When you design the perfect kitchen, there are specific criteria that should be considered.

It may seem like an overwhelming task, but with a little advanced planning, you will create the kitchen that you have envisioned. Whether you are remodeling an existing kitchen or building one from scratch, there are some general rules to follow.

Let’s take a look at several key points on how to design the perfect kitchen:

Budget

The first thing you need to take into consideration, is your overall budget. How much can you afford to spend on this project? Be sure you include a cushion for unexpected, additional expenses.

Next, ask yourself how much you are willing to spend on each element. Do you want to allot more funds to your cabinetry or possibly splurge for a more expensive countertop? Are you planning to include high-end appliances? Are you adding hardwood flooring or tile? That will also need to be factored into your final cost.

Space/Layout

Take a good look at your kitchen and see how the layout is working for you. Do you find it cumbersome to prepare meals with your current configuration? Do you have a need for extra seating, such as an island or peninsula?

This article suggests looking at the placement of windows and doors to see how they affect the efficiency of the kitchen. Another factor that should be taken into consideration is the relation of the kitchen to the other rooms in the house. Is it easily accessible or do you need to open it up by knocking out a wall or removing a doorway?

Once the current kitchen’s strong and weak points are defined, then necessary adjustments can be made to accommodate your needs.

Style

Determine what style you want your kitchen to be. Are you leaning more towards a minimalistic, modern feel or do you prefer a rustic farmhouse look? What color scheme do you like? Do you prefer light or dark cabinets?

You should also ask yourself how well it will flow with the rest of the house. You want to avoid having two polar opposite styles that are next to one another. For instance, you don’t want to have a sleek, modern living room next to a country kitchen.

Lighting

One thing you may not put much thought into, is the lighting in your kitchen. When you are preparing meals, you don’t want to do it in a dimly lit area.

It is always recommended to place lights over work areas. Look at the placement of windows and existing light fixtures. How does the kitchen look at night, after the sun goes down? You may want to install can lights over your work spaces and pendant lights over your peninsula or island, to brighten things up.

Storage

You want to be sure that you have ample storage in your kitchen. Proper cabinet placement is key. You can also add convenient features, such as a Lazy Susan and pull out trays in your bottom cabinets.

If space allows, you may be able to incorporate a pantry into your design. This is always a great option for storing dry goods and countertop appliances that you don’t use every day.

Conclusion

Now that you have an idea of the essential elements of designing the perfect kitchen, it’s time to get the ball rolling.

It is always best to consult with an professional designer when creating a new space in your home. They will be able to guide you on the right track to making your kitchen everything you dreamed of. They may have some ideas to suggest that you hadn’t previously thought about. This is a very exciting time and you should enjoy the entire process.

For further reading, check out: The Kitchen Triangle – Why You Need To Design Around It and Handy Tips For Remodeling Your Kitchen.