A Primer for Planning Your Dream Kitchen

Q. Our kitchen is outdated and inefficient, and we’ve decided to remodel. Where do we start?

A. Congratulations! Since we spend so much time in our kitchens, it makes sense to create an efficient, beautiful space that we can enjoy everyday. Even small changes to a kitchen require a good deal of planning and thought, so take your time and do your homework.

Your first step should be to create a design file. Your file should include photos, clippings, brochures, notes, lists, color swatches, anything related to the project. Look through magazines and design books for inspiration. Talk to your friends and family members about things they like about their kitchens. Visit kitchen showrooms to see what’s available and to get an idea of how much things cost. Have a realistic budget in mind as you plan.

Next, you’ll want to take a good, long look at your existing kitchen. Write down your answers to the following questions and put these notes in your design file. What are your goals for this remodeling project? Do you want more storage space? More counter space? An eating area? New appliances? A bill-paying area? Be specific. What bothers you about your existing kitchen? Perhaps your kitchen doesn’t fit your lifestyle because it is designed for only one cook. Perhaps your food storage is inadequate and you’d like room for a pantry. How long will you be living in your house? If you will be moving in just a few years, you probably will want to focus on cosmetic rather than structural changes. How convenient is it to work in your kitchen? When you open the dishwasher, does it interrupt the traffic flow? Is there enough space to walk comfortably? What kind of cook are you? Do you fix full-course meals often or do you rely on convenience foods? What do you like about your kitchen? Maybe it’s the stream of sunlight through the window. Or the U-shaped layout. Again, be specific.

After you’ve done this analysis, create a wish list. Pretend that money is no object and make a list of everything you would like to have in your new kitchen. Perhaps it is a 42” built-in refrigerator and granite countertops. Or pull-out shelves in the cabinets and a warming drawer. Later, when you review this list, you will prioritize and select those items that are most important to you. This list will help you decide where to splurge and where you can cut back.

You’ll want to spend some time really thinking about what you want and why you want it. As you visit the design centers and kitchen showrooms, you may become overwhelmed at the unbelievable array of choices available to you. In the beginning stages of planning your project, go ahead and look at everything. It will be fun and you’ll have lots of options to consider. As you proceed, keeping in mind your design file and all of your notes, it will be easier to narrow down your choices and make decisions.

This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper Group papers on August 7, 2004.

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All articles copyright 2003-2008 Anna Jacoby.