It’s a big job, but kitchen remodelling brings a great return on your investment.
Layout, look and atmosphere. Evaluate your family needs, with ample input from the cook. Is the kitchen the heart of your home? Do you want to eliminate traffic? Is there more than one cook in action at once? Do you entertain often? Formal or informal? Do you prefer to eat meals in the kitchen? Pay bills? Which appliances do you have, and what might you want in the future?
The classic kitchen triangle (which shouldn’t measure more than 23 feet) is the imaginary line connecting the sink, fridge and range. Of course the microwave adds a point (unless it’s placed above the range). Map the room on graph paper and use scale cutouts of appliances, etc. to help you plan.
The current location of plumbing and wiring will affect where you put things or the amount of work you have to do to relocate them. (Major appliances need their own circuits.)
Get ideas and incorporate elements from other rooms in the house: colors, materials, lighting, even a TV or stereo.
Consider bright recessed lights for overall, with spots in key areas to create drama. Or use a traditional overhead, with bright under-counter lights.
Cabinet height, storage and counter area. How tall are you? Do you like neat, uncluttered surroundings? Are you a neat cook or do you plunge in, spreading materials all over?
The sink should have counter space for dishes either side. The fridge shouldn’t interrupt a run of counter. The stove needs counter either side so pot handles don’t hang over.
Ventilation is easiest through a nearby attic or exterior wall. A ceiling system also removes dishwashing humidity.