Three Keys to Preparing for a Successful New Home or Remodeling Project

I've recently been doing a number of remodeling projects in the last few weeks, and this article by Richard Taylor absolutely hits the nail on the head. Enjoy!

You have some sort of picture in your mind of how you want your house to look, to function, to feel. How do you communicate that to your Architect, and to the people who’ll be building the walls and installing the countertops? The key to success in a new home or remodeling project is making sure all parties – you, your Architect, and your contractor - all fully understand that picture in your mind. Here are a few ideas to help you make your vision crystal clear:

1) Collect and Organize

Whenever you come across something that appeals to you for your house, take a photo of it; tear the page out of the magazine; or print it from your computer. Even if the photo or drawing only has a tiny thing you like, get it on paper. (read more)

Three Keys to Preparing for a Successful New Home or Remodeling Project by Richard Taylor

Retro Remodeling

This website is a wonderful resource for those planning a "Mad Man Era" kitchen remodeling.

With no idea how to go about decorating the pink bathroom in the midcentury home she and her husband had bought in Lexington, Ky., Judi Forston typed “1959 Ranch” into Google. “I thought I’d find something architectural and scholarly about houses built in that era,” Ms. Forston said. Instead, she found retrorenovation.com.

Since Ms. Kueber started her Web site in 2007, it has become the epicenter of a small but devoted group of mid-century design enthusiasts, a go-to destination for homeowners who spurn the latest décor trends in favor of re-tiling their bathrooms in turquoise mosaics from the Eisenhower years or installing Dishmaster kitchen faucets whose bulky forms recall those of a late-model Studebaker. (read more)

Restoring the Retro House by Steven Kurutz

Tips for selecting proper seating for a kitchen island

Selecting proper seating for a kitchen island is an important aspect of any kitchen remodeling.

Kitchen island seating allows the cook to interact with their guests as they entertain. It also enables smaller homes and apartments to fit seating where they can’t fit a full dining room table. Depending on the amount of space you have and your entertaining style will dictate your seating for your island. Here are tips for how to choose seating that suites your kitchens needs. [ read more ]

How to Choose Seating for your Kitchen Island by Ronique Gibson

Secrets for Choosing the Right Range Hood for Your Kitchen

Selecting the right appliances - including a range hood - is an essential part of any kitchen remodeling project.

Your kitchen stove or range is an integral part of your kitchen. Most likely if you’re an avid cook you use it several times a day and for the novice cook a few time a week.  Regardless of the frequency, your range hood above your stove helps filter out smoke, grease, moisture and odor.  The decision on how to choose one for your cooking lifestyle and the style of your kitchen could be a hard decision.  Here are tips on how to choose the perfect range hood for your kitchen and for your family. [read more]

How to Choose the Perfect Range Hood for your Kitchen by Ronique Gibson

More Secrets of a Successful Kitchen Layout

Space planning is such an important part of any kitchen remodeling project. This is the continuation from a wonderful article by Ronique Gibson.

The way your kitchen is laid out will make a difference in how you enjoy and use the space.  If you find your current kitchen isn’t efficient, try to layout another option, it may not be difficult to alter your existing plan.  If you are in the process of moving, think of these tips when looking at kitchens.

Here are the pros and cons of each type of kitchen layout:

1. U Shape

• PROS: This plan offers three sides or walls for the work triangle to be efficient. The cook can maximize their time in the kitchen and won’t get distracted by traffic walking through the kitchen.
  
• CONS: Multiple people working in the kitchen at one time may be difficult.

L Shape

• PROS: This plan allows for more space saving because two of the work triangle functions are on the same wall. This plan is also easier to entertain from, since it is open up to the adjacent room on one side.
  
• CONS: Ample counter space room should be given in the crook of the L for maximum usage.  If not, the kitchen will work less efficiently due to less room to prepare and cook the food.

Galley Shape

• PROS: In this plan the walls are parallel with all of the work triangle functions. It is very efficient due to less area to travel and is ideal for space saving.
  
• CONS: This plan isn’t ideal for a lot of people in the kitchen because the traffic area is also the cook preparation area.  This plan can also be difficult to entertain from, unless one wall is open to an adjacent room with a seating bar for example.

How to Layout an Efficient Kitchen Floor Plan by Ronique Gibson

Secrets of a Successful Kitchen Layout

Space planning is such an important part of any kitchen remodeling project.

The kitchen is the space that most people like to entertain in and enjoy spending time with family.  The aesthetics are important, but the function of how your kitchen works is even more important.  The way your kitchen is laid out will make the difference in how quickly and efficiently you use the kitchen.  A poor layout can result in retracing your steps and spending more time in the kitchen can be a turn off to enjoying cooking.

• Layout work surfaces: A work surface, or countertop area should ideally be located between each of the work triangle areas.  Therefore, between the refrigerator and sink, and between the sink and stove/oven, a countertop area is ideal. In smaller kitchens, a work area in each space may not be possible due to space.  The more working areas you can provide yourself, the better. Consider using multifunctional work areas if space is an issue. For example a raised countertop adjacent to a dining area, can serve as a seated bar for eating as well as a preparation work surface for cooking.
• Kitchen islands: In large kitchens a kitchen island can cut down on excessive travel to each part of the work triangle.  Consider placing one or more of the work triangle functions at the island. Having a sink in the island will prevent you from walking from the refrigerator to another remote area constantly. Kitchen islands for a small kitchen can be on casters or wheels for temporary use.  An island can be used for storage below, and also serve as an additional work surface.  Consider using a movable kitchen island for convenience and roll out of the way when more people need to fit in the kitchen.

How to Layout an Efficient Kitchen Floor Plan by Ronique Gibson