Designing your own kitchen can seem daunting at first, but it’s really not as hard as you might think. You’ll be able to start contacting contractors about your kitchen remodel or kitchen renovation faster than you may think.
By following these steps, you can create a kitchen design that is both functional and stylish. So get creative and have some fun with your design!
How To Do A Kitchen Design
1. Make A List Of Must-Haves
What do you NEED in your kitchen to make it work best for you and represent your style?
This can include the amount of counter space, material selection, storage options, and more. You can find plenty of ideas on blog posts, social media, and other places.
Write down any and everything you want during this step of the kitchen design process. The editing part comes in the next step.
2. Set Your Budget (And Stick To It)
The first step in setting a budget is to define your goals for the project. Do you want a complete gut job, or are you just looking to make a few cosmetic changes? Are you planning on moving any appliances or plumbing fixtures? The answers to these questions will help you determine how much money you’ll need to spend.
Once you have an idea of what you want to do, it’s time to start researching prices for materials and labor. This will give you a good idea of what kind of budget you’re working with.
3. The Fundamentals Of Kitchen Space Planning
There are a few fundamentals that shouldn’t be ignored when doing a kitchen design.
The Work Triangle
One of the most important aspects of kitchen space planning is the work triangle. The work triangle is the area between your stove, fridge, and sink, and it’s where you’ll spend most of your time when cooking or cleaning up.
When designing your kitchen, it’s important to make sure that the work triangle is well-planned and efficient. That means ensuring that there’s enough space between each element and that each one is within easy reach.
Dishwasher & Sink
Another important consideration in kitchen space planning is the placement of your dishwasher and sink. Ideally, these should be located near each other so that dirty dishes can easily be deposited in the dishwasher after being washed in the sink.
Counter Space
Counter space is another crucial element in any well-designed kitchen. When planning your counter space, think about how you use your kitchen and what kinds of activities take place there. Do you do a lot of cooking? Baking? Entertaining? All of these activities will require different amounts of counter space (and some may require none at all).
Seating
If your kitchen doubles as a dining room (or if you simply like to eat breakfast at the counter), then seating will need to be factored into your space planning. Be sure to leave enough room for people to comfortably get in and out without bumping into each other or feeling cramped.
Walkways & Doorways
Be sure to leave enough room for walkways and doorways. You want to design it so people can move freely in and out without having to squeeze past each other.
4. Make Precise Measurements
An accurate measurement will ensure that your appliances, cabinetry, and countertops fit properly. If you don’t take accurate measurements, you may find that your refrigerator door doesn’t open all the way or that your dishwasher doesn’t fit under the countertop. Not only is this frustrating, but it can also be expensive to fix if you have to replace items that don’t fit.
5. Pick Your Perfect Kitchen Layout
There are 6 types of layouts you can center a kitchen design around.
L-Shaped Kitchen
One of the most popular kitchen layouts is the L-shaped kitchen. The workspace usually takes up two walls, forming an L.
U-Shaped Kitchen
If you have a bit more space to work with, a U-shaped kitchen may be the perfect option for you. This kitchen design takes up three walls, forming a U.
Galley Kitchen
A galley layout is a long, narrow kitchen with counters on either side of a central aisle.
Island Kitchen
If you have the space, an island kitchen can be a great option. This layout adds an island with a countertop and storage options to the middle of the kitchen.
One-Wall Kitchen
A one-wall kitchen is exactly what it sounds like—a single wall with counters on either side and appliances in between.
Peninsula Kitchen
A peninsula kitchen is similar to an L-shaped kitchen but with one major difference—the peninsula extends out into the room, creating an additional eating or prep area.
6. Consider Your Cabinetry Style
Traditional kitchen cabinets are typically made from wood, and they often feature raised-panel doors with intricate moldings. If you’re going for a traditional look, opt for cabinets in classic wood finishes like cherry or mahogany.
Modern kitchen cabinets are typically made from materials like stainless steel or laminate. They tend to have sleek, simple lines and may feature minimal hardware. If you want a modern look, choose cabinets in glossy finishes like black or white. You might also consider two-toned cabinets, which have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Rustic kitchen cabinets are usually made from wood, but they can also be made from other materials like metal or stone. They often have rough-hewn edges and distressed finishes. If you’re going for a rustic look, choose cabinets in natural wood finishes like oak or pine.
7. Think About Cabinetry Balance and Size
The first thing to consider is the overall size of your kitchen. If you have a small kitchen, you’ll want to avoid oversized cabinetry that will make the space feel even smaller. Instead, opt for sleek, modern cabinets that make efficient use of the available space. If you have a large kitchen, on the other hand, you can afford to be a bit more daring with your cabinetry choices.
Another thing to keep in mind is the balance between upper and lower cabinetry. If you have a lot of upper cabinets, you’ll want to balance them out with lower cabinets or a kitchen island. This will help create a sense of visual harmony in the space and make it feel more cohesive overall. Conversely, if you have mostly lower cabinets, you can add an accent piece like an exposed shelving unit to break up the monotony and add some visual interest.
8. Carefully Choose Your Kitchen Color
Consider the overall look and feel you want to create in your kitchen. Do you want it to be light and airy? Warm and inviting? Bold and statement-making?
Look at the amount of natural light your kitchen gets. If your kitchen gets a lot of sunlight, you might want to lean towards cooler tones like blues or greens. If it’s on the darker side, warmer tones like yellows or reds might be more your speed.
You’ll want to consider the existing colors in your kitchen (cabinets, countertops, backsplash, etc.) and how they will work with the paint color(s), you’re considering.
9. Don’t Forget Appliances
When choosing appliances for your kitchen, it’s important to take space into consideration. For smaller kitchens, compact appliances may be the best option. If you have a larger kitchen, you’ll have more leeway when it comes to choosing appliances.
Stainless steel appliances are popular for their modern look and durability.
10. Fancy Faucet Tech: Touchless To Boiling Water Taps
We’d be remiss not to talk about the new faucet upgrades! You can choose touchless taps to keep your hands clean and have a more convenient sink. Boiling water taps send out water already ready to cook with!
11. Countertops: Calculate Your Space And Pick Your Material
First, measure the length and width of your counter space. Then, decide how much countertop you need. The average kitchen counter is about 25 square feet, but you may want more or less depending on your kitchen’s layout and your needs.
Next, pick your material. There are a lot of options available, including granite, marble, quartz, laminate, and solid surface. Each material has its own pros and cons, so do some research to find the one that’s right for you. Quartz countertops are the most popular right now. You can read our breakdown of the pros and cons of quartz countertops here.
12. Decide If You Want A Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands are a great addition to most kitchens. They provide extra counter and storage space, and they can help make a kitchen look more modern. However, kitchen islands also have some drawbacks. They can be expensive to install, and they can make it more difficult to move around the kitchen. In addition, kitchen islands can make the work triangle less effective, making it more difficult to cook.
13. Kitchen Storage Tips
In any kitchen design, storage is key, and when it comes to kitchen storage ideas, there are endless possibilities. From kitchen cabinets and pantries to kitchen islands and carts, there are a number of ways to add extra storage to your kitchen.
If you’re short on space, consider adding kitchen cabinets with glass doors. This will help you to display your favorite dishes and cookware while keeping them within easy reach. If you’re really short on space, consider a kitchen cart. Kitchen carts can be easily rolled into place when needed and then stored away when not in use, making them an ideal solution for small kitchens.
For those who have a bit more space to work with, a kitchen island can be a great way to add extra prep space and storage.
How to Calculate Frontage
Frontage is the measurement of all the kitchen cabinets, appliances, and countertops that face one wall in your kitchen. To calculate your kitchen’s frontage, simply measure the width of all your kitchen cabinets, appliances, and countertops and add them together.
When measuring for frontage, make sure to include any overhangs or moldings that extend beyond the edge of the cabinets or appliances.
14. Kitchen Lighting: Practical and Aesthetic
There are many kitchen lighting options to choose from, and the best option depends on the kitchen’s layout, size, and atmosphere. For example, track lighting is a great option for a small kitchen with a modern design. Pendant lights are perfect for a kitchen island or breakfast nook. Recessed lights can help to create a more evenly lit space.
15. Kitchen Flooring: Pick Your Perfect Material
When choosing a floor for your kitchen, keep in mind the following considerations:
- The amount of traffic in your kitchen: If you have a lot of foot traffic, you’ll need a floor that can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
- Your kitchen’s style: Choose a floor that will complement the overall style of your kitchen.
- Your budget: Flooring can be expensive, so be sure to set a budget before you start shopping.
- Your kitchen’s lighting: The lighting in your kitchen will affect the way your floor looks.
16. Kitchen Design Considerations for Electrical and Ventilation
When planning the electrical layout for a kitchen, it is important to consider the location of all appliances, as well as any additional lighting that may be desired. Refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers all require access to a power outlet, so it is important to make sure that they are placed in an easily accessible location.
Placing outlets near the edge of counters can help to reduce clutter and make it easier to keep countertops clean.
Ventilation is also an important consideration in kitchen design. Many homeowners choose to install range hoods to help ventilate the space and remove cooking odors and fumes. However, range hoods must be properly vented to the outdoors in order to be effective, so it is important to consult with a professional before installation.
Many kitchen designs now incorporate air vents that allow air to flow freely between the kitchen and other rooms in the house. This helps to reduce cooking odors and keeps the kitchen more comfortable.
17. How To Keep Your Kitchen Design Safe
There are a few key things to keep in mind when designing your kitchen to help ensure that it is as safe as possible.
Make sure to create clear paths through the kitchen so that there are no potential trip hazards. Choose durable and heat-resistant materials for countertops and backsplashes to prevent fires or burns. Consider installing additional lighting to help prevent accidents in the kitchen. Choose non-slip flooring and countertops to prevent accidents. Lastly, install proper ventilation to prevent kitchen fumes from building up.
Design And Build Your Incredible Kitchen With Brucksch & Sons Contracting
Brucksch & Sons Contracting is the company you can trust to design and build your incredible kitchen. We have a team of experienced professionals, including a kitchen designer, who will work with you from kitchen design to completion in order to ensure your dream kitchen becomes a reality.
Fill out our contact form today and one of our representatives will be in touch soon!