In The Design Studio: 5 Considerations for Kitchen Design

ANNA GIBSON

This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact her at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and check out her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook; and Twitter.

No matter the type of home you have, if you’re planning a kitchen redesign or remodel, the following items will need to be considered.

Before you get to color and the infusion of “style,” pay attention to the budget and the bones, the layout and your lifestyle —  and don’t forget to consult an industry professional or two along the way!

Budget-example-finalBudget – Complete kitchen remodel budgets vary between 6 and 10 percent of your home’s value. The current market dictates about a 10- percent return on a kitchen renovation at the time of sale. When deciding between saving and splurging, pay attention to the items that will add the most value to your home and your life. Efficient appliances and durable

materials are worthy investments. Reserve 10 percent of the budget for unexpected challenges, like electrical mishaps.

HOW TO CONTROL YOUR REMODELING BUDGET 

pipes in wallCondition & Age – With older homes, you can expect to confront electrical or plumbing concerns as you remodel, particularly if adding new appliances and lighting. With layout changes, pipes may need to be moved, while sub-floors or joists may need to be fixed prior to new flooring and cabinets being installed. Don’t skimp on the bones of your kitchen! Taking care of the structure first will insure whatever changes you make outlast your time in the home.

Homeowner Lifestyle – Designing a kitchen today means considering its location in the house and its prominence in your life. Kitchens are no longer hidden behind walls, but part of our overall living space. Pay attention to how the space connects to all adjoining rooms: dining room, family room, mud room, etc.

Also, take note of how often you cook, what you cook, whether you need a place for homework or paying bills, and your affinity for entertaining. All those should be taken under consideration when planning our new kitchen from layout to cabinet accessories

Layout/Size –  In kitchens, size dictates layout. In a small kitchen, every kitchen open to family roominch counts, which is why the working with custom cabinetry that allow us to use every knock and cranny works better.

In larger kitchens, the challenge is creating several work triangles. No one wants to bypass a large island just to get to the fridge; having more than one work triangle will lessen the traveling from one spot to the other.

work-triangle-by-case-via-kishani-perera-blog

Industry Regulations – Even if you are planning a DIY, reaching out to the professionals — such as the NKBA —  can keep you apprised of design resources and experts in the area.

Building or renovating a kitchen is one of the most significant investments homeowners make. Just as a CPA is tested for their industry competency, certified kitchen designers are held to rigorous and relevant standards; their knowledge can be a vital resource.

Spending time planning, researching, and budgeting can make a huge difference in the success of your kitchen design. Once you’ve considered the above five areas, you’ll be able to move on to the more stylized and interesting pieces of kitchen remodeling. You’ll also feel comfortable and safe in your kitchen knowing the hard questions were asked.

We are Proud to announce that we are the winner of this year Virginia Living Magazine Best kitchen design firm in the NoVA area. We been working hard to create wonderful designs, tastefully done with long lasting relationships with our customers.    FINAL LOGO_green

Got a design question? Email us at [email protected] or tweet @designqueenie and will post it on our next blog!

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