Getting Started
When creating a kitchen, you first must decide:
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What styles appeal to you
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What items you must have
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How much you want to spend
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When you want it to be done
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What size and shape
you prefer
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Every kitchen has the same basic design elements:
- Cabinets
- Appliances
- Countertops
- Flooring
- Sinks and faucets
- Walls, ceilings, windows, moldings and other architectural details
A designer can give your kitchen a unique look—and the best use of space—by helping you find the right mix of styles, materials, and colors.
Starting points include:
- The architectural style of your home—by making your home’s interior reflect its exterior, you bring continuity to the whole structure.
- Your needs—perhaps you want space to cook big family meals, you’re an at-home gourmet, or you have special accessibility concerns.
Your cabinets’ door style and color will have the most impact on your new kitchen’s palette by making the strongest visual statement.
Appliances also deserve top billing. Which ones you select and where you put them will determine how cook-friendly your layout is.
Next you’ll want to choose complementary countertops, flooring, plumbing fixtures, and architectural details. Don’t try to get everything to match exactly. You can best give your kitchen a personal feel by making sure everything coordinates but still keeps its own character.
It’s hard to be patient while you’re waiting for your new kitchen to be installed. Make other arrangements for your meals and protect your belongings in rooms near the work area.
When it’s all done, celebrate with a party or special family meal. |
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