Kitchen Design: As Easy As Baking A Pie, Right?

By: Shad D. Johnsen, CKD

If baking a pie were as simple as a crust, filling, and topping then there would be no problems in the execution of a quality, problem free kitchen project; new construction or remodel. Unfortunately there are so many factors involved in the production of a kitchen project that too many problems can occur too often.

Lets take this time to just consider some of the basics that can keep a kitchen plan out of hot water. This primary filling of ingredients includes layout, texture, and color.

First, a well though out plan is basically a requisite. If decisions are not made in advance when modifications are easy, then they will have to be made later under pressure when changes are more difficult and expensive. There is not a builder around who would build a home without a set of architectural plans. That is simply asking for disaster.

A detailed kitchen plan/design should be no different. Virtually all of the project details should be spelled out prior to ordering materials or lifting a hammer. Properly planning out a kitchen project will include floor plan(s), elevation views, perspectives, material and color selection, mechanical plans (electrical and plumbing plan), and a specifications legend as a minimum. There are many other detailed design extras that can be added.

Layout is the foundation of a good plan. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) was started forty years ago to provide industry standards and a measuring tool for professionals and the public alike. They have compiled a list of forty guidelines for kitchen design to assist just with the basics of planning. They range anywhere from walkway clearances, to the work triangle, to lineal footage of countertop and cabinetry storage space. More information can be found at their website National Kitchen & Bath Association.

Add to these basics the contemporary changes of two cook kitchens, specialty needs, and technological advancements, and the ingredients become much more complicated.

To simplify the needs of a basic layout, I review the needs and lifestyle of a client. The kitchen layout is then customized to their needs. Some of the basics I always follow are: 1. Always keep the walkways at least 36 wide. 2. Include sufficient landing space next to each of the major appliances that are included in the work triangle, i.e. Sink, refrigerator, and cooking surface. 3. Safety is always a large concern. This can include the location of the microwave, countertop heights, and contrasting colors of touching materials.

Add to the layout the integration of texture into the plan. This can be anything from the actual surface texture of materials, to the pattern in which they are arranged. For instance: In a room where the walls are not square, it would not be a good idea to lay a square pattern material, such as tile, parallel to the walls. This would emphasize the out of square walls. Perhaps flooring laid on a diagonal would change that perception.

Too much texture or pattern can be too busy. This can make it difficult to relax in the kitchen. On the other hand, too little texture can be too mundane, which would not keep the interest of the homeowner and guest alike.

Color, although the least priority of the three primary kitchen design basics, is the most easily noticed, and most appreciated. Color does not influence much in the way of functionality or safety. However, by providing comfortably contrasting colors of materials, the safety for visual purposes is addressed. In other words, keep the colors from the flooring to the cabinetry, and the cabinetry to the countertops to be contrasting enough that it is easy to see the where one surface ends and the other begins. This is especially important for those with poor eyesight, and at nighttime. Stubbing of toes, dropping dishes by missing countertops, and other results may occur by not following these principles.

When selecting your colors, always compile a color palette from as many actual product samples as possible. This will increase the chance that you will be satisfied with the final product. I have had many clients feel confident the their flooring is a certain shade of taupe, only to find out that it is more orange, or yellow than they thought. In a case such as this most clients will end up changing the original material that the rest of the project was designed around, in order for the colors to coordinate. And after investing money into new quality materials, the first to go is usually the old.

A professional designer will take the time needed to acquire information on your likes, dislikes, habits, and desires. This information will then be combined with industry standards, building codes, and available advancements in design to recommend techniques and ideas for a fully functional kitchen.

Now that our pie has been prepared to cook, it is my prerogative to throw a couple other considerations on top of every project that I work on. These include a reasonable investment, quality products and materials, and designing with a theme in mind.

Proper investment in a kitchen, in my view, is the most important financial consideration in the home. I do not take that lightly, when you consider that the national average percentage of the home that is invested into the kitchen is about 10% in new construction, and 15% in a remodel. On a $250,000.00 home that $25,000.00 (new construction) or $37,500.00 (remodel) should be evaluated carefully.

There is a lot of pressure in the market to put much more money into the appliances than the home would merit. Take the chart shown here courtesy of Womens Day Specials Kitchens & Baths for the average midrange kitchen remodel costs. On appliances, they show the national average at 12% of the overall project costs spent on appliances. For our example of a $37,500.00 project, that would be $4,500 to appliances. Many homeowners are leaning toward the stainless steel industrial style home appliances as a default. Many of the ranges run $2,500.00 to $4,000.00, not to mention the cost of the refrigerator running $1,000.00 to $2,000.00. Most of the time these two appliances will eat up the budget for the average project. We havent even addressed the dishwasher, microwave, and sometimes compactor.

Some clients say that they will die in the home being worked on, so they do not care how much they spend on the project. That may be the case, but lifes circumstances always suggest that a plan B is realistic. It is unfortunate to have a client spend $60,000.00 on a kitchen remodel in a $250,000.00 home only to really get $25,125.00 average return on their investment. Womens Day Specials Kitchens & Baths notes that the average payback on the average midrange kitchen remodel is 67%. With this amount of money on the line, a professional kitchen designer will take the initiative to bring under or over investment concerns to the attention of the homeowner.

Not much should need to be said about quality products and materials. However, many times, clients are sold on the looks of the appliances, and the old clich Dont judge a book by its cover should always be considered. By utilizing the input from an independent kitchen designer, a homeowner is more likely to get non-biased direction and opinions for an objective decision. Many of the fancy features will rarely be used or needed by the homeowner.

Finally, designing around the theme of the homeowners choice will keep the flow of style and taste consistent in the home. This information should also be obtained during the initial design survey. The overall feel, materials, color choices, textures, features, etc. can all be influenced significantly by the theme of the project.

The kitchen market is influenced by so many variables, and so many players are bringing new concepts and products to the market. It is very difficult to keep a handle on as a designer, let alone a homeowner who may only do one or two kitchen projects in their lifetime.

Many clients will come to me with a sentimental assortment of clippings and photos of ideas for their kitchen project. With so many wonderful features that can be included, usually a client will need to prioritize their needs and wants to achieve their top five or so. This puts the project into a more realistic perspective.

If you utilize a professional designer and stick to the basic ingredients, with a dash of practicality and a pinch of dreams and your kitchen project can turn out as good as your grandmas famous pie.