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KITCHEN DESIGN TIPS
Trust Our Design Experts For Your Upcoming Project
When you are set to begin a kitchen design project in the Long Island area, reach out to our design experts at LPS Kitchen Cabinets. We have years of experience handling kitchen design projects of every scope and will make sure you get something that not only looks great but is functional for your entire family. However, before you get started with the kitchen design planning guide, take the time to think about what you want and how you want your new kitchen to function. This can seem daunting, but don’t worry. We’ve put together this handy list of tips and things to think about to get you started.
How to Design a Kitchen You’ll Love
Consider Your Family’s Routine
When starting your kitchen design, think about your family’s routine and how you will typically use your space. For instance, plan to store breakfast foods and bowls by the breakfast table, keep clear plastic wrap and plastic containers in the same area as leftovers, and store dishes near the dishwasher to make putting away dishes easier.
Make Sure There’s Enough Space for Walking
Create kitchen walkway space based on the number of people you will have in your kitchen normally. If you have a bigger family and you all eat breakfast and dinner together, you should create wider than normal walkways. At LPS Kitchen Cabinets, we typically suggest that you have pathways that are at least 36 inches wide (42 inches wide for a cooking area).
Give Your Kitchen Proper Flow
A good rule of thumb is to keep the stove and cooktop away from heavy traffic areas. This will help children stay away from potentially dangerous stovetops. Having multiple paths to the refrigerator is a great idea as well, so those looking for a quick snack won’t interfere with someone who is cooking.
Consider Corner Clearance
When you are deciding where to place cabinetry and appliances, pay attention to corners. Make kitchen cabinets and appliance doors fully functional by placing them away from corners where they can bang and get damaged.
Think of Microwave Height
If you’re adding a microwave to your kitchen, it’s important to put it in a spot that can be accessed by the entire family. If you have children, put it at a height they can access to warm up their food. Having a microwave at a lower height can also help if you have a family member in a wheelchair or if you’re designing a kitchen that will allow you to age in place.
Importance of Countertops
Make sure that the countertops you choose make your space more functional. If you enjoy cooking, get countertops with more space. If you have children, consider adding countertops of multiple heights so they can help with meal prep as well. Our team at LPS Kitchen Cabinets will be happy to assist with any of these design needs and more.
Consider Kitchen Storage Space, Organization & More
The Ever-Important Island
Continuing with our theme of functionality, an island should be a functional space where you can prepare meals, eat, and spend quality time with your family. An island can also be where you place a sink, dishwasher, drawers for storage, and more.
Arranging the Range
We suggest storing cooking utensils, oils, and spices around the range to make cooking a breeze. Putting a shelf beside or behind the range is a great idea, and S-hooks on the side of the range hood can be used to hang pots and pans that you typically cook with.
Put Other Items Within Reach
If there are other utensils or ingredients that you frequently use, it’s a good idea to place them in an easy-to-reach area. If you have children, it is especially important to consider this for items that you are comfortable with them handling such as plastic dishes or healthy snacks.
Know Where to Store Knives
Kids and knives don’t mix, so place knives and other sharp kitchenware out of the reach of children. You can hang knives on a magnetic strip tacked to the backsplash or simply far enough back on a countertop where they are not easily accessible.
Have Space by Appliances
There’s nothing worse than going to use an appliance and having no room to operate it. Whether you’re opening a can, making coffee/tea, or using the toaster, it’s important to have enough space to operate the appliance with ease.
Get a Pot Filler
If you’re sick of filling pots of water at the sink and carefully carrying them to the stove, a pot filler is the answer. This is a swing-out tap that will fill pots right by the stove. Extra-long hoses on the sink are also an option to fill up pots. At LPS Kitchen Cabinets, we can help you determine which of these options makes the most sense for you.
Make Recycling a Breeze
Keep a separate bin where recyclable items can be placed. You can even separate items by glass, plastic, and metal to make this more efficient.
Don’t Forget the Little Kitchen Design Details
Have a Message Board
A message board is a small detail you can add to your kitchen to create a little fun for the whole family. Whether it’s a bulletin board, a chalkboard, or even a whiteboard, it can be a great space to set reminders for upcoming events at school, birthdays, and more. It can also be a space for your children to show off their creative and artistic side without using your walls or cabinets as their canvas.
Break Up Cabinetry Blocks
Don’t have your entire kitchen covered in traditional cabinets. The kitchen experts at LPS Kitchen Cabinets can add interesting details such as glass doors with display shelving, liquor and wine storage, and more!
Save on Cleaning Time
Small decisions made during the kitchen design process can save you from extra cleaning time in the future. Try glass refrigerator shelves, flush-set or undermount sinks, matte finishes, and more.
Consider Electrical Outlets
It’s important to have plenty of electrical outlets in the kitchen for coffee makers, toasters, blenders and other appliances. Placing electrical outlets in areas where you store appliances will make things much easier when you’re in a rush or need to use multiple appliances at once.
Find a Focal Point
Choosing a focal point will give your kitchen a more distinct look and make a bold statement. Consider splashy backsplash tile, distinct flooring, custom kitchen cabinets, or patterned countertops to grab the eye of all who enter your kitchen.
Light Colors Can Make a Big Difference
Light colors can give the illusion of a bigger space. If you have a smaller kitchen area, use soft shades on kitchen cabinets to “expand” the room. Natural light will also give the illusion of a bigger space.
Double Up on Kitchen Appliances
If you have a big family that is constantly using appliances, consider adding bonus appliances to your kitchen like an extra microwave or a hidden mini fridge that holds your favorite drinks.
No matter what questions you may have about your kitchen design, the team at LPS Kitchen Cabinets is standing by to assist in creating your dream kitchen. Contact us today to get started!
Visit Our New Kitchen Cabinet And Bathroom Vanity Showroom Located On Route 110
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LPS KITCHEN AND BATH
Visit Our New Kitchen Cabinet And Bathroom Vanity Showroom Located On Route 110