By Eileen Barna
So, it’s finally time to remodel your old, outdated kitchen, but you don’t know where to start. Here’s a checklist for designing the perfect kitchen that will make both the cook and the rest of the family happy:
- A Zone for Everyone: You will want to design the kitchen with the needs of the entire family in mind. First, you will need a functional area for cooking with the refrigerator, sink, and cooktop in close proximity, maybe even one of those new “workstation” sinks that everyone loves for prepping. The other zones you would have, depending on space, are a clean-up zone, a study/work zone, a breakfast/coffee bar zone, and an eating zone.
- Adequate Storage: Ample storage is crucial in a kitchen. Think about each of the items you currently have and how you would like to store them in your new kitchen, i.e. – Tupperware, drink bottles, pots and pans, etc. There are some unique new solutions for these difficult items. Also, customized walk-in pantries and butler’s pantries are a great way to increase the size of storage in your kitchen.
- Quality Appliances: Consider the needs of the cook, such as a large steam oven or double oven for baking enthusiasts, a powerful six-burner range with griddle for avid cooks, or a spacious 48” refrigerator for a growing family. Popular lately are plumbed-in coffee makers and many are asking for a spot on the countertop for an air fryer.
- Adequate Lighting: Proper lighting is essential in a kitchen. Incorporate a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a well-lit and functional space. Consider under-cabinet lighting for food prep areas and punchy pendant lights over an island or dining table for added ambiance and style.
- Personal Touches: Lastly, add personal touches to make the kitchen a welcoming and unique space. A great piece of art on the wall, a fantastic light fixture, fun bar stools, an eye-catching natural island stone top, or a unique patterned backsplash tile are great ways to really make your kitchen something special.
By considering the needs of the cook as well as the rest of the family, you can design a kitchen that is both functional and enjoyable for everyone. Remember to work with a qualified professional like TrueLeaf Kitchens if you want to ensure the best results. You can view local projects on their website at trueleafkitchens.com, call for an appointment at 908-766-2006 or visit their showroom at 134 S. Finley Ave. in downtown Basking Ridge.
