You’ve been dreaming about updating your kitchen but you don’t know where to begin. There are many different design elements that can change the overall look and feel to the heart of your home.

You may be surprised that some of the improvements are simple and very cost effective. If your budget allows, you can also incorporate larger projects, such as reconfiguring the entire space.

Creating a better kitchen may not only be from a cosmetic standpoint. A more efficient layout may be just what you are looking for.

Let’s take a deeper look at the various ways you can create a better kitchen for your home:

1. Plan High Traffic Areas

Position your oven and stove top out of the high traffic areas in the kitchen. If you have young children, you want to avoid cooking accidents where pots of hot food could get knocked over, causing burns.

If possible, avoid placing food preparation areas in high traffic areas as well.

2. Walkways

You want to give some thought to the space between your table, peninsula or island and the walkway. This article recommends that kitchen walkways be at least 36 inches wide.

The preferred walkway measurement for the cooking area is 42 inches, if there is one cook in the kitchen. If you have two people that generally cook at the same time, 48 inches is the preferred path measurement.

3. Work Triangle

Follow the guidelines for the work triangle for the most efficiency in your kitchen.

This configuration consists of your sink, stove/oven and refrigerator. The placement of these three items should be in a triangular formation.

4. Lighting

Natural light is always the best source of light. It not only brightens up the room but it makes it feel more spacious and uplifting to the mood.

Try to create as much natural light as possible by changing out window treatments to ones that allow more light to come into the room. If budget allows, consider adding a window or sliding door, or possibly increasing the size of the existing windows.

In addition to natural light, adding can lights over work spaces is also another way to bring brightness to the space. Updating existing fixtures will also improve the appearance of your kitchen.

5. Seating

You want to have ample seating for your immediate family, as well as guests if you plan on entertaining. This can be accomplished by adding an island or peninsula, where you can place bar stools or additional chairs. The bonus is, you will also get extra counter and cabinet space with this feature.

If space allows, consider getting a larger table and chairs for the dining area. You can always get a table with a removable or collapsible leaf, if you only need a larger table on special occasions.

6. Cabinetry

Adding new cabinets is always a great way to spruce up a kitchen. You can work with a designer to get a completely updated look that will flow with the rest of the kitchen. Adding crown molding and unique handles will give your new cabinets even more detail and originality.

Conclusion

Take the above suggestions into consideration when planning your kitchen remodel. You may only want or need to choose several ideas that are mentioned, or you could take the plunge and start the entire process from bare bones. The choice is up to you.

It is always best to speak with a professional and experienced designer who can answer any questions that may arise. They will be familiar with your exact space, as well as your budget. Together, you can work as a team to create the kitchen of your dreams.

For further reading on how to improve your kitchen, check out: 4 Questions To Ask Your Designer and Try These Tips When Designing Your Kitchen Lighting.