Step 1: Smart planning is the first key step in developing a successful kitchen.
An effective plan promotes increased organization and efficiency. After my initial meeting with a client, I get to work developing layout options that meet their goals and desires. Here, I follow my redesign and renovation process for a client’s kitchen.
BEFORE PHOTOS:
Space Challenges:
Insufficient work, storage, clean-up, cooking and refrigeration space
Circulation congestion
No focal point
Inadequate narrow center island
Client Desires:
Upgrade appliances, including a larger refrigerator and range
Update finishes
Maintain a breakfast bar that faces adjacent family room
Make it more suitable for two cooks and entertaining
Coordinate finishes with existing family room and bar cabinetry
With this kitchen, the challenge was to provide the clients’ wishes while maintaining the basic footprint. It is actually small relative to the size of the house it serves. I set out to maximize the space. After receiving comments on the preliminary sketches, a basic floor plan was developed. Elevations were then produced. Finally, to help the client visualize the design concept, I rendered the floor plan and a few key elevations.
My Suggestions:
Create a focal point on the wall facing the family room
Develop efficient work zones
Connect the kitchen circulation to the family room on two sides
Open the visual connection between kitchen and family room
Eliminate obtrusive, inefficient walk-in pantry
Create visual interest through planar variation, contrasting finishes and lighting
Upgrade cabinet and finish style and details
Refinish existing cabinets and trim in family room and bar
The client’s ability to make decisive choices led to minimal changes while developing the layout and helped expedite the design process.
Next step… design documents and contractor selection.
