Follow the Creation of a Dream Kitchen (1st of 4)

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.