Big-picture questions to ask yourself when designing a new kitchen

A new kitchen design calls for a lot of thought, even before deciding exactly which brass kitchen faucets you prefer or how much pantry space you want to dedicate to your extensive wine collection. In fact, even a small-scale renovation should be done with the proper care and thought – especially since the kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in the house. During the very beginning stages of redesigning a kitchen, you’ll need to make some broad decisions in order to create a room that fits the needs of you and your family. Take a look at these big-picture questions to ask yourself as you’re redesigning your kitchen:

How much space do I really need?
The kitchen is often the hub of the house, where family members spend a large bulk of their time cooking, eating and simply hanging out. For that reason, when homeowners renovate their spaces, they often plan on tearing down walls and making the room larger than it used to be. You know best how much space you and your family will need, but there’s a lot to be said for keeping the kitchen relatively small and not biting off more than you can chew. Realistically, a smaller kitchen will mean a much less expensive remodel overall, along with a more easily maintained space in the long term. To that end, you may want to consider keeping the kitchen’s size fairly small, and adding, say, extra storage or a family breakfast nook you’ll get a lot of use out of.

“Kitchen remodeling is trending toward more classic designs.”

What’s more important: Practicality or style?
Before you even begin to decide between stainless steel kitchen sinks and cabinet hardware styles, you’ll need to decide what you prioritize more: practicality or style. According to Consumer Reports, kitchen remodeling is trending toward more classic designs that don’t feature over-the-top fixtures and features, but instead simply have the basic necessities of whoever’s using them. That means large appliances and commercial-quality ranges are being replaced with options that are a little less expensive and a bit more practical. However, there’s a marked difference between the aesthetic of natural stone countertops and laminate, for example. Many people prefer opting for style and elegance even at a higher price tag. In the end, that decision is up to you (and your budget).

Am I designing a kid-friendly kitchen?
If you have kids, or are planning on having them in the future, safety and accessibility should be an important part of your design. Everything from the flooring to the cabinetry can be chosen for their safety and durability. The more durable options will likely be a better investment in the long run, when you consider the wear and tear kids can cause. You should also consider things like putting the microwave in an accessible spot for older kids and designing secure storage for sharp knives or small, dangerous appliances.

Does my design add resale value?
Kitchen remodels are notoriously expensive. But if you’re planning on selling your house in the future, there are design decisions you can make that will add resale value to your house and help you recoup some of the costs. The key here is avoiding anything that’s overly trendy and opting instead for classic and timeless designs, materials and finishes. If you aren’t worried about adding value to your home, feel free to create a space that’s as personalized as you’d like. But if you’d prefer getting a return on your investment, try to avoid any features that are too customized, like purple counters or a miniature kid-sized breakfast bar. These will detract value as future owners may have to remodel.

Does the layout make sense?
The overall layout is key to creating an effective work space and easy flow. There are two common layout styles: the work triangle and a zoned concept. Both are good options, but zoned kitchen layouts are becoming more popular in recent years because they make it easier for multiple people to use the space at once. There are some key layout decisions you should make after choosing between the two styles, though. For one, you’ll want to make sure you have enough counter space, particularly next to the stove, microwave, oven and sink. These “landing spaces” are the most used areas in the kitchen. You’ll also want to pay close attention to how much storage you’re planning – remember that you can never have too much.

Is my design reasonable for my budget?
Your budget is, of course, one of the main considerations you should make for a new kitchen design. Remember that the larger the room, the more you’ll have to pay