Guidelines for kitchen planning
from the National Kitchen And Bath Association

So, you've decided to remodel your kitchen.

From inspiration to sensation as quoted from the NKBA.

Creating your dream kitchen starts with proper planning.

Nothing could be more important, than the steps you take to plan your project.

From the right way to select a professional or hire a contractor, or choosing to do it yourself, to selecting the design and type of cabinets you're going to use.

Planning, Planning, Planning, is the key to success.

The kitchen is the busiest room in the house. From prepping foods, to dining, doing homework, or balancing a checkbook, the kitchen is clearly the center of activity in a home. However, the kitchen can also be the most dangerous room in the home.

If you think about it, you realize just how complicated it can be. The alteration of any room can be overwhelming, even to an experienced person. There are so many questions to be answered. Besides all the logistical questions, and local building codes that must be met, there's all those decisions regarding color, hardware, appliances, electrical, plumbing fixtures, countertops, and the overall style of the new room, just to name a few.

With so much to think about, the hiring of a professional to organize and coordinate this project should be considered. That's where the NKBA comes in. A ( CKD ) Certified Kitchen Designer is someone who understands the complexities involved to produce a beautiful, functional and safe kitchen.

Before you even consult a professional, you should write down some basic lifestyle facts. This can greatly reduce guesswork by first evaluating your needs, and hence save you alot of time and money. Simple facts like, who uses your kitchen? How often do you cook? Do you entertain often? What appliances do you use most? Is it set for family gatherings, or the private domain of a gourmet chef? All of these answers will affect the size, layout and type of equipment you will need for your kitchen.

When making your evaluation, first consider your normal cooking habits. For instance, does your family share in meal preparation, or do you do it all yourself? If so, you might need two sinks and additional counter space for chopping to maximize food preparation areas. Will children be active in and around the kitchen? If so, you will need easy to clean surfaces and might want to consider a desk or counter space for doing homework. If you entertain, or cook often for a lot of guests, you might want to consider two ovens

and a larger refrigerator. Do you recycle? You'll need separate storage space to separate items.

According to the NKBA, there are five major categories to consider when planning your kitchen.

1-Traffic and work Flow

2-Cabinets and storage

3-Appliance placement

4-Counter surface and Landing space

5-Room, Appliance and equipment controls

All these variables mentioned, as well as many others will affect the layout of your kitchen. By selecting an NKBA professional, they can guide you properly, and help in the selection process. Especially with all the advances in materials, appliances and design, the process can be overwhelming. Your decision making process becomes much easier once you've related your needs to your lifestyle. By providing and looking at these needs with a professional, you'll present a clear picture of what works best for you and your family, and be off to great start.