|
|
|
Kitchen
Design & Planning |
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and
planning a new one can be a daunting task. Before you begin,
there are a few questions you must ask yourself.
The number one question is how much will you use it. Do you
like to cook or are you a take-out person? Will you be
entertaining, and if so, will it be a small intimate group
or a large crowd? Do you prefer simple meals or gourmet
cooking? The answer to these questions should give you some
idea of what your budget should be.
Kitchens can run anywhere from $10,000 upwards to over
$100,000; but there are some simple solutions to keeping the
cost at a minimum. Your appliances are a large part of your
budget, but you can keep costs down by choosing good,
dependable brands without all the bells and whistles.
The size of your room will determine your cabinet plan.
Cabinets can run anywhere from $2000 to $50,000. A simple
cost cutter would involve buying just enough cupboards to
hold your dishes and pots and pans, and making a large walk
in pantry to house your foodstuffs, large pans and bowls,
and small appliances. Open shelving is also a cheap
alternative to covered cabinets.
Do not scrimp on counter space. You will want a large area
to prepare your food, and an island or bar works best for
this job. Many people prefer to have a small sink installed
right in the island, but is isn’t necessary.
A good functioning kitchen is all about good workflow. There
are 3 basic tasks in a kitchen’s workflow: preparation,
cooking, and cleanup. Good kitchens balance the workflow
between the stove, fridge, and sink arranged in a triangle
to facilitate easy access.
Talk to a kitchen planner at your local home store. They
will have great ideas for storage and planning.
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
eHomeResource.com
Home Tips &
Related Articles |
|