Maxine from Colorado Springs asks:

Can you give me a bit of insight into the kitchen design process?

Maxine, happy to! Kitchens are the heart of your Colorado springs home. This is where you gather for food, friendship and family. Whether you live in Colorado Springs or nearby communities, your kitchen must fit your needs. If your current kitchen does not quite live up to this, it is time to rethink your kitchen design. Maybe you need a full kitchen remodeling project. Read on to learn how to get started.

Preparing for a Kitchen Remodel

If you have decided to move forward with a renovation project, you should take a few practical things into consideration first. The primary thing to do before starting a remodel is deal with finances. You will want to price out your kitchen design and renovation. If you are working with Kitchen Concepts, you should provide your desired budget to your designer. This is beneficial for both you and your designer as it allows the designer to create your new kitchen at or around your budget. Some clients choose to get a loan or take advantage of Kitchen Concepts’ zero percent financing to support their renovation.

Beyond money, you need to make sure the timing works. You will have to clear out your kitchen in order for work to be done. This takes time to prepare, and you will need to come up with accommodations for food while the kitchen is under construction. Have these details finalized in advance in order to streamline the renovation process.

The Importance of Design

A lot of families want a new kitchen, but most do not fully know what that even means. It is one thing to know what does not work in your kitchen. It is entirely another to know what will work. This is where design comes into play. If you are going to invest your time and money into a kitchen remodel in the Colorado Springs area, then you need to start with quality design. In the end, all parts of your kitchen have to come together for a functional redesign that meets your unique needs. The right designer will know exactly how to layout your new kitchen keeping all your appliances triangulated and giving you the exact space between cabinets as walking space while taking careful thought into the interior features of each individual cabinet.

Kitchen Layout

This is probably the hardest part of any kitchen remodel. When you design a kitchen, you have to look at the room as a blank slate. This can be hard with existing cabinets and appliances already in place. However, in some cases, the placement of these cabinets and appliances may be the root of a lot of your problems. Your kitchen does not have to be large to support different layouts. Your Kitchen Concepts designer will think especially carefully in order to come up with the perfect layout.

Start by thinking about where your appliances will go. You need to have space between appliances in order to streamline functionality. In other words, you should have counter space next to your refrigerator and stove in order to facilitate food preparation. There should be room to open your dishwasher and your oven at the same time. Make sure that you can use the refrigerator without running into someone working at the sink. These logistical concerns can make your kitchen that much more functional, and they must be decided upon in the early stages of your planning.

Finishes and Flourishes

This is where most people tend to get excited during the design process. Once you select your layout, you get to start choosing other design elements. You will want to go to Kitchen Concepts’ design center at 812 S. Tejon Street in Colorado Springs, Colorado. There, you will be able to select the brand of cabinet for your kitchen, type of cabinet door style that you want along with other finishes and box construction. Also important, the hardware you decide on which has a huge impact on the overall look. Kitchen Concepts will be able to guide you through this process to make sure your selections work seamlessly together.

Modern Upgrades

Once you have the big stuff out of the way, you should think about the semi-luxury items you want. If your design has to be on a tight budget, you may not get to have a lot of luxuries. However, it might be worth your time and money to consider one or two little upgrades. For example, modern cabinets can provide new functionality. Many lower cabinets can be built with slide out drawers for better storage and easier access as well as spice racks. This can be especially useful in corner cabinets. If you cannot afford these perks in all your cabinets, maybe pick the most important ones to upgrade instead.

You can also look into advanced sink technology. These sinks have innovative spaces for cutting, washing and more. Other modern upgrades you might want to think about include in cabinet and under cabinet lighting, smart appliances, electrical access and more.

A Superior Design Process

This is a lot to think about, which is why many people are quickly overwhelmed at the prospect. It can be hard to visualize what everything will look like when it is done. It is one thing to walk through a showroom and pick out appliances. It is entirely another to imagine how these items will look in your completed space. That is why it is so important to have expert support in the design process.

Kitchen Concepts’ design process starts with experienced designers, and it is enhanced by our 20/20 design software (the latest design technology). This application allows us to do what other designers cannot do. The 20/20 technology creates multiple 3-D renderings that allows you to look at your kitchen from all angles, add bar stools, draw in your exact backsplash, etc. This not only gives you a sense of style but a sense of scale. You can better envision moving around the space to see how the design changes will impact your daily life. With this revolutionary technology, you will have a lot more confidence in your design choices.

Start Building Your New Kitchen Today

A new kitchen is not a small decision. However, it is an exciting one. If you are ready to make that step for your Denver or Colorado Springs home, then contact Kitchen Concepts today. Our design team is standing by to help you make your dream kitchen a reality! We have offices in Denver (720.725.0000) and Colorado Springs (719.330.5474).