Kitchens
Probably the busiest room in the house, a kitchen can serve a multitude of functions these days: cooking, eating, entertaining, and family gathering place.
1. Remodel by the work triangle.
Designers have been using the kitchen work triangle to create efficient kitchens for many decades. The work triangle refers to the arrangement of the three basic work areas: the refrigerator, sink, and stove. You don't want these to be too far apart or you will spend a good deal of time running back and forth.
2. Consolidate kitchen contents with a pantry.
Walk-in pantries have become very popular as they allow a homeowner to quickly take in the kitchen's contents without having to search through the cupboards. If you're tight on space a pull-out pantry can be installed into areas as small as a few inches wide. A kitchen pantry is a great way to keep the kitchen traffic localized to one area, so that you can cook without interruption.
3. Don't waste space.
Install cabinets that go all the way up to the ceiling add baskets and shelving inside to maximize storage space. Add a hanging rack for pots and pans to free up some cabinet space.
4. Let appliances do some of the dirty work.
A dishwasher with a third rack can cut down on the number of times you have to load that dishwasher. Self-cleaning ovens are everywhere today. If you are in the market for energy efficient appliances, consider a dishwasher or even a refrigerator with the Energy Star rating.
5. Create areas for your kids.
A couple of stools at the kitchen counter create an easy, informal place for kids to eat. Also, consider keeping your kids' snacks and beverages on lower shelves where they can easily access them.
Most everyone knows that kitchens have the best return on investment for remodeling projects. However, many homeowners get caught up thinking about granite counters, solid wood cabinets, and hardwood flooring trends and forget to consider how a kitchen lives, its flow, and whether or not it is energy efficient. Don't overlook these simple solutions to when choosing your kitchen remodel.