The Do’s & Don’ts of a Kitchen Layout

The ideal kitchen design should be both beautiful and functional. Otherwise, it won’t serve your needs as well as you had hoped. It’s important to get the layout right in your kitchen remodel. Here, top remodeling company DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Lakes shares the kitchen layout do’s and don’ts every homeowner should remember.

Kitchen Layout Do’s

Incorporate adequate pathways. A poorly designed kitchen can feel cramped. If you enjoy cooking and prepping meals with family, this can be a problem. Not only that, a lack of space can make it difficult to access appliances such as the refrigerator. One way to ensure pathways are wide enough is by allowing at least four feet of space between countertops. If you have a small kitchen, 39 inches is the recommended amount of space between countertops, although it’s best to aim for more.

Arrange the range area. Be sure to store cooking essentials in the space adjacent to the range. Additionally, you can place a shelf beside or behind the range to store cooking oils, spices and utensils. Include extra-deep drawers for cookware near the range or under a cooktop for better access.

Utilize vertical storage. When it comes to your kitchen renovation, every bit of space counts in a small kitchen. Instead of adding more cabinets, consider convenient vertical wall storage. With storage walls, you can keep small appliances, baking accessories or extra dishware in one location. Open shelves or wall hooks are not only practical but can also elevate your kitchen aesthetic if stocked with the right items.

Kitchen Layout Don’ts

Order the wrong size. One of the most popular kitchen design mistakes is ordering the wrong size of cabinets and appliances. Whether it’s a dishwasher or an overhead cabinet, ordering the wrong size can reduce the functionality of your kitchen space. Make sure to measure the space properly and double-check the dimensions to ensure your appliances fit within your layout perfectly. You should also consider how you open appliances such as the refrigerator and oven to ensure the doors don’t interfere with traffic flow.

Forget about lighting. Lighting has a significant impact on your kitchen. If you don’t install the right light fixtures, you may end up prepping meals or cleaning up in the shadows. Pretty fixtures are aesthetically appealing but if they don’t provide the right amount of light, they are rendered useless. Pendant lights above a kitchen island are functional, while under-cabinet lighting and recessed lights are great for extra visibility.

Assume you need a new layout. The existing layout of your kitchen was planned that way for practical reasons. As such, you may only want to tweak the layout such as incorporating an open-plan concept or adding a kitchen island.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

As one of the area’s leading home remodel experts, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Lakes knows how to create a kitchen design that will meet your unique wants and needs. Call us today at (262) 500-3689 or fill out our online contact form to set up an appointment. We proudly serve homeowners in Kenosha, Racine, Burlington and Lake Geneva, as well as nearby areas.