Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where friends and family gather to eat, drink, and laugh. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, it’s important to get it right.
A botched kitchen installation will impact your entire home, and not in a good way!
A proper kitchen cabinet design is one of the most important steps for a successful project. Plan your kitchen cabinets carefully to achieve a functional, stylish result that everyone will enjoy.
If you’re new to kitchen design, there are a few rules professional stylists follow when designing cabinets. Keep reading to learn about the essential steps to take before you build.
Set a Budget
Decide how much you want to spend on your kitchen renovation before you do anything else. Without a number in mind, costs can spiral out of control.
According to HomeAdvisor, the average price of a kitchen remodel was $25,000 in 2020. If you do a good job, you should be able to recoup about 50% of the total cost when you sell your house.
Your budget will determine the scope and quality of your project. If you are planning to sell your house in a few years, it makes sense to spend less. If you want to live in your home for a long time, you might want to invest in your dream kitchen.
Plan Your Kitchen Layout
You’ll need to create a scaled floor plan to work out how to arrange your kitchen. Before you start, choose, and measure your new appliances. You won’t be able to rearrange your cabinets to accommodate them later.
A professional kitchen designer can help you figure out where to place cabinets, appliances, and furniture. If you prefer to do it yourself, there are some great layout tools available online. This guide will walk you through the steps.
Don’t be intimidated by online spatial planning software. Read the client reviews to learn which programs are user friendly and accurate.
Design for Functionality
It’s tempting to daydream about how your new kitchen will look, but functionality should come first. Take some time to think about how you will use your new kitchen, and design accordingly.
For hassle-free cooking, you’ll want a direct path between your sink, range, and refrigerator. Dedicate cabinet space for pots and pans near the stove, and cutting boards near your food preparation area. Keep dishes and glassware near the dishwasher for easy unloading.
Consider Clearance
Be aware of how each cabinet will open, and make sure there’s nothing in the way. The last thing you want is cabinet doors banging into each other or blocking your appliances. It is also annoying when cabinets crash into open drawers.
The smaller the kitchen, the narrower your cabinet doors should be. If you’re building in a tiny space, cabinet doors with hinges along the top are a space-saving option to consider.
Choose Your Island Life
Are you installing a kitchen island? Put some thought into how you plan to use it and design accordingly. Islands can provide extra storage, serve as a gathering place, or provide extra space for cooking.
A kitchen island can also be a great central location for your sink and dishwasher.
Customize Your Kitchen Cabinet Design
To make your kitchen design even more functional, customize your cabinets with add-ons. Spice racks, lazy susans, and dividers come in a variety of styles. They will help you stay organized and find what you need.
Trash cans are clunky, unsightly space wasters. Build a compartment for trash and recycling bins into your cabinet design to keep them hidden. You can also add appliance garages to hide kitchen tools you don’t want to look at every day.
Add Office Space
If you don’t have a home office, consider incorporating a small desk area into your cabinet plans. You’ll appreciate having a comfortable place to pay bills, work on the computer, or write notes.
Leave space for a bulletin board or chalkboard nearby where you can post to-do lists and family photos.
Power Up
Searching for an open outlet every time you want to use an appliance is a pain. In your new kitchen, you should have plenty of electrical outlets available. Using your blender, toaster, or coffee maker will be a breeze.
Many stylists recommend hiding outlets inside cabinets for rechargeable devices. This trick will save you from looking at tangled cords and flashing lights. Upgrade to USB ports to make charging your phone and other personal devices a cinch.
Achieve Your Dream Look
After you plan the layout and functionality of your kitchen, it’s time to gather visual inspiration. The internet is full of kitchen cabinet design ideas. Search Pinterest, Instagram, and design blogs to find looks you love.
Cabinets come in an endless array of door styles and colors. Kitchen cabinet door designs can be modern, traditional, or somewhere in-between.
Remember that your kitchen should complement the other areas of your home. Does your house feature dark, dramatic wood and heavy furniture? Then you probably shouldn’t install a modern kitchen cabinet design.
Also, think about your home’s resale value. What appeals to you might not please future buyers. It’s up to you to decide if that matters or not.
Open shelves are universally appealing, and they make a great focal point. Use them in your design to add an extra layer of interest and divide cabinet blocks. When your new room is ready, you can display your favorite accessories, dishes, and fresh flowers.
Install Your New Kitchen Cabinets and Enjoy
With your kitchen cabinet design complete, you can start thinking about installation. Cabinets hold a significant amount of weight. Unless you’re a skilled do-it-yourself remodeler, hire professional support for the job.
If you followed these simple tips from kitchen stylists, your newly installed kitchen is sure to be beautiful and practical. You’ll love sharing the space with family and friends while you cook, dine, and socialize.
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