by: Jodi Leedy
Are you planning on purchasing new kitchen cabinets? Whether for a newly
constructed home or for a remodeling project, consider one important
factor, your kitchen is the heart of your home! It is not just a place
to dine; it is also the main gathering place for family and friends and
a place for entertaining. This is particularly true with today’s popular
open floor plans and great room designs. Because your kitchen plays such
an important part of your home there are a few things to consider in
your planning process.
1) Kind in mind future buyers
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| Even if you are currently building
your dream home, it is possible that someday you will have a
need to sell your home. Or, if you are remodeling your existing
home to make it more comfortable for you and your family, you
may still find the need to sell it someday. Because of this,
even if you aren’t ready to sell your home today you should
always ponder what potential buyers would think of your kitchen
cabinet selection and layout because opinions of your kitchen
can drastically either increase or decrease your selling price.
A practical kitchen layout is typically everyone’s goal, but
cabinet styles and finishes are more of a personal choice. Are
you attracted to traditional styles or more modern styles? |
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Do you like kitchen cabinets with distinct wood
grain or ones with nearly no grain? Whichever you personally prefer
always keep future buyers in mind as it can play an important part in
your bottom line.
2) The Work Triangle
All homeowners seek a functional workspace in the kitchen. In planning
your kitchen layout it is important to consider the distance between
your sink, stove and refrigerator in relationship to each other.
Connecting these three workstations from their center points should
create an invisible “work triangle.” According to the National Kitchen
and Bath Association the sum of the three distances should be no more
than 26 feet, with no single side of the triangle being less than four
feet or more than nine feet. There are a couple things to consider with
planning a well-designed work triangle; watch out for any triangle legs
that may intersect an obstacle like an island, and make sure that no
major traffic patterns cross through the work triangle. Proper planning
of your “work triangle,” taking all obstacles and limitations into
review, will help create a functional workspace that will be both
practical for you and your future buyers.
3) Kitchen cabinet storage is key
When designing your dream kitchen it is key to consider your storage
space, along with ample countertop space. Kitchen cabinet layout
services are available to help you maximize your space and create the
best flow of cabinetry. The first place to look for extra storage space
is your corners. In small, tight kitchens a blind corner cabinet can be
used to get the most use out of the corner. However, to get the most
efficient use of the corner space a lazy Susan corner cabinet or easy
reach cabinet should be used. These cabinet options maximize the corner
space while allowing easy entry to it contents. Or try adding rollout
trays in your base kitchen cabinets to help access your pots and pans,
or in your pantries in order to reach cans and dry goods more easily.
Another suggestion would be to include a 24” deep bridge cabinet in your
kitchen cabinet layout above your refrigerator. Most people keep unused
or seasonal items above the refrigerator for the simple fact that they
can’t reach the cabinet. Therefore, consider a 24” deep refrigerator
cabinet for easier access.
4) Use kitchen cabinets to create islands or peninsulas
Kitchen cabinets can be configured to create center islands or
peninsulas. These cabinet configurations are very attractive to
homeowners with an open floor plan. Using kitchen cabinets this way
creates an area for a breakfast nook with the ability to pull up stools.
Kitchen cabinets used in this manner instantly increases seating space,
which is ideal since kitchens are typically gathering places. Islands
and peninsulas also create more storage space.
5) Bells and Whistles
Just like purchasing a new vehicle, there are upgrade options to
consider when purchasing your new kitchen cabinets. For example, what
type of drawers do you want in your base cabinets? Will the standard
particleboard drawer secured with glue and staples be sufficient? Or
would you prefer an all-wood drawer constructed with dove-tailed joints?
Or better yet, would you want the all-wood, dove-tailed drawer with
full-extension drawer glides that include a silent close feature? Other
construction upgrades can include all plywood construction, and custom
depth cabinets. Besides construction upgrades there are accessory
cabinets that provide you with some “bell and whistle” qualities that
can give your kitchen a custom and personalized look. Give consideration
to glass door cabinets for displaying your keepsakes or china
dinnerware, an appliance hutch for hiding small appliances on your
countertop, roll out trays for base cabinets, integrated waste baskets,
corner shelves, and wine racks. When selecting your bells and whistles
keep in mind both your budget and overall functionality and flow of your
kitchen for optimal results.
Remember, your kitchen is the heart of your home! Success in
constructing a timeless, comfortable space is creating a balance between
an efficient layout and design with your personal tastes, while keeping
with the end goal of adding value to your home.
About The Author
Jodi Leedy is the Internet Marketing Manager of Accent Building
Products, a leading direct distributor of Marsh Furniture kitchen and
bath cabinetry. Accent Building Products can be found online at:
http://www.accentbuildingproducts.com .
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