KITCHEN

 

A big driving force in kitchen layout is your list of appliances and fixtures. Think about standard and specialty items:

• Will you have an oven with a range? Or do you want a separate cook top?

• Do you want gas, electric, induction?

• Do you want a range hood? Will the microwave provide ventilation over the stove? Or do you want a downdraft stove?

• Wall ovens? How many?

• Warming drawer

• ?Ice maker?Trash compactor?Fryer or smoker?

• Built-in coffee service?

• Standard dish washer or dish drawers?

• Built-in microwave or microwave drawer?

• Wine fridge?

• A pot filler?

• How many sinks and what type of faucets?

• Water filtration system?

• Garbage disposal?

• Chest freezer?

 

There are a lot of cabinet options. You’ll want to decide:

• Cabinet style, color, and finish.Special

• storage cabinets for spices, knives, or food.

• China cabinets or other display space.

• Pots and pans storage.

 

• Do you want an eat-in area or breakfast table?

• Do you want a separate pantry closet? Or will a pantry cabinet suit your needs?

• Will you have a bar area?

• Should you plan for wine and liquor storage or display space for glassware?

• Do you need space for a cookbook collection?

• You’ll need to choose materials and finishes for your counter top, flooring, and backsplash. Choose wall and trim paint colors.

• How many outlets do you want and where should you locate them?

• Plan the arrangement of your countertop appliances.

• Do you have live plants, herbs, or a kitchen garden?

• Do you need compost storage? If you don’t have an outdoor compost, consider a self-contained system that can fit inside a cabinet.

• Do you need a memo board?

• Does your kitchen host other uses such as a home office?

• Will you have a television in the kitchen? Where will it be located?