Fitted Kitchen

If you are thinking of a kitchen remodel, deciding on the type of kitchen is uppermost. The trend in modern homes is to install a fitted kitchen, or one with elements built in to the exact size of the space involved and to the arrangement desired by the individual. Other styles of kitchens can be rather eclectic, with non-kitchen or free-standing items of furniture incorporated to do basic kitchen functions, and can be very expressive of personality. This allows for using antique pie safes, free-standing cupboards, hutches and such.

The advantages of designing built-in cupboards, work surfaces, appliances, eating and seating areas are that you can tailor them to your family’s needs as well as choose units that reflect your preference in colors, materials, decor style. The disadvantage is that if your needs change – for instance if you have more children or if granny comes to live with you – it may require another remodel. In the kitchen with free-standing items, replacement or rearrangement is possible. Another factor to consider is if you move to another home, your built-in kitchen stays where it is and the free-standing items can come with you.

In making your decision, also think about the size of your kitchen and how much will fit into it, your budget, and structural details. How many small appliances do you have and how will you store them? Where should the refrigerator be located for best accessibility in food preparation and cooking? What major appliances are needed and in what sizes? Where are the doors, windows, plumbing outlets, electrical outlets? Are you willing to relocate any of these? How much storage do you need for packaged and canned food items, and should it be below or above counters – or in another room?

Because the kitchen truly is the heart of the home, review your family’s habits to consider aisle width and arrangements needed. For instance, do family members congregate in the kitchen every day or have company frequently? Do your children do their homework there? Do you eat meals in the kitchen? Do you have a gourmet cook who uses lots of specialty items? How many cooks are in the family, and what do they like to prepare? What about family pets? Do you like to display cherished items in non-standard venues rather than behind closed doors?

Planning on graph paper or on a computer-aided drawing program is valuable once you have figured out some of your basic preferences and needs. Determine if your arrangement is going to be efficient, easy to use and save you steps. Lastly, because of its importance, consider how your new kitchen will contribute to the future resale value of your home.

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