How to Design Your Own Kitchen

Designing your own kitchen ensures that the lay out and look of the kitchen suits you and your budget not that of the showroom salesman/designer. Simple tips to help you avoid the pit falls when are ready for that new dream kitchen.

Steps

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    Consider the limitations on space and budget.[1] When you are ready for a new kitchen or your first kitchen, it is important that you look at what you want to use the kitchen space for as part of your overall living space.[2]
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    Ask yourself what you want to do in the kitchen.[3] Do you need a seating area? Will the kitchen double as an office? Does it need to be kid friendly? Will you entertain guests in the kitchen? Do you do a lot of cooking/baking? How much time will you be spending in the kitchen? All these things and more will need to be considered when planning the layout of the kitchen.[4]
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    Lay out your ideas. You can draw out your design or use a virtual room planner.[5] Ikea, Armstrong, Merillat, Kraftmaid, and many other companies have online programs in which you can play around with different kitchen styles.[6]
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    Plan around the elements you can't change. Make sure your kitchen design works around existing doors, windows, light fixtures, utility outlets/inlets etc.
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    Consider lighting when you design your kitchen. Use natural light, task lights and overhead lights to create the look and feel you want for your kitchen.[7]
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    Decide about walls, floors and ceilings. You can design your kitchen to fit with your existing floor covering, ceiling finish and wall colors, or you can change them.[8] If you have wall tiles, these can be incorporated, changed or removed. You'll probably need some form of splash back behind the sink, unless you have an island sink.
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    Build or install the kitchen or have someone do it for you. Several companies renovate or build kitchens for low prices. Consider doing this yourself if you are on a tight budget.
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Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    How do I design my own kitchen layout?
    MacKenzie Cain
    MacKenzie Cain
    Interior Designer & LEED Green Associate
    MacKenzie Cain is an Interior Designer and a LEED-certified Green Associate for Habitar Design based in Chicago, Illinois. She has over seven years of experience in interior design and architectural design. She received a BA in Interior Design from Purdue University in 2013 and received her LEED Green Associate certification from the Green Building Certification Institute in 2013.
    MacKenzie Cain
    MacKenzie Cain
    Interior Designer & LEED Green Associate
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    With the internet and social media, we really have access to endless amounts of information. You can source examples of new designs and material information from many places. If you need guidance and inspiration, you can find thousands of homes, design and construction firms, and even materials and fixtures online. Simply search for kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, etc. and create an idea book for your own home. You can use these methods to hone in on your desired aesthetic as well.
  • Question
    What should you consider when designing a kitchen?
    MacKenzie Cain
    MacKenzie Cain
    Interior Designer & LEED Green Associate
    MacKenzie Cain is an Interior Designer and a LEED-certified Green Associate for Habitar Design based in Chicago, Illinois. She has over seven years of experience in interior design and architectural design. She received a BA in Interior Design from Purdue University in 2013 and received her LEED Green Associate certification from the Green Building Certification Institute in 2013.
    MacKenzie Cain
    MacKenzie Cain
    Interior Designer & LEED Green Associate
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Think about how you want to use the kitchen and what you like to do. The layout of your kitchen and what you decide to incorporate should facilitate the lifestyle you want to life. Additionally, take into consideration your space limitations, as well as your budget.
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Warnings

  • Do not attempt to alter any electrical wiring or gas connections unless you are qualified to do so. These are jobs for professionals and in some cases you could break local planning regulations.
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  • Beware of companies advertising massive discounts if you sign up immediately as often the the published price is artificially inflated for a short period to satisfy consumer trading standards.
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  • Before you alter the sink waste make sure that the waste water is connected to the correct waste system.
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References

  1. ↑ MacKenzie Cain. Home Design Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 April 2020.
  2. ↑ https://anitayokota.com/how-to-plan-a-kitchen-remodel/
  3. ↑ MacKenzie Cain. Home Design Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 April 2020.
  4. ↑ https://www.snaidero-usa.com/modern-design-blog/15-questions-you-should-ask-yourself-starting-kitchen-design-project
  5. ↑ MacKenzie Cain. Home Design Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 April 2020.
  6. ↑ https://freshome.com/10-best-free-online-virtual-room-programs-and-tools/
  7. ↑ https://www.idealhome.co.uk/kitchen/kitchen-advice/how-to-plan-a-kitchen-182308
  8. ↑ https://houseandhome.com/video/kitchen-design-tips-how-to-pick-paint-for-walls-cabinets-ceilings/

About This Article

MacKenzie Cain
Co-authored by:
MacKenzie Cain
Interior Designer & LEED Green Associate
This article was co-authored by MacKenzie Cain. MacKenzie Cain is an Interior Designer and a LEED-certified Green Associate for Habitar Design based in Chicago, Illinois. She has over seven years of experience in interior design and architectural design. She received a BA in Interior Design from Purdue University in 2013 and received her LEED Green Associate certification from the Green Building Certification Institute in 2013. This article has been viewed 35,641 times.
9 votes - 67%
Co-authors: 12
Updated: May 10, 2021
Views: 35,641
Categories: Kitchen Remodel and Renovation
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