A kitchen can be a cozy and comfortable place, and can offer fun and togetherness for the whole family. Modern design offers a balance of color, texture and lighting, making the kitchen both functional and beautiful. To create this relaxing retreat, follow kitchen remodeling tips to have a practical and pleasant space. 

Plan ahead of time.

It is important to plan ahead to reach your goals. When you plan ahead, you can prepare for potential difficulties that may arise. Get organized and set short, medium, and long-term goals to help achieve your goals. Make decisions based on up-to-date information and evaluate the effectiveness of your plans. Planning ahead allows you to be more proactive and reduce stress along the way.

Before shopping for cabinets, ask yourself questions like: What is my goal for the space? How much can I spend? What can’t I live without? These questions will help ensure that you buy everything you want within your budget.

Plan with practicality in mind.

When planning your new layout, consider how and where you will use kitchen items. Organize your cupboards to store food and breakfast items close to the breakfast table. To make the process of storing leftovers easier, keep aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and containers close to a work surface. In addition, crockery and cutlery should be placed close to the dishwasher so that it is easier to load them. By making your kitchen more efficient and practical, you’ll also make it more enjoyable.

Have an inclusive kitchen.

To create a more inclusive kitchen, consider designing a floor plan that places the oven, drawers, and shelves at a low height that is accessible to all. Also, lowering the bench height and leaving enough room for walkways can make it easier for wheelchairs, strollers, or walkers to move. Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, founder of Respect Ability, a national nonprofit for the disabled, believes that “a home should be a place where everyone, regardless of ability, can be welcomed, respected and included.”

If your home wasn’t built that way from the start, take the opportunity to renovate to design a more accessible and inclusive kitchen.

Have technology in your favor.

Don’t be fooled by the value of new gadgets to take your kitchen to the next level. According to David Mason, owner of The Knobs Company, “Installing smart faucets and having a smart trash can are key to any modern kitchen being renovated.” He also suggests adding Alexa or other smart home consoles to your kitchen, as well as smart lighting. “Remodeled kitchens should be convenient for you,” he adds. Choosing the right technology can make your kitchen much more efficient.

Design wide walkways.

When planning your kitchen, it’s important to consider the placement of your refrigerator in relation to the stove, as well as the paths between them. Pathways between the two must be a minimum of 36 inches wide, while paths within the cooking zone must be 42 inches wide for a one-cook setting and 48 inches wide for a two-cook setting. Also, when planning, remember to adjust kitchen islands and peninsulas so that you have adequate space to move freely.

Don’t forget the clearance spaces.

When planning your kitchen renovation, it’s important to follow standard clearance dimensions for refrigerators, ovens, ranges, and sinks. Be sure to leave 15 inches of countertop space on each side of the stove and refrigerator. The sink should have 24 inches of counter space on one side and 18 inches on the other. It’s also important to have a landing space near the microwave, 15 inches above, to the side or below.

Think of a closed kitchen layout.

For those not ready to tear down walls, considering a pass-through window might be a viable alternative. Such a window can serve to separate the kitchen and dining room from the home’s entertaining environments, allowing light and air to pass through freely. Many homeowners are also using islands as offices, which need to be separated from other spaces. A pass-through window can be the ideal solution to keep these rooms separate, while still allowing them to have light and air.

Use benches wisely.

Those who cook frequently need more counter space between the stove and sink than those who cook less often or just prepare basic meals. Space allocation is not the only concern – height must also be taken into account. The use of two bench heights, even in a small space, makes cooking easier and allows children to participate in meal preparation. Staggered countertops can also help separate the stove and dining area if you want to cook and eat at a kitchen island.