Questions to Ask Yourself...

Why do you need a new kitchen?

• Are you planning on reselling the property?
• Have your needs for the kitchen expanded or reduced?
• Or do you simply want to update the space?

What do you like about your current kitchen?

• Is there sufficient storage?
• Does the layout work well?
• Is there enough space for all your appliances?
• Does the color scheme suit the property?

What do you dislike about your current kitchen?

• Is there enough room between cupboards to easily move around, even with more than one person in the space?
• Are any cupboards difficult to access?
• Do the finishes on the cupboards and counter tops look dated?
• Are special storage conveniences lacking?

What is your preference for the "look" and " feel" of your new kitchen?

• Do you want to create a warm, inviting place?
• Do you want your kitchen to be the hub of activity in the house?
• Do you want a neutral, minimalist kitchen?
• Do you want a vibrantly exotic kitchen, full of color?

What are your storage needs?

• Do you prefer a pantry, rather than only cupboards, in which to store food?
• Do you have a lot of crockery? Pots and pans? Glassware? Kitchen appliances to hide away?
• If you're in an apartment, does your kitchen space need to double as the laundry? Do you need space to store a washing machine, dryer, towels and linen?

Do you have any special items to be stored or displayed in the new kitchen?

• Do you want a spice cupboard, spice rack or open shelf for easy access?
• Do you have cookbooks you'd like to display on a shelf in the kitchen?
• Do you have particular pottery or stemware that you'd like displayed in the kitchen? Or rails to hold your wine and champagne glasses upside down?
• How would you like to store your chopping boards? Tea towels? General rubbish and recycling bins?
• Would you like to store/display wine bottles?

What fixed and portable kitchen appliances do you have, or will have? And how often will you use them?

• Fixed appliances include: refrigerator, freezer, sink, cook top, stove, exhaust, dishwasher, microwave
• Portable appliances include: espresso machine, toaster, kettle, sandwich press, blender, food processor, wok, ice-cream machine

Apart from cooking, what other activities will occur in the kitchen?

• Will the kitchen double as an informal dining space? Workspace with computer and/or phone connections? Homework center?
• Will you can garden produce?
• Need a separate baking preparation area?
  

Helpful Links


Basic Kitchen Layout Guidelines

Kitchen Design Checklist

Kitchen Layout Options

Consider Your Appliances

Recipe for a Kitchen

Back to Design Process