.
Deciding How You Should Proceed
After you’ve figured out what isn’t working for you and what you need from your kitchen, it’s time to decide whether you are going to work within the existing space or change the layout.
The first option is the least expensive. Small changes in lighting, fixtures, cabinet knobs/ drawer pulls, window treatments and paint colors can make your kitchen look brand new. A designer can also show you ways to make your existing space more efficient.
But if you have your heart set on transforming the space in a big way, you need to start formulating a plan.
- Visualize how your new kitchen could look and start assigning a place for everything, including cabinets, plumbing fixtures, and electrical outlets.
- Develop a realistic budget for your project. (If you’re unsure, read how to put together a budget for a home improvement project)
- If you will be moving walls and changing the locations of cabinets, your sink, or major appliances, hire a general contractor. He or she will manage any subcontractors the project requires and execute your plan.
Because there are so many details that must be considered to ensure a kitchen is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, you will be best served to employ a designer. Do not attempt to do it yourself. Working with a professional will save you time, money and a lot of frustration.
To learn more about what you should consider before starting a kitchen remodel project, contact Sheeja today for a complimentary 15 minute conversation.
