Light is the key to creating the illusion of space. A brighter room can be achieved with artificial and natural light as well as light colours - all of these will help to visually open the room.
Artificial light comes in a number of forms: halogen track lighting, florescent cove and task lighting, and traditional incandescent fixtures. Most kitchens can benefit from a combination of all these types. In fact, trying to light a specific area such as a countertop with task lighting can be far more efficient than illuminating the entire kitchen.
To increase the amount of natural light you have basically three choices: add a window, enlarge an existing window or install a skylight. Before installing or enlarging a window, consider the direction the window faces and the view. The investment in natural light renovations can pay off for years with decreased lighting costs as well as visual interest.
Pale colours on walls and cabinets open up small spaces. As a good rule of thumb, cabinets should be darker than the walls so that the cabinets seem less prominent. Another option is to use glass doors to create a sense of airiness. Glass doors usually work best on upper shelves that store dishes and collectibles. Putting glass doors on shelves that hold cereal boxes, soup cans, etc., may create a sense of clutter.
New appliances
Stainless steel certainly looks good in magazines but in reality this finish tends to show fingerprints and smudges. Stainless steel may be fine for the stove but think of how often your family opens and closes a refrigerator door. Test out the products in the showroom.
Dishwashers
Prices range from approximately $450-$900 (CDN). Compare the energy and water usage before you buy. Ask about noise levels. If the salesperson cannot answer your questions about noise, most appliance manufacturers have websites.
Stoves
There are two basic choices in stoves: coil or flat elements. The latter have smooth surfaces that are easier to clean, however, the convenience is reflected in the price, which typically starts at $850. Coil element stoves have undergone a facelift in the last several years. You can buy some models with 'lift-tops' that allow you to lift up the entire top surface of the stove to clean the grease catchers underneath. It's a bit of a task to lift it up but it does simplify cleaning. Coil element stoves start at approximately $550. Because a stove has few moving parts, this is one purchase that should stand the test of time.
Refrigerators
This is likely to be your most expensive appliance purchase. Among the growing list of options you'll find side by side or up and down doors, icemakers, fruit vs. vegetable crisper settings and innovative shelf designs. Consider which options you are likely to use and those that are not cost-effective. Also don't forget which way the fridge door should open in your kitchen!
Compare the energy consumption ratings on appliances - all manufacturers are required to provide this information to Canadian consumers. The ratings will indicate the amount of energy consumed each year with normal use.
Design for the future
Kitchens and bathrooms are high-function areas. When designing your new kitchen consider the possibility that someday you or someone in your family may not be able-bodied. Also, if you decide to sell your home, you may find "barrier-free" designs are a selling point. Barrier-free designs do not have to be radical or unattractive.
Although there are numerous adjustments you could implement to make a kitchen wheelchair accessible, the following are the basics: the main kitchen area should be wide enough to allow a wheelchair room to turn around (approximately 1.6m or 60"). Doorways should be at least 82cm (32") wide. Do not build steps into the kitchen. High countertops can be a significant problem for someone in a wheelchair. When renovating a kitchen, it can be a simple matter of choosing slightly lower countertops - ideally 81cm (32").
Countertops: Solid surface vs. laminate
Laminate has the advantage of being initially less expensive than most solid surface materials. However, when you consider that solid surface countertops will never need to be replaced the price seems more reasonable. They are repairable except in the most extreme cases of damage. The materials used in solid countertops are typically marble, granite or wood.
A solid surface countertop also allows you to attach a sink below the counter surface eliminating the need for a raised up sink edge - a source of aggravation for many of us since it collects dirt.
Efficiency
Consider your ideal kitchen set-up. Which appliances would you want in close proximity? Where do you want your sink in relation to the dishwasher or shelves? Before you renovate take a second look at how you use your kitchen space. Today there are countless options for saving space and effort.
Look for revolving or pull out shelves for easy access, mounts to hold microwaves and save counter space, and wall racks to hold pots. For a sleek modern design, consider drawer cabinets. These cabinets appear narrow on the surface but roll out to reveal deep storage space. When closed, the cabinet doors are flat against the wall.
As with any great undertaking, the first step is a plan. Hopefully, the previous tips have given you some useful information as you undertake your new kitchen designs. From here, look through magazines and visit showrooms for ideas. Note the colours and products you like. Next, consider how you and your family use the existing kitchen. All of these steps will impact your final design. Now you're ready to get down to the drawing board and start bringing your ideal kitchen to life! [Return to Homeowners Guide]
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