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Kitchen Designer: Six Things to Consider Before Designing Your Kitchen The kitchen is not only the "heart" of a home, but because of the amount of money it can cost to create one, it is easily the most expensive room in a home. Whether you are designing a kitchen for a new home or remodeling an existing space, there are a number of things to consider before you begin the process. Following these steps can help make your experience more pleasant and your investment more rewarding. First, how do you really plan to use your new kitchen? Typical kitchen designs permit for the basic needs to be met, but do consider the uniqueness of a particular family. Will your kitchen be the main gathering area for home prepared family meals as well as homework and conversation, or will it be a brief stopping point to grab a quick cup of coffee or heat up take out? The way you answer this question will dictate a number of things such as the amount of storage space you need, the types of appliances to consider, as well as the configuration of available seating in the space.

2. Next, consider the type of foods your family eats and how they are prepared. Some families can benefit from an indoor grill for truly healthy cooking year round regardless of weather; others will really appreciate a 6-burner stovetop, convenient for those who make many sauces and pastas; while still others may not ever use anything but a microwave or convection oven for home made fast food. Consider what is most important to your family and identify and invest in those cooking appliances first.

3. Consider the types of food and beverages you want specific storage for and plan accordingly. Appliance manufacturers today are providing the widest ranges yet for specialized storage-from an exceptional variety of wine coolers to large stainless-steel refrigerators that can be a focal point, to those that nearly disappear into the design of a kitchen. Appliances can be designed as drawers to store fruits and vegetables close to the prep area or with French-style doors to permit storage of extra large party platters. What you want to store and in what area of the kitchen will help you and your designer identify the most appropriate options for your kitchen.

4. The type of dishwasher most well suited to you depends on a number of things, including the types of dishes you wash and if you run the dishwasher often. Consider if having two dishwashers might be beneficial to you, space permitting. Some homeowners who entertain frequently may like to have one smaller, gentle-cycle dishwasher for china or crystal with a second main dishwasher for everyday dishes and pans. If you use your dishwasher frequently, consider carefully the options that are energy efficient, have a delay timer, a sanitizing wash cycle (great for families with young children) and that have interior racks that can be reconfigured to hold items of various sizes. If you don't often run your dishwasher, consider those styles that offer a half-load button, all considerations which will result in saving you water and money.

5. Consider the longevity of your kitchen-as the most expensive room in a home, you are not likely to redesign or redecorate it very often, and trends change frequently. Always consider function first and select items you can enjoy but that fit with the style of your home and create good value. New appliances have many options and accessories that do not cost a lot, but add a great deal of function and value to a kitchen. There are very good appliances available that can give the average homeowner and cook a professional look and great reliability without breaking the budget.

6. Lastly, and perhaps most important, only work with a specialist when designing your kitchen. Doing so can help ensure that you kitchen will bring you years of enjoyment. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) provides listings of Certified Kitchen Designers (CKD) for every state. In working with a CKD, you will be working with an individual who is specifically trained to consider the complexities and intricacies of kitchen design. From making appliance selections and cabinetry that fit seamlessly together to the most efficient placement and selection of lighting, your CKD is capable of designing the most customized and functional, kitchen for you and can make the entire process, not just the finished result, enjoyable and rewarding!

About the Author

As president of Bath & Kitchen Creations, Inc., in Dulles, VA, Bob Clements has worked as an entrepreneurial leader in the remodeling industry during a career spanning more than 30 years in business. He is a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) and Certified Remodeler (CR), and his company has received numerous local and national awards for excellence in design and construction. He can be reached at 703/996-8600, e-mail: info@BathAndKitchenCreations.com, or web site: www.bathandkitchencreations.com

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