Designing a Modern Kitchen

Does your kitchen accommodate to your busy lifestyle? Modern kitchens are the center of activity, serving as a dining area, office, and gathering place. Whether you choose a major kitchen remodel or just want to revive one aspect, designing a modern kitchen can make it easier to accommodate to your family's daily routine. With new lighting, energy-efficient appliances, cabinetry and tile, an old outdated kitchen will be looking brand new in no time!

There are three basic essentials to good kitchen design:

• Planning
• Layout
• Style

As with any remodel, planning is the most important step. You need to explore the possibilities and discover the many options available when you remodel a kitchen. As you go about your day, keep your eyes open for ideas. It often helps to look at magazines, showrooms, builder's model homes and the homes of neighbors. Furthermore, you should try to think of the extra features you would like to add to your new kitchen in order to enhance your lifestyle. Consider including the following ideas in your kitchen design:

• Arts and Crafts area
• Homework space
• Office space
• Recycling bins
• Kitchen island
• Laundry room
• Entertainment center
• Phone and answering machine center
• Second sink or dishwasher
• Display space
• Mood lighting and natural light

The layout is the second most important design element in a modern kitchen. In fact, it is the "work triangle" that determines how well you will get around in your new kitchen. The work triangle is the course of activity connecting the sink, range and refrigerator. However, with the increasing use of microwaves, many people now refer to the work triangle as the work diamond. Regardless of its name, the majority of cooking activities involve moving easily back and forth among these three or four kitchen locations.

Efficient modern kitchens are designed with a work triangle totaling a length of not less than 23 feet and not more than 26 feet. Also, each side of the triangle should be between 7 and 9 feet. Below are some other crucial design factors that affect the layout.

• Traffic between other areas of the home should not cross the work triangle. This eliminates unnecessary interruption in the kitchen.
• Food and supplies needed on a daily basis should be accessible without the need for a chair or step stool.
• Shelves in which items are stored should be located between 28 inches and 54 inches above the floor. This is where the least amount of energy is expended.
• Kitchen counter tops are utilized best when they are about 36 inches above the floor.
• Counter space should be located on both sides of the sink and the range and on at least one side of the refrigerator.
• The refrigerator should have 15 to 18 inches of lay-down space at one side of it.
• The sink should have a minimum of 18 inches and 24 inches at either side of it.
• A built-in oven should have 15 to 18 inches at one side of it.
• The range should have 12 to 24 inches at either side of it.
• Upper wall cabinets should be placed 15 to 18 inches above the counter top.
• Most people enjoy upper cabinets that are 30 inches in height.
• Clearance should be available in front of cabinets.
• Kitchen equipment should be located to allow access to and use of the facilities.
• The minimum clearance between base cabinet fronts in the food preparation areas is 40 inches.
• A distance of 38 inches is recommended for clearance space between the face of one cabinet and the side of another cabinet or appliance.

In addition to the layout, the style of your kitchen is also very important to achieving a modern kitchen design. Choosing the right colors, finishes, and textures is crucial to creating a space in which people will take pleasure in living. It's important to keep the resale value of your house in mind as you pick out aesthetic options, especially if you only to plan to stay in your home for a few more years. Popular aesthetic options will enhance the resale value when you sell your home.

Interested in More Information About Kitchen Remodeling?

Kitchens are an extremely important aspect of a home and a wonderful investment. Choosing the right kitchen design for your home and your budget is imperative.  Thankfully, we provide Free Kitchen Remodeling Quotes from top local contractors right here!