Kitchen Design ? No Need to Do It Alone

You can't opt out of the process altogether, though, because you need to decide what equipment you want in the kitchen, the type of units, fitted or freestanding, the flooring, lighting ? the list goes on.

The size and shape of your kitchen will, to some extent, dictate the equipment you have and where you put it. Remember not to overfill small kitchens ? these should have a simple, uncluttered look unless you want permanent claustrophobia.

First decide where to site your sink, drainer and dishwasher ? remembering to retain the position of existing service points if possible, since re-wiring and re-plumbing can cut a swathe through your budget. Bear in mind, though, that track lighting above the worksurfaces is a real boon ? alterations to existing wiring to incorporate this shouldn't break the bank.

Remember, too, the 'magic triangle' of sink, cooker and fridge. Some (male) designers pour scorn on this formula but these three pieces of equipemnt should always be kept close together for maximum efficiency, with your food preparation area nearby.

If your kitchen is large enough to dine in, work out where to site the table or breakfast bar and stools/chairs.

Then decide what other equipment you want and how much space you will need for it. Remember that labour-saving items like food mixers and juicers need to be permanently at the ready ? if you have to get them out of a cupboard every time you want to use them, you won't! Likewise, plan how much storage space you will need for food, cutlery and crockery, cooking utensils, cleaning equipment, etc ? a family of five will need much more space than a couple, for instance.

Your choice of units depends on personal taste, budget and lifestyle. Hard-wearing, easy-clean surfaces like wood, veneers or laminates are a boon for busy people and families with young children. Higher-maintenance glass and stainless steel are for those with time to care for them ? or a daily help!

Unless you have money to burn you should choose cabinets you'll be happy to live with for a number of years ? you can always ring the changes economically with a coat of paint and/or new handles.

When it comes to decoration, remember to use ? or specify, if you're in the fortunate position of having someone to do the work for you ? grout that is resistant to heat, dirt and water. Similarly, choose special 'kitchen and bathroom' paint and wallpaper ? the ranges are expanding all the time. However, a kitchen is a very 'busy' place so it makes sense to keep the walls and furnishings fairly neutral to avoid visual overload.

When your kitchen is installed, think logically about where to put everything. Keep items you use regularly in the most accessible cupboards. Those you use infrequently can go in higher cupboards while heavier items should be tucked away in cupboards underneath the worktops.

Fitting a new kitchen involves quite a bit of upheaval and it's not something you do very often. It makes sense, therefore, to get it right and careful planning is the key. Your preferences, allied with your supplier's expert guidance, should result in a room that meets all your needs for a kitchen that is efficient, aesthetically pleasing and a pleasure to use.

Barry Dunlop is the Founder of Kitchen-Buyers-Guide.com - The site that promises you lots of tips, advice and help to plan, design and buy your dream kitchen! Find out more at his website: http://www.almostimpartialguide.co.uk/kitc hens.htm

---

Hardwood Floors - 7 Tips For Selecting Perfect Flooring

DESIGN STYLESWith thousands of colors and styles to select from... Read More

Fixing Old Wooden Chairs

Fixing Old Wooden ChairsIF you have some old chairs that... Read More

Bamboo Flooring Is Taking The Design World By Storm

Are you looking for something different for your house? Maybe... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Illegal Building Works - Is there an Upside?

Many times throughout the year we are called in to... Read More

Comparing Types Of Conservatory Blinds

The cost of furnishing a conservatory can catch many people... Read More

Easy Ways to Increase Your Houses Value

Before getting your house valuated think about the list below... Read More

Vacation Break for Electrical Machines

Are you overloaded? Have you become a part of the... Read More

Creating Your Joyful Home: Inspiration to Make a Home Planning Journal

If you are planning a home makeover or remodeling project,... Read More

Ladder Safety Tips

One of the many tools that home owners use regularly... Read More

Cleaning House and the 80-20 Rule

Cleaning house is one of those things that needs doing... Read More

How To Choose The Right Home Water Filters and Water Purifiers For Your Needs

When it comes to home water filters and water purifiers,... Read More

Tips for Designing with Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floor styles come in strips, planks and parquet, and... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - What To Show And What Not To Show On Your application Drawings

Many successful business deals are the result of being a... Read More

Repairing Your Own Machine Components

Many industrial concerns have workshops of their own. For the... Read More

Kitchen Remodeling Costs

It is important to prepare a budget for your kitchen... Read More

New Trends in Design & Comfortable Living

For the past several years I have seen the emergence... Read More

Single Pane Window Glass Repair in an Aluminum Frame

Let's suppose you still have those old aluminum single pane... Read More

Gas Stoves - Pros and Cons

Gas stoves are those preferred by professionals. The heat distribution... Read More

Replacing Aluminum Frame Single Pane Windows

In our past articles I talked about all the steps... Read More

Making Space for Sacred Space

When you read a great inspirational book, prayer, or article,... Read More

How to Layout Recessed Lighting

One of the most important principles to understand when designing... Read More

Ceiling Fans ? That Dont Require The Ceiling

The trend in remodeling homes is to expand the outdoor... Read More

Removing Old Aluminum Windows

This week we are going to talk about the process... Read More

How to Select the Best Laminate Flooring for You

Hardwood flooring - its' traditional look is almost timeless, its'... Read More

Choosing a Home Construction or Remodeling Contractor

Choosing the right Contractor is the most important aspect of... Read More

From Savu to Infrared ? The History and Health Benefits of Saunas

The health benefits of saunas are not a recent discovery.... Read More

How Stained Glass Can Add Elegance To Your Home

If there is one way to throw a new light... Read More

Have You Considered Fluorescent Lighting for Your Home?

Many of us know that fluorescent lighting is common in... Read More

Repairing Putty Window Glass

Have you ever thought about fixing a broken window in... Read More

Bathroom Magic

Believe it or not, the bathroom is one of the... Read More

Single Pane Glass Repair in an Aluminum Frame, Part 2

This week we are going to continue our series on... Read More

The Benefits of Steel Storage Buildings

Steel is gaining in popularity as a building material due... Read More

Dining Rooms: Designing for Your Emotional Well-Being

I read an interior design book last night. Since I... Read More