Good kitchen design features logical workflow between the stove, sink and refrigerator.

Printable Lists: Kitchen Remodel Essentials

Guide to Kitchen Remodel Costs

Kitchen Remodel Costs: Countertops

Kitchen Remodel Costs: Floors

Kitchen Remodel Costs: Cabinets

Kitchen Facts:

• The key to any kitchen is the way the sink, stove and refrigerator flow together.

• Kitchen size is only as important as it relates to use.

• Good work flow, lighting and storage are the key components to good kitchen design.
  

Lighting:

• The three types of lighting are: general lighting, task lighting and accent or ambient lighting.

• The goal is to balance general and task lighting in a way that illuminates the room without creating harsh shadows, and use accents to set mood and tone.
  

Storage:

• The three basic principles to follow related to storage are:
  1. Put unused space to work ( e.g., use a wall-mounted utensil rod or lazy Susan.)

  2. Mis en place--"Everything in its place" (e.g., proper containers for proper storage.)

  3. Store according to frequency of use (e.g., seasonal and specialty items should be kept out of the way; everything else should be easy to reach.)
     

Remodeling:

• Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects, delivering an average return on investment of 70%.

• The four material costs are cabinets, counters, appliances and floors.

• Designers charge anywhere from $50-$150+ per hour, and sometimes take a percentage of your budget.

• In-store designers are paid by retailers.
  

Cabinets:

• Cabinets are the foundation of the kitchen, giving it shape and helping to determine the overall style.

• The three basic cabinet types are stock, semi-custom and custom.

• Stock cabinets are manufactured in bulk in a variety of standard sizes and colors. They’re a good basic choice and available in almost every home improvement store.

• Semi-custom cabinets use better quality materials, are available in a much wider variety and styles, are made to order and fit more precisely than stock cabinets.

• Custom cabinets are generally made onsite by a carpenter to exact specifications, made from the highest quality materials in many styles and cost more than stock or semi-custom cabinets.
  

Budgeting Your Kitchen Remodel:

• A good rule of thumb for kitchen remodel budgeting is to allocate:
  
  • 40-50% of your budget for cabinets
    
  • 20-30% for appliances
    
  • 20-25% for countertops
    
  • 10-15% for flooring
    
  • 5-15% for lighting.
    

Outdoor Kitchens:

• With features such as gas grills, pizza ovens, prep sinks, refrigerators, and even dishwashers, outdoor kitchens rival their sheltered counterparts.

• A good, basic setup might include a 17,000 BTU grill, an under-counter refrigerator and cabinets. For a mostly do-it-yourself installation, the total cost can be about $2000.

• A high-end setup—with 25,000 BTU grill with rotisserie and side burners, prep sink, dishwasher, custom island and electrical/plumbing work—can cost upwards of $17,000.
  

Resources:

Website:

Kitchens.com

Books:

Terence Conran Kitchens: The Hub of the Home
by Sir Terence Conran

Universal Kitchen and Bathroom Planning: Design That Adapts to People
by Mary Jo Peterson

Kitchens that Work: The Practical Guide to Creating a Great Kitchen
by Martin Edic and Richard Edic

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