Kitchen planning guide 2016

Contents 4

Getting Started

Jump-start your planning by learning how kitchens are created to suit different styles of use. Read about The Passionate Cook’s Kitchen, The Ultimate Entertainer’s Kitchen, The Busy Family’s Kitchen, and Small Kitchens.

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Kitchen Floor Plans

Check out six typical floor plans, along with suggested measurements to help your kitchen work smoothly.

15 Hiring the Right Pros

Learn about the design professionals who can bring your vision to life (including the right questions to ask both them and their references).

Kitchen Planning Guide

17 Thinking It Through

Analyze your existing space and how you use it. Imagine how you would like to use your kitchen in the future. Your designer will help you translate those thoughts into an effective kitchen plan.

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making it happen

Nab ideas for formulating your budget and learn a little bit about what to expect during construction.

20 Making It Yours

Get tips for choosing the right kitchen products to suit the way you cook, clean, and entertain.

20 Cabinetry 22 Islands 23 Ranges & Cooktops 24 ovens 25 range hoods 26 Refrigerators 27 Wine Chillers 28 Sinks 29 Faucets 30 Dishwashers 31 Countertops 33 Floors 34 Lighting & Technology 36 more inspiration 37 resources 2

Hold on to the goodness.

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This cook’s kitchen boasts professionalstyle appliances and a huge island for food prep and dining.

Getting S TARTED You’ve been dreaming about designing that new kitchen for years. But how do you get started?

This planning guide will help you think through what matters—beginning with how you cook and entertain. Explore some options, then talk to a design pro to work out the details. It’s all about you. Enjoy the process.

The Passionate C OOK’s kitchen Your goal? To create a kitchen that’s as efficient as it is elegant.

You want to indulge your passion for cooking in a customized space that works hard and looks great. So start with a cook-friendly layout that minimizes steps between the elements of the “work triangle” (the refrigerator, sink, and range or cooktop). Choose style-setting cabinets to store cookware, tools, and ingredients close to where they’ll be used. Add professional-style appliances for the features, power, and drama they bring. Install gorgeous countertops for food prep and presentation. Include at least one island with a sink for a second chef and space for anyone who wants Kitchen Planning Guide

to hang out while you cook. And don’t skimp on task lighting; it illuminates the food you’re working on—as well as all those beautiful surfaces.

EXPERT TIP Customize work zones with unique countertops. Wrap an island top with zinc. Light quartzite countertops from underneath. Give stone slabs handhewn edges for an artisan look.

chef friendly An overhead pot rack, open shelves, and a high-arc pullout faucet deliver restaurant-style efficiency (right).

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Keep It Cozy Designers agree: Clients want large-scale kitchens because they love to cook and entertain. Does that sound like you? If so, keep efficiency in mind as you dream, and realize you shouldn’t stretch a single work triangle to fit a 24-foot-long room. Instead, create multiple work zones that use a second sink and undercounter appliances (such as refrigerator drawers) to work for both you and your favorite sous chef. Other design tips?

Mix and match materials and/or features to define zones. Pair painted cabinets with a stained island base, for example, or choose different kinds of stone or quartz-surfacing for different areas. Use lights to guide traffic flow: Hang pendants above an island where guests linger over drinks, and install ambient lighting over eating areas. Add a dimmer switch to change the mood in an instant.

No more than five steps should be taken to complete a task. No one really wants a larger kitchen so they can work more. – Cheryl Hamilton-Gray, CKD, California

hard at work A handsome custom hood made of burnished metal, a powerful ventilation system, and a pot-filler faucet (top left) show that this kitchen belongs to a serious cook. sliding serenity In this kitchen’s range area, sliding marble panels reveal spices, then close to join the backsplash (above left). flexible work flow Multiple cooks find it easy to share a kitchen furnished with two islands, two sinks, professional-style

appliances (including a range, steam oven, and modular refrigerator), wide aisles, and plenty of granite-top work space (above right).

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This island’s contrasting finishes, marble countertop, and placement beneath a lighted pot rack make it a focal point.

The Ultimate E NTERTAINER’s kitchen Your goal? To create a gracious space for family gatherings and for comfortably interacting with guests.

Ever notice that guests and family members always gather in the kitchen? Make yours partyready with the right amenities to handle dinner, drinks, and socializing. Start with an open floor plan that keeps the kitchen at center stage and encourages people to move into adjoining living spaces. Include at least one large island—framed by wide aisles to ease traffic flow— for food prep, food presentation, and congregating guests. A generous countertop and comfy bar stools transform a practical island into priority seating.

Choose a quiet but powerful range hood and dishwasher (maybe even two) that won’t inhibit conversation. And if Kitchen Planning Guide

serving wine suits your style, add a wine refrigerator. Whether the model is freestanding or installed above or beneath the counter, it will simplify serving by keeping favorite bottles perfectly chilled and close at hand.

Expert tip Follow the dining room’s lead and hang a dressy light fixture—such as a crystal chandelier or a dramatically large pendant—above the island or breakfast nook.

host’s haven An open bar and pantry area gets its luxe look from silver-nickel and walnut construction (right); its practicality comes from a connection to both the kitchen and living areas.

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chilling out Large-scale entertaining calls for a side-by-side refrigerator and freezer that are integrated into gorgeous armoire-style custom cabinetry (below left). service with style An elegant butler’s pantry with a bar sink, refrigerator drawers, and an icemaker lets the host or caterer prepare drinks and appetizers outside the main work zone. Display shelving showcases collectibles (below right). party time Made of the same

dramatically patterned stone as the countertop, a deep rectangular prep sink can moonlight as an ice bucket for wine and soft drinks (bottom right).

Dressed for Success You love hosting, but you’d rather mingle than cook. So make your kitchen catering-friendly as well as fashion-forward. Keep workstations close to each other so everything is within arm’s reach for the chef. Choose a professional-style range or cooktop and large ovens, so the chef can finish food on site. Install a ventilation system that’s powerful enough to keep odors from clinging to the drapes—and your friends’ clothes. Provide long, deep counters for assembling ingredients and plating food. Choose a refrigerator that can accommodate large platters, and add a wine refrigerator outside the main work zone. Plan on two dishwashers—the quieter, the better—if you’ll be using your own china and glassware. But if you usually host huge crowds, consider skipping the second dishwasher and, instead, renting dishes, crystal, and flatware.

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I like to put a fullservice sink in the island so whoever is cooking can face everyone and still feel like he or she is part of the action. – Lois Kennedy, CKD, Virginia

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This family-friendly kitchen combines professionalstyle appliances with an island for casual dining, a cozy fireplace, and two comfy armchairs.

The Busy F AMILY’s kitchen Your goal? To design a stylish kitchen for food, family, and fun.

You need a stylish space that looks great while serving up meals, snacks, and gettogethers for family members with hectic schedules. How do you start? Opt for an open floor plan that ties the kitchen into cozy living spaces and lets you (or whoever is cooking) be part of the conversation while working. Consider including refrigerator drawers outside the work core so kids can grab snacks without getting in the way. Add a large island with comfortable seating to handle casual dining, homework, office work, and crafts. Devise multifunctional work zones that can switch gears at a moment’s notice— from arranging flowers to Kitchen Planning Guide

assembling pizzas. Set up dual prep areas that let the whole family share in the joy of cooking. Choose durable but dazzling surfaces of stone, quartz-surfacing, or stainless steel that stand up to heavy use. And include a nook or cabinet for posting notes, mail, menus, and a large calendar to synchronize everyone’s comings and goings.

Expert tip Store everything from cookware to canned goods and crayons with cabinet organizers that make the most of available space: pullout pantries, sliding shelves, tilt-out bins, drawer inserts, dish drawers with pegs, and more.

family time Bumping out a

wall 3 feet made it possible to add an inviting dining area to this kitchen’s open floor plan (above). Wrap-around cabinetry accommodates both display shelving and an integrated refrigerator-freezer steps from the island and butler’s pantry.

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secret weapon Why add a walk-in pantry to your dream kitchen? Because you’ll save time and stress by stocking up on food items and paper goods your family uses all the time. Base pantry size on what it takes to feed your family, and how many other items (small appliances, serving pieces, a recycling center) you want to hide behind closed doors. Sturdy, adjustable wood or wire shelves make it easier to configure the room to meet changing needs. Reduce clutter by using baskets, bins, and shelf risers to keep food containers organized and visible. Ease the chore of putting groceries away by including a countertop.

No room for a walk-in pantry? Supplement kitchen cabinets with one or more vertical pullout pantries that make it easy to see and access what you need.

There’s a real movement right now to design kitchens as living spaces where families can hang out and do more than cook, dine, and clean. – Designer Mick De Giulio, Chicago

parental guidance Seating for three at this 4×7-foot island (top) accommodates kids while their parents work on the opposite side near the island’s refrigerator drawers, the range, and the sink. quiet time A cozy desk area in a family kitchen offers dedicated space for menu planning, looking up recipes, and paying bills (above left). morning glory Make it easy for family members to serve themselves by setting up a breakfast zone (above center) with a coffeemaker and refrigerator drawers for milk, juice, yogurt, and fruit. fuss-free food Manage overlapping schedules

with a warming drawer that keeps food hot for mealtime stragglers (above right).

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Make the most of vertical space by taking cabinets to the ceiling and hanging wall-mount racks for utensils and spices.

Small K ITCHENS

Your kitchen may have limited square footage, but you still covet the cooking and entertaining capabilities that come with a much larger space. Just think creatively about how the room’s components can work harder to do your bidding.

You’re living in a petite apartment, a compact condo, or an older home with a pocket-size kitchen—but you want to host guests in style. What do you do?

Tear down or open up a wall, if possible, to blur the boundary between the kitchen and adjoining rooms so you can socialize while you cook and prepare meals. Think creatively about storage; even the slimmest cabinet or shortest shelf can help if it’s positioned in just the right place. (If all else fails, store seldomused kitchen gear or serving pieces in other rooms.) Choose small-but-powerful appliances: a four-burner pro-style range, an 18-inch-wide dishwasher; a 24-inchwide refrigerator—or refrigerator drawers Kitchen Planning Guide

that nestle under the counter. Realize that multifunctional appliances are worth their weight in stainless steel; a convectionsteam oven, for example, roasts, bakes, sautés, and revives leftovers within a single rectangular space. And enjoy the reality that it costs less to surface a small kitchen with marble, granite, or handmade tile because there are simply fewer square feet to cover. A little luxury can go a long, long way.

easy access Sturdy metal pullouts make full

use of blind cabinet corners, providing backfriendly storage (no crouching needed) for large cookware and mixing bowls (right).

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Kitchen Floor

PLANS Your dream kitchen will get its functionality from how you arrange the major appliances, cabinetry, and countertops. That’s because the placement of these components defines the paths you take from one workstation to another when cooking and serving a meal. Check out these typical floor plans to see if one suits your situation and cooking style.

SINGLE WALL

MW

R

TWO-WALL GALLeY

R

pantry

This simple, space-saving plan suits most smaller KITCHEN homes. Typically, the work “triangle” is more of a straight DW line (which works best with the sink between the range and refrigerator). It becomes a more effective triangle, though, if you put one of the work centers in an island.

A galley kitchen has two parallel walls housing the refrigerator, KITCHEN sink, and range or cooktop, which creates an efficient work triangle for DW a single cook. With enough space, an island can boost functionality; but it may impede work flow unless a sink or cooktop is part of the island design.

Expert Tip With an open floor plan, the island also serves as a buffer between the guests and the kitchen’s work core.

Expert Tip Choose light tones in woods, paint colors, and other surfaces to make a narrow kitchen feel larger.

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L-Shape An L-shape kitchen offers a cook-friendly work triangle created from long stretches of connected counter space and workstations placed on adjacent walls.

Countertops link the major appliances (refrigerator and range) and the sink, and offer plenty of work and landing space.

This floor plan also lets the cook interact with guests in adjoining spaces while

prepping and serving food or cleaning up. Adding an island accommodates a second cook, especially if you include an additional sink and widen the aisles so everyone can move easily.

R DW KITCHEN

Expert tip Adding an island will work best if your kitchen is at least 10×10 feet and open to another room.

U-Shape A U-shape kitchen offers the most cook-friendly O/ KITCHEN MW layout by putting one workstation on each R P wall—which means the cook is surrounded by continuous countertops and lots of storage. Adding a workstation to the island helps multiple cooks operate without getting in each other’s way.

ref dwrs

DW

Expert Tip Install lazy Susans or swing-out units in corner cabinets to ease access to storage.

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DW F R KITCHEN P

G-SHAPE The G-shape kitchen is really just a cook-friendly U-shape kitchen with a peninsula—which is usually designed to accommodate casual dining. Some cooks prefer to have the sink or cooktop facing the adjacent room.

Expert tip Preserve the view of the adjoining room (and avoid bumping your head) by not adding any upper cabinets above the peninsula.

OPEN FLOOR PLANS What do you

BBQ

MW

warming dwr

R coffee maker

TWO-ISLAND desk

KITCHEN DW BREAKFAST

Having two islands in a large kitchen enhances both the cooking process and the way you entertain. That’s because this arrangement lets you outfit one island as a primary workstation, while devoting the other island to casual dining and socializing—which keeps traffic out of the way of the cook. Adding a sink or cooktop to the “working” island helps multiple cooks function without getting in each other’s way.

Expert tip Choosing a different base finish and countertop for the second island emphasizes its standing as a center for socialization.

Kitchen Planning Guide

gain from a kitchen that’s open to adjoining rooms? As the host, you can monitor food without deserting your guests. And everyone gets to hang out in the same space without feeling crowded. But fewer walls also mean fewer wall cabinets.

Use deeper-than-usual base cabinets (27 inches vs. 24 inches) to hold more items in the same linear footage. Include sound-absorbing features in the kitchen to muffle noise: textured walls and ceilings, an upholstered banquette, and wood (rather than metal) cabinets. A powerful range hood with a remote fan will keep smoke and smells from interfering with good times. And realize that an open kitchen’s visual connection to the rest of the house really, really matters. Choose a cohesive palette and furniture-style cabinet details to create harmony with adjoining spaces.

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making floor plans functional No matter how much you love how your new kitchen looks, you won’t enjoy using it if doors bang into each other or you don’t have enough counter space. That’s why the National Kitchen & Bath Association [NKBA] provides space-planning guidelines to help create the best layout for your kitchen.

Here are some condensed guidelines; visit nkba.org for a complete list or discuss them with your architect/kitchen designer.

⊲ Doors, walkways, and work aisles. Entry doors should be at least 32 inches wide.

Entry doors should not interfere with each other or the safe use of appliances. Walkways (paths through a kitchen) should be at least 36 inches wide. Work aisles (where someone stands while working) should be at least 42 inches wide in a kitchen designed for one cook, and at least 48 inches wide in a kitchen designed for multiple cooks.

⊲ Work triangle. The distances between the three primary work centers (refrigerator, cooking surface, and sink—plus their work areas) should add up to no more than 26 feet.

Each leg of the triangle should measure 4 to 9 feet. The work triangle shouldn’t be crossed by any major traffic patterns.

⊲ Food prep work area. Include a section of countertop at least 30 inches in length next to a sink for a primary work area.

⊲ Cooking surface landing area and clearance. Include at least 12 inches of landing area on one side of a cooktop or range, and 15 inches on the other side.

Allow 24 inches of clearance between a cooktop or range and a noncombustible surface (such as a hood) above it.

⊲ Cooking surface safety. Avoid putting your cooktop or range beneath a working window. Window treatments above a cooking surface should not be made of flammable materials.

⊲ Oven landing area. Include at least 15 inches of landing space next to an oven—or above it.

⊲ Countertops. Include at least 158 linear inches (about 13 feet) of countertop—with at least 15 inches of clearance above it—to handle typical kitchen uses.

IN THE ZONE Designed for pizza-making,

this baking zone demonstrates the benefits of personalized kitchen features (above). New York designer John Starck lowered the marble countertop to make it easier to roll out dough. Pullout shelves (hiding behind a cabinet door) stow baking ingredients, while nearby drawers hold key utensils.

BEAUTIFUL EFFICIENCY Connecticut architectural designer Louise Brooks incorporated savvy storage solutions to keep this remodeled kitchen efficient as well as elegant (left). Paper towels are discreetly tucked into a built-in dispenser easily within reach of the island sink; directly beneath the towels is a pullout trash bin hidden behind a cabinet door.

⊲ Seating. Kitchen seating should provide at least 24 inches of width per person.

⊲ Lighting. In addition to general lighting, every work surface should be illuminated by appropriate task lighting.

Kitchen Planning Guide

FIND CERTIFIED KITCHEN DESIGNERS AT NKBA.ORG

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Hiring t he right pros

Gorgeous. Practical. Personal. These words describe that new kitchen you’ve been dreaming about for years. Chances are you’ll work with professionals to make that vision a reality. Here’s how you find them.

Start by evaluating the scope of your project. Are you designing a kitchen as part of a new house? Gutting your old kitchen to create a new one from scratch? Upgrading your existing kitchen by replacing cabinetry and countertops? Such projects (and there are many more variations) call for different types of expertise. Your dream kitchen may require one or more design pros to make it happen. Whichever pros you hire, expect them to supplement your vision with their thorough knowledge of design trends, construction techniques, building codes, costs, timelines, product options, and more.

You don’t have to do it on your own. These brief descriptions describe how industry pros can help.

to help you select colors, materials, and furnishings that mesh with your vision—and make your kitchen blend seamlessly into adjoining rooms.

Contractor/Builder Need someone

to manage the subcontractors and processes that will culminate in your dream kitchen? No one will know more about the day-to-day reality of your project than a contractor. Expect him or her to look at the plans, determine what needs to happen next, and help the team (including you) better understand costs and timelines. In other words, the builder is responsible for taking the plan from paper to the real world.

Making a List You don’t have to reinvent the wheel; start with a valued pro from a previous project that went well. That person likely works with experts who are equally committed to client satisfaction. But if you’re starting from scratch, ask people you trust for recommendations. Visit a home show or community home tour. Check out the list of designers on the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s website, nkba.org.

Interview multiple candidates, visit their job sites, and ask for references. And keep in mind: It’s not about the person who will charge you the least. It’s about whom you trust the most with your checkbook—and your vision.

Architect Planning a major remodeling or building project? You’ll likely need an architect, who is licensed by your state, to conceptualize the overall design and provide the information and construction drawings needed to obtain building permits. Expect your architect to be the big-picture coordinator, whether he or she is handling all design work or leading a team of professionals.

Kitchen Designer Creating a new kitchen from scratch? You may need a kitchen designer to fine-tune the basic blueprint with you in mind—using his or her knowledge of work zones, recommended allowances, cabinetry, appliances, and other key kitchen components. A certified kitchen designer, or CKD, must meet educational requirements outlined by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA).

Interior Designer Want your new

kitchen to showcase your personal style? You may need an interior designer

TEAM EFFORT Architect Michael Rouse, kitchen designer Nadia Subaran, and interior designer Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey—all based in the Washington, D.C., area—collaborated on this elegant redo. Rouse reworked existing spaces to put the kitchen and dining area on the same level.

Subaran upgraded a galley layout, and Cavin-Winfrey made sure the new area fit the home’s style.

Checking References How do you know which pro to hire if more than one interview goes well? Start with the most promising candidate and ask for client references. (Failure to provide them is a red flag.) Pick at least three names from the list; ask each reference questions similar to the ones listed here. If the answer to any of the questions is “no,” move on to the next pro’s name on your list.

Kitchen Planning Guide

• Was he responsive to your requests?

• Did she follow through with promised work?

• Did he deliver what you asked for?

• Did she make you feel like you were being heard?

• Did you feel like your job was important to him?

• Did the project run smoothly, on time, and on budget?

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What to Ask You may be tempted to hire the person with whom you feel the most comfortable.

And comfort level is key, especially when you’re hiring someone who will be in your home while work is underway. Increase your chances of good hires by asking candidates the right questions. ⊲ What are your qualifications? Did they graduate from a university or design school? Are they licensed? Do they have a certification from the NKBA? Are they a member of the American Society of Interior Designers [ASID]?

⊲ How long have you been in business?

Building or remodeling a kitchen is a complex, expensive process. You want to make sure you’re in expert, reliable hands.

⊲ How do you keep up with advancements in the industry? Does this pro attend kitchenand-bath trade shows to stay on top of design trends and new products? Subscribe to industry publications? Read interior design blogs?

⊲ Can you show me some of your recent projects? Look for someone who has handled kitchens of a similar scope and understands the design style you favor.

⊲ How much input will I have? You’re paying the bills, so the right answer is some variation of, “The more you tell me, the better job I can do in creating a kitchen that meets your needs.”

⊲ Can you work with my budget? Be honest about how much you think you can afford; without that information, a kitchen pro cannot do an informed job of designing a space and choosing products on your behalf.

⊲ How many design options will I see? Three or more is the best answer. Seeing multiple plans at different price points will help you make better decisions. And the same goes for choosing products; count on visiting a lot of showrooms.

Ideally, your designer will let you know which items in the plan are particularly expensive, and offer alternatives.

⊲ How will you stay in touch with me? Will they be available for in-person job-site meetings? Stay connected by phone? E-mail? Text messages?

⊲ How do you charge? What is the design fee?

Is it necessary to pay a retainer? What payments will be due by when?

⊲ When can you start? How long do you think it will take? The answers to these questions may be critical if you need your new kitchen to host people for a wedding or major holiday, for example. But according to the NKBA, expect to hear four to six weeks for simple upgrades, and six months or more for a full-scale remodeling project. Be prepared for the work to take longer if delays occur.

Kitchen Planning Guide

SURFACE BEAUTY Loaded with

character, this Atlanta kitchen boasted well-built features worth keeping and a well-functioning layout (above). So interior designer Chris Holt used color as the starting point for an update: painting upper cabinets soft cream, painting an island celadon green, and staining existing floors walnut brown for contrast. She also installed colorful patterned tiles above the cooktop to create an eye-catching focal point. STYLE CHANGE Charleston, South Carolina, homeowners asked kitchen designer Jon Robinson to update their kitchen’s function while making it look appropriate for their 1790s home (left). Robinson looked at 18th-century American furniture for inspiration when designing the cabinetry, island, and refrigerator armoire. He chose black-and-white marble flooring to continue the period look, and marble countertops to add elegance that ages gracefully.

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Thinking it through

Daydreaming about your new kitchen is time well spent; it helps you pinpoint the style, layout, and features that will ensure the new space meets your expectations. So will thinking through issues and discussing them with your designer. Try these questions on for size.

PRACTICAL MATTERS What do you like and dislike about your old kitchen? Sharing these hot buttons will help your design pro zero in on appropriate features.

How do you use your kitchen? Is it the center of family life? A setting for parties? A cook’s paradise? A sunny retreat for morning coffee?

What materials capture your interest?

Do you covet painted cabinets?

Have you always longed for marble countertops? Are stainless-steel appliances on your wish list?

How do you want your kitchen to relate to adjoining rooms? An open floor plan,

for example, may call for harmonious colors and matching architectural trim and flooring.

What other visuals go in the mix? Do you want large windows overlooking the backyard? Wall space to hang art? An antique armoire for displaying glassware?

What’s your cooking style? Do you cook everything from scratch or use convenience foods? Do you cook alone or with others? What appliances do you typically use—or dream of using?

How do you like to entertain? Casually or formally? Small groups or large crowds? Every week or just occasionally?

With caterers?

What are your storage needs? Do you buy in bulk? Possess enormous collections of dishes and crystal?

How wired does the kitchen need to be? Do you want a charging station for phones and tablets? A planning desk with computer and printer? A large TV? A sound system?

AESTHETICS What kind of design style and color palette do you prefer? Your answer to this question will be greatly enhanced by sharing magazine photos or other materials you have collected in advance.

FAB FOCAL POINT Interior designer Jennifer Markanich chose this Nashville kitchen’s soft color palette to highlight intriguing architectural details. Of special interest are a handsome custom hood, the massive corbels that support it, and a mosaic-tile niche on the backsplash.

Kitchen Conversations What questions do I ask my clients when we begin working on a kitchen vision together?

First, I like to ask what their vision is for the space—and of course what they see as the overall scope. I don’t end up following it necessarily, but I like to know what they have in mind and how far along they are in their thinking.

[Other than that initial one], I don’t have a formal list of questions I ask during the design process. We just have a conversation, and it’s actually better when they lead the discussion. Those discussions Kitchen Planning Guide

include things other than kitchens. We might discuss places they’ve been and things they’ve seen that they like—everything from favorite vacation spots to design, fashion, and style. We talk about their families, how they live, and their schedules.

I try to feel what the clients want to do, and from their descriptions, I create mental images. It’s a dialogue, not a questionand-answer session. I don’t want to be clinical or use a formula. I just want to let it flow.

Mick De Giulio, principal, de Giulio Kitchen Design, Chicago

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Making it happen

So you’ve organized your thoughts, hired your design team, and prioritized the features that will make your dream kitchen a reality. Get ready to see what that budget will buy, and then get ready for construction.

How much should you spend on your dream kitchen? It depends on the scale of your project, the products you select, and labor rates in your region. According to the NKBA, kitchen budgets can range from at least $100,000 for a luxury kitchen in a major metropolitan area to about $20,000 for a modest makeover in a smaller town. Expect your biggest line items to be: cabinetry and hardware (about 29 percent of the typical budget); appliances and ventilation (14 percent); countertops (10 percent); and installation (17 percent). You may want to set aside 15 to 20 percent for contingencies.

Count on your kitchen designer to help you zero in on budget specifics.

Manage your budget by keeping priorities in mind. If you’re a serious cook, for example, you may want to spend more than 14 percent of the budget on appliances, and less of it on cabinetry.

Need to make trade-offs to balance the budget? Here are three ideas: ⊲ Confine the use of luxury materials to where they’ll be the most visible. Top the island with Carrara marble and use a less expensive material on the perimeter countertops, for example. ⊲ If the floor plan works and the cabinets

are in good shape, refinish or reface them instead of buying new ones. Use the cash you save to buy the pricey appliances you covet. ⊲ Keep plumbing lines, electrical systems, and walls in place unless changing them makes a huge difference in how you’ll use the space. Spend the savings on topof-the-line faucets and sinks you’ll enjoy using every day.

LIVING WITH CONSTRUCTION Brainstorming kitchen ideas with your designer is fun. Living through months of construction chaos? Not so much. Being prepared for the process will make it a little easier to handle.

⊲ Construction projects typically take longer than expected. Want to help keep things on track? Being available (in person or by phone) to make decisions keeps the project moving forward.

⊲ Talk to your contractor about ways to keep dust and debris under control—such as taping plastic barriers in doorways to keep sawdust out. Ask to have carpeted areas that lead to construction zones covered with drop cloths or plastic runners.

⊲ Protect family life by requesting that workers keep reasonable hours. (But recognize that the trade-off here is a longer duration for the job as a whole.)

ELEGANT UPDATE Atlanta kitchen designer Matthew Quinn relocated a laundry room to push this kitchen to the front of the house (above left). Now the space boasts a focal-point wall with a stone-and-copper hood set between the home’s original arched windows. A 9-footlong island provides eating and work surfaces, as well as a microwave, refrigerator drawers, and an icemaker. OUTSIDE INTERESTS Knowing his clients wanted to bring the outdoors into their New Orleans kitchen (left), architect George Hopkins designed a nearby utility room to reduce the need for wall cabinets. As a result, he was able to incorporate a wall of windows that reveal the home’s lush landscape.

Kitchen Planning Guide

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We b e l i eve “m e lt” i s n o t a n o t h e r way t o s ay “s c o r c h s l ow ly.”

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Professional

Transitional

Contemporary

Oil-rubbed bronze hardware adds an elegant touch to yellowpainted cabinetry with traditional-style paneled doors and drawer fronts.

This transitional look combines Shaker-style doors with flat drawer fronts; a light stain lets the grain of the wood shine through.

Making it yours

Now that you’ve thought through your kitchen’s style and functional needs, it’s time to shop.

Get helpful ideas here for outfitting your space with the right cabinets, appliances, and more.

Choosing C abinetry Cabinets are a key element of your kitchen’s success. That’s because they anchor the design style, delineate work zones, and organize cooking and serving staples. Knowing a bit more about cabinetry will help you discuss options with your designer. Here are some things to consider.

You probably already know that your kitchen’s cabinetry style should harmonize with the rest of the house, especially if you have an open floor plan.

But how should cabinets be configured?

For decades, kitchens were designed with matching cabinets lining walls from floor to ceiling. Many homeowners still prefer that “fitted” approach. But unfitted kitchens have been growing in popularity.

Kitchen Planning Guide

They feature cabinets and islands with contrasting finishes and other details that suggest pieces were added over time.

Incorporating actual antiques into the mix enhances that illusion.

Another trend? Giving up some upper cabinets to accommodate larger windows or wall space for displaying artwork. (Fitted base cabinets are still the norm.) Lost storage space can be made up through the use of a butler’s pantry or the addition of freestanding storage pieces in adjoining rooms.

Cabinet Construction Kitchen

cabinets come in custom, semicustom, and stock versions. Custom cabinetry— the most expensive option—is designed to a kitchen’s exact specificiations, for a one-of-a-kind space. Semicustom cabinetry is factory-made in standard

timeless treatment Glazed and distressed

cabinetry finishes like the one shown here help new kitchens look lived in.

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sizes. But you choose from a variety of wood species, finishes, and design details to suit your space. Stock cabinetry—the least expensive option— is either ready to install or ready to assemble; fewer options are available, although special orders are possible.

Buying Cabinets Work with your designer to choose cabinets that meet or exceed your expectations for good looks and functionality—especially when it comes to storage. It’s here that custom cabinetry often comes into play because cabinets and drawers can be built to specific dimensions to suit your floor

drop-dead gorgeous Pewter drop pulls give this stained-and-glazed cabinetry the look of fine furniture (top). sparkling style Facetedcrystal knobs look like jewelry against the dark finish of this tile-topped island (above). easy access Eliminate the need to reach high for heavy dishes by installing deep drawers with peg systems to keep plates and bowls safely stored (right).

plan and storage needs. Visit kitchen design showrooms, look at catalogs and magazines, and browse company websites to narrow down the choices.

A kitchen designer or showroom staff can help you gather cost estimates.

Expect to spend about 30 percent of your overall budget on cabinetry, so don’t rush the process.

Cabinetry Hardware It’s true that cabinetry sets the style; part of that look is the hardware you’ll touch every day. Hardware adds the extra sparkle, gleaming accent, or pop of color that fine-tunes the design. In fact, you could

give existing cabinets a whole new look just by installing new hardware. Choose metal knobs and pulls with burnished, antiqued, or brushed finishes for a traditional look. Sleek polished-metal hardware suits a kitchen with a more contemporary style.

Smart interior hardware and accessories also boost functionality. Softclose drawer glides, for example, ensure drawers close quietly and smoothly.

Organizational features such as pullout pantries, drawer inserts, and swing-out shelves for corner cabinets eliminate wasted space and make cabinetry work harder on your behalf.

Cabinetry Trends worth considering ⊲ Blending In: Although less ornamentation is being used overall, cabinetry often incorporates corbels, crown molding, glass-front doors, and other details for a furniture-style look. This look helps the kitchen mesh with living areas in an open floor plan.

⊲ Neutral Territory: Whites and neutrals continue to reign when it comes to cabinetry finishes. Putty and gray offer stylish alternatives to bright white.

⊲ Hidden Storage: A desire for simplicity has translated into a push for clean, clutterfree kitchens. Appliance garages—countertop-level cabinets with tambour, slide-back, or motorized doors—hide the toaster, blender, and other conveniences when not in use.

Kitchen Planning Guide

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Include display shelves at an island’s end to showcase cookbooks, serving pieces, or collectibles.

Choosing islands

When it comes to kitchens, islands possess superpowers. Whether built with set cabinets or designed to be freestanding, they help your kitchen work more efficiently while enhancing its style. What types of features should your island include? Consider these options.

dishes and disarray behind it on the lower, counter-height surface. ⊲ Put your island on lockable casters that let it go wherever it’s needed for serving or dining. ⊲ Disguise a pullout recycling center behind a cabinet door in the island’s base.

Island Style Tips ⊲ Make your island a focal point by

⊲ Add a sink or a cooktop to create

overlapping work triangles that serve multiple cooks. ⊲ Simplify everyday life by adding a second dishwasher, a warming drawer, a microwave and/or refrigerator drawers for snacks, or an undercounter refrigerator or wine chiller for entertaining. ⊲ Extend the countertop and add comfy seating to create a gathering spot for family and friends. ⊲ Create a two-level design with a bar-height counter that hides dirty Kitchen Planning Guide

giving it a different finish, hardware, and countertop from other cabinetry.

⊲ Indulge your love of luxury by topping the island with an expensive material (e.g. glazed lavastone) you don’t dare use in large quantities.

⊲ Paint your island a bright hue to inject color into a neutral space.

⊲ Add corbels, pilasters, plinth blocks, and other furniture-style details to help your island blend in with adjoining living areas.

dining center Instead of simply extending an island’s countertop and adding bar stools, why not add a dining table? That’s what happened here when a lower marble tabletop—supported by a curvy pedestal—was attached to an island. Heirloom-look armchairs add an air of formality.

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This 48-inch-wide dual-fuel range offers a customizable gas surface (note the steel griddle) and electric convection ovens.

Choosing ranges

and cooktops

Upgrading your kitchen’s work core?

Take this opportunity to customize your kitchen with a high-performance cooktop or range.

Today’s ranges and cooktops use gas, electricity, and, in some cases, both (dual-fuel ranges have gas cooktops and electric ovens). So how are they different than in the past? It’s all about the influence of professional-style appliances, with their stainless-steel construction and easy-to-operate chunky knobs or digital controls. But the more important improvement (functionally,

This transitional gas cooktop’s two-tier burners give cooks greater control over heat output.

anyway) is the ability to precisely control heat. Convection fans blow air throughout an oven’s cavity to ensure even baking. Some cooking appliances boast hi-lo burners that can reach 15,000 BTUs—perfect for searing meat— or dip to 500 BTUs for melting chocolate or simmering a sauce. Here are some other chef-friendly highlights: ⊲ Induction cooktops are gaining popularity in the United States—they’ve been big in Europe for years. They offer fast, even heat with precise control, thanks to an electromagnetic field that heats cookware.

(Any pan that holds a magnet will work.)

The cooktop surface itself remains cool to the touch—a great safety feature. ⊲ Continuous cast-iron grates nestle together to create one large cooking

installation options Ranges come in a range of styles to suit your kitchen set-up. Freestanding ranges boast finished sides; they can stand alone. Slide-in models (with unfinished sides) fit between two cabinets. Drop-in ranges (also with unfinished sides) are installed on a base that matches surrounding cabinetry.

Kitchen Planning Guide

surface, so you can slide pots and pans from one area of the cooktop to another. ⊲ Modular cooktops let you mix and match burners with a grill, griddle, wok ring, steamer, and more. sleekly styled Choose an unframed

induction cooktop with a black-glass surface to create a minimalist look in the cooking zone (above).

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With a steam-convection oven, moisture, heat, and airflow work together to deliver a variety of cooking and baking functions.

Choosing ovens

Are you using your range’s lone oven for all your roasting and baking needs?

If you really want to upgrade your kitchen’s practical side, consider these possibilities.

Multiple wall ovens let you cook food at different temperatures at the same time. Plus, they’re relatively easy to work into a floor plan because they can be stacked. You can position them at any height, so install them side by side if you prefer. Is bending a problem? Put one of your ovens above waist level so you won’t have to crouch down to check that Thanksgiving turkey.

You’re probably familiar with standard Kitchen Planning Guide

gas and electric ovens, but also take a look at modern alternatives. Thermal models use radiant heat to cook food. Halogen ovens work with light (high-intensity halogen bulbs). Electric convection ovens use one or more fans for faster, more even cooking and browning. Microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves to cook food fast, but without browning capabilities. Steam ovens rely on refillable water tanks as the heat source for cooking.

Enter the world of multifunctional ovens that combine multiple processes within a single unit. Microwave-convection ovens mesh microwave energy with a convection fan to bake, brown, and roast food up to five times faster than a conventional oven. Steam-convection

Family Flexibility Warming drawers help busy families manage their overlapping schedules.

Mount within cabinetry and at waist-level for easy access (top). two’s company Enhance your cooking zone with a microwave oven and convection wall oven to handle all your cooking and baking (above).

ovens bake, steam, roast, sauté, and rejuvenate leftovers.

Warming drawers are also popular, and a boon for families whose members are on different schedules. Install one in your island. Pair it with a wall oven. Or for the ultimate flexibility, stack your warming drawer with a microwave oven and wall oven to save time and steps. Defrost food in the microwave; cook it in the wall oven; keep it ready to serve in the warming drawer.

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This stylish chimney hood offers an effective way to expel smoke, grease, and cooking odors generated by the range below.

Choosing range

hoods No matter which range or cooktop you pick, you’ll need to vent it to keep your kitchen smoke-free and inviting. Get some shopping tips here.

Although stylish range hoods get all the glory, it’s the ventilation system (the fan plus the ductwork) that keeps smoke, steam, odors, and carbon monoxide from spreading throughout your kitchen—as well as the rest of the house.

Fan sizes are based on the amount of air they move out of the room, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Make sure you know the CFM requirements for your range or cooktop before you shop for a ventilation system; it should meet or exceed those numbers. (The minimum Kitchen Planning Guide

is 150 CFM, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association.)

Need more specific guidance?

Consider how you cook (and how often) before choosing a system. If you use a conventional electric cooktop and you seldom need to turn on the fan, you can get by with one rated 160–200 CFM. But if you’re a serious cook and do your thing at a professional-style gas range, your ventilation system may need to be rated

custom chic A custom hood plus a beautiful tile installation turns a range wall into a focal point (top). BEAUTY BENEATH An unobtrusive undercabinet hood blends gracefully with surrounding cabinetry (above).

up to 1,500 CFM. Talk to a showroom expert or your designer to get more specific advice about ventilation, noise levels, and whether you need an exterior or interior blower with your system.

What Goes Where Choose a sleek chimney-style hood or an undercabinet hood to go with a cooktop or range installed against the wall. For the most dramatic presentation, use a custom-designed hood and liner insert; the ventilation system is hidden within the surround.

For island cooking, choose a sculptural-quality island hood (designed to be seen from all sides) that vents through ductwork in the ceiling. Or pick hoodless downdraft ventilation that pulls grease and odors from above the burners, then expels them through ductwork routed under the floor.

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Glass-front refrigerators combine beauty and functionality; with this extra-large model, the refrigerator and freezer each include one upper door and two drawers.

Choosing

refrigerators

Yesterday’s squat white icebox is gone forever. Today’s refrigerators offer you the chance to customize features for the way you cook and entertain.

Ready to replace that big cold box where you store the milk? Look for stylish variations on top-freezer, bottom-freezer, and side-by-side models—including French-door refrigerators with either three- or four-door configurations. (Fourdrawer models include two freezer drawers instead of just one.)

Desirable interior features include: adjustable door bins and shelves, and elevator shelves let you configure the Kitchen Planning Guide

interior to suit your needs; full-extension drawers and pullout shelves or bins that improve access to stored items; and temperature-controlled drawers, climate-keeping systems, and other features designed to keep food fresher longer. Through-the-door water and ice dispensers offer thirst-quenching convenience. Some models even include express features that chill select foods fast or cut thawing time in half. refrigerator formats ⊲ Built-in refrigerators are designed to fit

almost flush with cabinets and counters.

Most accept optional front panels that match other elements in your kitchen. ⊲ Shallow cabinet-depth refrigerators extend a bit more than built-in models but

fashionably french Sometimes called armoire-style refrigerators, Frenchdoor models partner a two-door cooling compartment with a bottom-mount freezer (top). pullout presence Installing refrigerator drawers in an island helps keep visitors out of the cook’s work zone (above).

deliver an upscale look for less cash. ⊲ Integrated refrigerators come without any visible hinges or grilles—making them indistinguishable from the surrounding cabinetry. ⊲ Refrigerator drawers (two in a stack) can be mounted under a countertop or as part of a kitchen island. Use the refrigerator drawers to support food prep, create a beverage center, or function as a snack center.

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choosing wine chillers Wine

consumption is up (a lot)—and so is the use of wine refrigerators in kitchens and butler’s pantries. What should you look for in an entertainer’s best friend?

While you’re in the planning stage, think first about the size of wine chiller you need. An enthusiastic wine collector may want a full-size unit—both for the drama and for the convenience of keeping dozens of bottles on display and ready to serve. Is wine only an occasional indulgence, or does the size of your kitchen or butler’s pantry preclude a taller

model? Compact wine chillers can be installed above or below the countertop to combine hospitality with practicality.

(Add a rack for storing reds to complete your miniature wine cellar.) Keep in mind that two-zone wine chillers do a more effective job than single-compartment models of storing sparkling, white, rose, and red wines at different temperatures.

Specialized features ⊲ Full-extension, pullout racks with

cushioned dividers that allow you to store wine bottles on their sides to keep corks

moist and wine at its best. ⊲ Digital temperature controls you can access without opening the door. ⊲ Tinted-glass doors to protect wine from ultraviolet light. ⊲ Adjustable interior lighting to showcase prized bottles. ⊲ Water bins to maintain enough humidity to preserve corks and labels. ⊲ Integrated locks to keep children from sampling and visitors from tampering with your favorite wines. ⊲ Wooden shelf fronts that can be stained to match surrounding cabinetry.

compact convenience Short on space? Install an undercounter

wine chiller in the island to keep favorite bottles close to where the appetizers will be served (left). lit from within Full-size wine chillers add dramatic style as well as convenience to your entertaining zone (above).

Kitchen Planning Guide

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Undermount sinks (installed below the counter) offer a smooth transition between sink and countertop that eliminates crumbcatching crevices.

Apron-front sinks offer one or two deep bowls for cleaning ease coupled with traditional style. They require special cabinetry bases.

Choosing sinks

Today’s kitchen sinks boast new configurations as well as gorgeous colors and materials. Make sure you choose models that are as hardworking as they are stylish.

Ready to do your research? Start with practical matters, then consider appearance. The size of your kitchen may influence what you choose. Does your kitchen measure 150 square feet or less?

According to the NKBA, a 22×24‑inch single-bowl sink may do. (Do you frequently hand-wash dishes? You’ll need a doublebowl model with equal-size basins.) A larger kitchen may require a larger singlebowl sink or a double- or triple-bowl model.

Or, the right solution for the way you cook and entertain may be two or three sinks installed in different work zones. Team the primary sink with a dishwasher in the Kitchen Planning Guide

heart of the work core, where it will shine at cleanup duties. Put a smaller sink in the island for a second cook or helpful guest to use during food prep (think washing and chopping produce). If you have a large family—or entertain frequently—you may benefit from putting a bar sink in the butler’s pantry or beverage center so children and/ or guests can quench their thirst without interrupting the cooking process.

Worth noting: Modular sinks (designed for undermount installation) let you create your ideal setup from bowls in a variety of sizes and shapes. Long rectangular trough sinks (best for island installation) enhance parties by doubling as ice buckets.

steel or lower. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the metal.

Enameled cast iron or steel These classic hard, heavy materials come in a wide range of glossy colors.

Stone and concrete Granite,

soapstone, slate, and concrete sinks offer earthy style that can be integrated into matching countertops.

select Sink Materials

Composite materials Get a stone look without the weight by choosing a sink made of a composite material with molded-through color. The three main options are polyester/acrylic, quartz composite, and granite composite.

Stainless steel A great partner for

Copper A “living” material, copper

professional-style appliances, stainlesssteel sinks come in a mirrored finish, as well as in brushed and matte finishes that resist fingerprints. Look for 18-gauge

gains a green patina over time, so keep it polished if you want to retain the original color. Choose between smooth and hammered surfaces.

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Choosing f aucets Just like sinks, faucets combine beautiful shapes and finishes with a multitude of hardworking features. You’ll handle this kitchen feature every day, so study the options carefully.

Gooseneck or High-Arc Faucet

compact chic A single-hole faucet can get

These faucets’ generous curves offer clearance for large pots and platters.

Professional versions partner the higharc construction with a pull-down spray and stainless-steel hose protector coil.

by with a smaller space for installation (top left). switch hitter Pull-down faucets make it possible to clean the far reaches of a sink without having to install a separate sprayer (bottom left). high-altitude helper Choose a high-arc faucet for ease in rinsing produce or washing tall serving pieces or stock pots (above).

Hands-Free Faucet Sensors set water

Beyond good looks, your faucet choice will be influenced by where it’s going to be installed (sink deck, countertop, or wall) and the number of holes required for installation. Before you fall in love with a model, find out how it’s made; the highestquality models feature corrosion-resistant solid brass construction coupled with topnotch valves. Your designer can help you decipher the options. Keep in mind: You should buy the best faucet you can afford to stand up to years of daily use.

Select Faucet Styles Bridge Faucet An exposed connection

of the hot and cold water lines gives this faucet a vintage appearance.

Kitchen Planning Guide

in motion for hands-free operation. Fill a cup or wash your hands by placing either beneath the spout. Wash dishes or fill large pots by approaching a sensor on top of the spout.

Pot Filler Faucet Often double-

jointed, these faucets are mounted on the wall above the range to make it easy to fill large pots with water.

Pullout or Pull-down Faucet

These faucets feature spouts that pull out or down from the faucet head for cleaning flexibility. (The hose and spout retract, thanks to a counterweight. A magnetic latch grabs and holds the faucet spout in place.)

Popular Finishes Back in the day, chrome was the only faucet finish in play.

And it’s still a great choice. But you can add a lot of splash to the sinkscape with the faucet finish chosen to go with your decor.

Consider stainless steel (a good match for pro-style appliances and contemporary kitchens); oil-rubbed bronze, antiqued brass, antiqued copper, or polished, brushed or satin nickel (for traditional decor); and baked-on epoxy finishes in a variety of colors. In most cases, you’ll pick between glossy polished surfaces and satin or brushed surfaces that hide water spots.

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Choosing dis hwashers When it comes to cleanup, there’s no better partner for your sink than a dishwasher. In fact, today’s energyefficient models typically use less water and power than washing dishes by hand.

Concerned about style? Stainless-steel exteriors, stainless-steel tubs, and hidden controls help a dishwasher live up to the rest of your elegant kitchen components.

But for ease of use, look for features that improve loading and washing Kitchen Planning Guide

performance: adjustable upper racks, a third upper rack for flatware, stemware racks, split baskets for small loads, zone cleaning, extra-large capacities, and fold-down tines that let you fit large or awkwardly shaped dishes. Soil sensors adjust time and water use, as well as the number of cycles, based on dishes’ level of griminess. Rinse/hold cycles let you rinse dirty dishes to reduce odors while you’re waiting to do a full load. Noisereducing technology is a key feature for open floor plans. Set your priorities based on the way you cook and clean.

Ideal integration For an integrated look,

choose a dishwasher model that accepts a custom cabinetry panel (left). pretty pair If you love to entertain, install two full-size dishwashers to make post-party cleanup go twice as fast (top). stacked style Dishwasher drawers operate independently, which means you can separate crystal from plates and pans for better cleaning.

You can also run one small load at a time (above).

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Choosing countertops

Choosing the right countertop is part of making your dream kitchen a beautiful extension of your design style. But countertops also work hard on your behalf, so discuss issues of installation, durability, and maintenance with your kitchen designer—along with style—to ensure you make the right choice.

Stone Nothing says upscale like an attention-getting slab of stone. Stone’s beauty is in its subtle colors and textures, and the fact that no two slabs are alike. You may want to pick your stone slab or tiles before you choose other materials. That’s because it’s easier to match tiles or paint to stone than the other way around. The most Kitchen Planning Guide

popular choices are granite, marble, soapstone, slate, and limestone. Semitranslucent quartzite is a dazzling new entry to the market. Finish options for most stone range from honed to highly polished. Leathering is a relatively new finish that adds texture.

team effort For a unique look, mix surfaces on the same island. Here, a wood countertop provides a softer landing pad for elbows on the island’s dining side; on the working side, marble is an elegant surface for food prep and baking (left). artistic effect Dramatically patterned stone turns a simple countertop into a design statement (above).

Quartz-Surfacing If you want the beauty of stone without the maintenance issues, choose quartz-surfacing. This ultra-durable countertop surface is a blend of quartz and pigments baked at high temperatures. It comes in many colors, patterns, and textures. Like stone, it can be customized with the finish and edge profile you choose.

of hardwood glued together, and wood slabs crafted from common species such as maple, cherry, and walnut. More exotic options include teak, zebrawood, and eco-friendly bamboo. Customize wood countertops with your desired stain and edge profile.

Wood For instant warmth and charm,

pick wood. Choose between butcher block, which is made from small pieces

Metal For a durable surface with

creative design options that include integrated sinks, choose metal. This family of countertop materials includes stainless steel (perfect for contemporary 31

or industrial-chic kitchens), copper and pewter (good for traditional or period designs), and zinc (well-suited for rustic looks). Copper, pewter, and zinc are living finishes that form attractive patinas if left unsealed. Choose among matte, patina, or mirror-polished finishes to suit your kitchen’s style.

or wood, thanks to today’s advanced printing technology. Glazed ceramic-tile countertops offer a seemingly infinite number of design options based on glaze color, surface pattern, tile shape and size, and grout color. surfaces trends worth considering

Concrete Choose concrete for an

incredibly versatile countertop option that partners well with natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick.

Concrete countertops can be tinted, sculpted, and designed with integrated sinks, drain boards, and trivets (raised metal rods) for added functionality.

More options Solid-surfacing countertops come in an enormous variety of colors and design possibilities that include the same edging profiles as stone. Paper-composite countertops can be manufactured with mottled colors or consistent color throughout the slab.

Recycled-glass countertops combine pieces of glass with a binder to create patterned slabs in an intriguing array of colors. Laminate countertops can mimic more expensive stone, metal,

Kitchen Planning Guide

Quiet Backdrops Tile installations are moving away from dramatic patterns to beautiful tone-on-tone combinations that often emphasize texture.

Reflected Beauty Mirrored and reflective surfaces (such as polished steel) bounce light and add understated glamour to a practical space. Bonus: They’re easy to keep clean.

Beautiful Backsplashes Do more than protect the walls above your range and sink with a simple curb of counter material; choose a backsplash installation that boosts your kitchen’s good looks.

Glazed ceramic tile is the traditional material of choice, but translucent glass or tone-ontone stone tiles (especially marble) offer elegant alternatives. Take tile all the way up to the bottom of the upper cabinets or the windows to make a pretty plane out of that in-between space. The area above your cooktop or range is perfect for a decorative tile treatment with a matching border. Tile the whole wall to create an eye-catching block of color. Install an enormous slab of dramatically veined marble behind your range to create drama. Use stainless steel to create a restaurant-worthy backsplash above your range or cooktop

Luxe Look Quartzite slabs offer a pore-

free white surface that can be lit from beneath for added drama.

Artisan Appeal Hand-crafted

materials—such as chiseled countertops—add character and personality. Any imperfections just make your kitchen that much more unique.

trendy tone-on-tone Marble tiles

create a subtle backsplash above marble-slab countertops (below left). pick your profile Boost a slab’s appeal with a beautiful edge (below). Options include beveled, bullnose, pencil, ogee, waterfall (shown), and more. For safety, use rounded corners in high-traffic areas, such as around an island.

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Choosing f loors Select your floor carefully; it needs to partner beautifully with cabinets, countertops, and the flooring in adjacent rooms. Consider your style options, then investigate more practical matters such as durability and slip resistance. The right floor is just a few steps away.

Stone For a gorgeous, unique floor that

will last a lifetime, choose stone. This flooring material offers durability plus unique gradations in color and texture that create subtle patterns underfoot.

Popular choices include granite, limestone, marble, and slate; the latter is known for its unique cleft texture. Largescale stone tiles laid with minimal grout lines mimic the look of a slab. Possible finishes include polished, honed, tumbled (rounded edges), brushed (a medieval look), and flamed (a textured finish usually reserved for granite).

Kitchen Planning Guide

Hardwood For warmth and beauty that last for decades, choose hardwood.

With the right care, these floors develop a patina that look-alikes can’t match.

Choose from domestic species such as oak, maple, and hickory, or from imported woods such as mahogany and Brazilian walnut. A distressed or handscraped finish adds a rustic look.

Tile Turn to tile for a flooring material with almost limitless options for color, texture, and pattern. Sizes range from tiny mosaic tiles to 24-inch-square models. Choose through-body porcelain tiles to get consistent color and texture.

Glazed porcelain tiles offer greater variety in colors and design.

Linoleum Linoleum comes in a variety of colors that include the muted shades and marble patterns of the past as well as today’s vibrant saturated hues. Choose between sheet flooring and tiles; both options are equally eco-friendly.

natural beauty Hardwood-plank floors ground any style kitchen with lustrous good looks (left). fashionably faux Porcelain floor tiles mimic the look of wood; the herringbone pattern adds texture (top).

STONE STYLE Furniture-style cabinetry looks right at home above an artfully distressed floor of French limestone (above).

Cork Choose eco-friendly tiles or planks to get a good-looking floor that’s quiet, durable, and cushiony underfoot.

Cork’s look goes beyond basic tan speckles to include decorative patterns in a variety of shapes and colors.

More Options Luxury vinyl tiles come in countless colors, patterns, and embossed textures to suit your style.

Laminate flooring replicates the look of stone, ceramic tile, and wood planks through photographic images protected by a hard-wearing top layer. Polishedconcrete floors can be stamped, stained, and scored to mimic stone or create other unique looks.

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Pendant lights with dramatically large red shades draw attention to the island below.

Choosing lig hting Light should be high on the priority list of features for your dream kitchen. Without enough of it, your kitchen won’t be safe or inviting. Check out these ideas for adding natural and artificial light.

Natural Light Yesterday’s kitchens

tried to get by with a lone window above the sink. Today, homeowners want lots of natural light and a greater connection to the outdoors. And that calls for larger windows and/or French doors that overlook the landscape.

View not so hot? Try adding a traditional skylight or installing tubular skylights that funnel light from the roof into your home.

Artificial Light Even with abundant

natural light, you’ll need layers of light to

keep your kitchen inviting and safe.

hot stuff Although typically seen in

⊲ Ambient Light Ambient lighting is

dining rooms, haute-couture lighting fixtures are making their way into today’s kitchen installations (top and above).

the overhead lighting that illuminates an entire room with a comfortable level of brightness. Typically, ambient light comes from a large ceiling-mounted fixture or a multitude of smaller fixtures targeting the work core. ⊲ Task lighting Use task lighting to brighten work surfaces. Beautiful choices abound. Hang pendants, globes, or chandeliers to illuminate an island. Choose undercabinet lights, recessed fixtures with downlights, or track lighting to highlight countertops. ⊲ Accent Lighting This layer of light enhances the overall design by highlighting architectural features or pieces of art. Use it to showcase pretty dishes or collectibles in a display cabinet. Rope lights in the toe-kick area

Expert Tip Ask for your designer’s help choosing the right bulbs, too, because colors and reflective surfaces are influenced by illumination.

can serve as nightlights after the kitchen has closed for the night. ⊲ Dimmers Equip light fixtures with dimmers to make it easy to adjust brightness levels. Bright light suits food prep, for example, while softer illumination enhances dining. Dimmers make it easy to switch the focus from the kitchen to any area where you want guests to congregate.

Don’t place lights over the kitchen aisles, because that’s not where you work. Light the countertops and cabinets instead.

– Designer Matthew Quinn, Atlanta

Kitchen Planning Guide

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Technology in the Kitchen As the center of family life, today’s kitchen has become increasingly tech-heavy. Wireless technology has made it easier to equip kitchens with fully functioning computers. Use this enhanced computing power for finding recipes and watching cooking videos, as well as for office work and entertainment. Charging stations in drawers and on countertops keep phones and tablets running smoothly.

Relatively lightweight HDTVs are easier to mount on the wall, although some homeowners prefer to hide them behind cabinet doors when not in use. Sound systems bring music to every room in the house, including the kitchen. The best time to prepare for today’s technological realities—and those of the future—is while you’re building or remodeling and the walls are open.

Kitchen Planning Guide

hidden treasure An island’s velvetlined drawers keep phones and tablets safe while charging (top left). high‑rise entertainment Mounting a television near the ceiling makes it visible from adjoining spaces as well as from within the kitchen’s work core (bottom left). hiDEAWAY OFFICE A tambour door lets a desk area disappear when not in use (above).

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More inspiration

Just getting your feet wet? Check out these additional online resources to see more beautiful kitchens, cabinets, islands, and gotta-have features.

Visit our Kitchen Center traditionalhome.com/kitchens Tour Our Cover Kitchen

Learn more about this light, lovely, and marble-filled kitchen designed by Mick De Giulio to be central to everyday living. traditionalhome.com/guidecover Visit Our Best Before-and-After Kitchens

traditionalhome.com/BAkitchens

More Great Ideas Design Ideas for White Kitchens

traditionalhome.com/whitekitchens Our Best Showhouse Kitchens

traditionalhome.com/showkitchens Kitchen Cabinets with Furniture-Style Flair

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Kitchen Planning Guide

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Resources Cover: Kitchen designer: Mick De Giulio, de Giulio Kitchen Design, Wilmette, Illinois; 847/256-8833, degiuliodesign.com. Photographer: Werner Straube.

Page 4: The Passionate Cook’s Kitchen. Architect: Tom Kundig, Olson Kundig Architects, Seattle; 202/624-5670; olsonkundigarchitects.com.

Interior designer: Nancy Burfiend, NB Design Group, Seattle; 206/441-7754; nbdesigngroup.net.

Photographer: John Granen.

Page 5: (Designer tip) Cheryl Hamilton-Gray, CKD, Hamilton-Gray Design Inc., Carlsbad, California; 760/720-1555; hamiltongraydesign.com. (Bottom left) Kitchen designer: Mick De Giulio, de Giulio Kitchen Design. Photographer: Werner Straube.

(Right) Principal designer: Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, senior designer: Francesca D’Angelo, Taylor Hannah Architect Inc., Toronto; 416/920-7899, taylorhannaharchitect.com. Photographer: Andreas Trautmansdorff.

Page 6: The Ultimate Entertainer’s Kitchen.

Kitchen designer: Mick De Giulio, de Giulio Kitchen Design. Architect: Victor Saroki, Saroki Architecture, Birmingham, Michigan; 248/2585707; sarokiarchitecture.com. Interior designer: Craig Steinhaus, Craig Steinhaus & Associates, Birmingham, Michigan; 248/593-2635, ctsteinhaus.com. Photographer: Werner Straube.

Page 7: (Designer tip) Lois Kennedy, CKD, Portfolio Kitchens, Vienna, Virginia; 703/2420330; portfoliokitchens.com. (Left) Architect: Sabrina Weisberger Foulke, AIA, Point One Architects, Old Lyme, Connecticut; 860/434-7707; pointonearchitects.com. Consulting designer: Susan O’Rourke, Susan O’Rourke Interiors, New Canaan, Connecticut; 203/979-1181. Photographer: Michael Partenio. (Top right) Designer: Brad Lewis, formerly partner with Balsamo, Olson & Lewis, LTD., Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois; 630/629-9800; bolltd.com, now with Schwarz Lewis Design Group, Inc., Downers Grove, Illinois; 630/963-9383; schwarzlewis.com. Interior designer: Jeffrey R. Jones, Life Design, Chicago; 630/674-8020; lifedesignllc.com. Photographer: Werner Straube. (Bottom right) Designer: Mick De Giulio, de Gulio Kitchen Design. Interior designer: Veronica McGraw, Lakeside Living Design.

Photographer: Werner Straube.

Page 8: The Busy Family’s Kitchen. Architect: Tim Adams, T.S. Adams Studio Architects Inc., Atlanta; 877/283-3499, tsadamsstudio.com. Interior designer: Nicole Metzheiser, Bella Jupe Designs, nicolemetzheiser@bellsouth.net. Photographer: Emily Jenkins Followill.

Page 9: (Top) Kitchen designer: Christopher Peacock, Christopher Peacock Home, Greenwich, Connecticut; 203/862-9333; peacockcabinetry.com. Interior designer: Sophie Thibon Interiors; 516/319-6381. Photographer: John Bessler. (Bottom left) Architect: Brad Lewis, director of design: Bill Schwarz, Schwarz Lewis Design Group, Inc., Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois; 630/8733508; schwarzlewis.com. Photographer: Werner Straube. (Bottom center) Kitchen designer: Heather Hungeling, Hungeling Design, Atlanta; 404/8691108; luxurykitchendesigner.com. Interior designer: D.J. Riley, Oh! Riley’s, Paducah, Kentucky; 270/5595647. Photographer: Anthony-Masterson.

Page 10: Small Kitchens. Kitchen designer: Chris Berry, ASID, BrooksBerry & Associates, Ltd., St. Louis; 314/872-7720; brooksberry.com. Interior designer: Susie Knopf, Expressions Custom Furniture; 314/5676200. Photographer: Alise O’Brien.

Page 11: Single Wall. Architect: John Riddle

Kitchen Planning Guide

Architecture. Interior decorator: Georgia Carlee, GCI Design, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; 850/2679455; gcarlee.com. Photographer: Colleen Duffley.

Illustrator: Carson Ode. Two-Wall Galley. Interior designer: Barbara Westbrook, Westbrook Interiors, Atlanta; 404/355-9430; westbrookinteriors.com.

Photographer: Bruce Buck. Illustrator: Carson Ode. Page 11: L-Shape. Interior designer: June Price, June Price Interiors, Atlanta; 404/364-0628, junepriceinteriors.com. Photographer: Emily Jenkins Followill. Illustrator: Carson Ode. U-Shape.

Kitchen designer: Carla Smith, Hub of the House, Los Angeles; 310/652-2332; hubofthehouse.com.

Photographer: Karyn Millet. Illustrator: Carson Ode. Page 13: Two-Island. Principal designer: Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, senior designer: Francesca D’Angelo, Taylor Hannah Architect Inc. Photographer: Andreas Trautmansdorff. Illustrator: Carson Ode. G-Shape. Designer: Mick De Giulio, de Giulio Kitchen Design. Interior designer: Veronica McGraw, Lakeside Living Design. Photographer: Werner Straube. Illustrator: Carson Ode. Page 14: (Top) Architect: T. J. Costello, AIA, CKD, Hierarchy Architects, Manhasset, New York; 516/627-7707; hierarchyltd.com. Kitchen designer: John Starck, Showcase Kitchens, Manhasset, New York; 516/869-8585; showcasekitchensny.com.

Photographs: Ric Marder Imagery. (Bottom) Architectural designer: Louise Brooks, Brooks & Falotico Associates Inc., New Canaan, Connecticut; 203/966-8440, brooksandfalotico.com.

Photographer: Tria Giovan.

Page 15: Architect: Michael Rouse, Hamilton Snowber Architects, Washington, D.C.; 202/332-5416; hamiltonsnowber.com. Interior designer: Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey, SCW Interiors, Alexandria, Virginia; 703/549-2449; scwinteriors.com. Kitchen designer: Nadia N. Subaran, Aidan Design, Bethesda, Maryland; 301/320-8735, aidandesign.com.

Page 16: (Top) Interior designer: Chris Holt, Holt Interiors, Atlanta; 404/351-5682; holt-interiors.com. Photographer: Emily Jenkins Followill. (Bottom) Kitchen designer: Jon Robinson, Signature Kitchens & Baths of Charleston, Inc., Charleston, South Carolina; 843/571-5720; signaturekitchens.net. Photographer: Gordon Beall.

Page 17: Kitchen designer: Jennifer Markanich, Timeless Interiors, Old Hickory, Tennessee; 615/406-1986; timelessinteriorsdesign.com.

Photographer: Steven Long.

Page 18: (Top) Kitchen designer: Matthew Quinn, Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio, Atlanta; 404/261-0111, designgalleria.net. Photographer: Emily Jenkins Followill. (Bottom) Architect: George D. Hopkins, Jr., Metairie, Louisiana; 504/838-8700; hopkinsco.com. Interior designer: Alix Rico Design Source, New Orleans; 504/488-0205; alixrico.com.

Photographer: Brie Williams.

Page 20: (Top left) Kitchen designer: Heather Hungeling, Hungeling Design. Interior designer: Wolfgang H. Schaber, Wolfgang Interiors and Gifts, Knoxville, Tennessee; 865/777-3695; wolfganginteriors.com. Photographer: Emily Jenkins Followill. (Top right) Architect/interior designer: David Heide, Allied ASID, AIA, David Heide Design Studio, Minneapolis; 612/337-5060; dhdstudio.com. Photographer: Susan Gilmore.

(Bottom) Kitchen designer: Becky Sue Becker, CMKBD, Designs by BSB; 404/456-8799; designsbybsb.com. Photographer: Susan Gilmore.

Page 22: (Top) Interior designer: Elizabeth Brennan, Elizabeth Brennan Designs, Atlanta; 404/869-9957; elizabethbrennandesigns.com. Photographer: Emily Jenkins Followill. (Bottom) Kitchen designer: Gerard Ciccarello, Covenant Kitchens and Baths, Westbrook, Connecticut; 860/399-6241; covenant

kitchens.com. Photographer: Michael Partenio.

Page 23: Photographs courtesy of Sub-Zero/Wolf.

Page 24: (Left, top right) Photographs courtesy of Sub-Zero/Wolf.

Page 25: (Left) Designers: Andrea Dixon, CKD, Allied ASID; Jen Ziemer, Allied ASID, Fiddlehead Design Group, Minneapolis; 612/805-0637; fiddleheaddesigngroup.com. Photographer: Lauren Krysti. (Top right) Architect: Brad Lewis, director of design: Bill Schwarz, Schwarz Lewis Design Group, Inc. Photographer: Werner Straube. (Bottom right) Architects: Fred Wilson, AIA; Elissa A. Morgante, AIA, Morgante Wilson Architects, Ltd., Evanston, Illinois; 847/332-1001; morgantewilson.com.

Photographer: Werner Straube.

Page 26: (Left) Architect: Perry Patrillo, Perry M. Patrillo Architect, Park Ridge, New Jersey; 201/3076153. Kitchen designer: Mel Elion, Bilotta Kitchens, Mamaroneck, New York; 914/381-7734; bilotta.com.

Interior designer: Deirdre Duggan, AMA Builders, LLC, New York City; 212/944-7722; amabuilders .com. Photographer: Andreas Trautmansdorff. (Top right) Photograph courtesy of Sub-Zero/Wolf.

Page 27: Photographs courtesy of Sub-Zero/Wolf.

Page 28: (Left) Kitchen designer: Janice Pattee, CKD, Janice Pattee Design, Indianapolis; 317/7260704; janicepatteedesign.com. Photographer: Kim Cornelison. (Right) Kitchen designer: Jodi Caden, Caden Design Group, Birmingham, Michigan; 248/203-6006; cadendesigngroup.com.

Photographer: Stacey Brandford.

Page 29: (Right) Architect: Perry Patrillo, Perry M. Patrillo Architect. Kitchen designer: Mel Elion, Bilotta Kitchens. Interior Designer: Deirdre Duggan, AMA Builders, LLC, New York City; 212/944-7722; amabuilders.com. Photographer: Steven Randazzo.

Page 30: (Left) Kitchen designer: Lisa Lensegrav, Inside Out, Minneapolis; 612/7165592. Photographer: Susan Gilmore. (Top right) Architect: Ken Pursley, Pursley Dixon Architecture, Inc., Charlotte; pursleyarchitecture.com. Interior designer: Teri Thomas, Teri Thomas Interiors, Charlotte; 704/376-6038; terithomasinteriors.com.

Photographer: Gordon Beall. (Bottom right) Kitchen design: TruKitchens by Todd Wiley, Grand Rapids, Michigan; 616/957-1969; trukitchens.com. Interior designer: Kathryn Chaplow, LLC, Grand Rapids, Michigan; 616/791-7196; kathrynchaplow.com.

Photographer: Andreas Trautmansdorff.

Page 31: (Both images) Architect: Jeff Murphy, Murphy & Co. Design, Buffalo, Minnesota; 763/6829294; murphycodesign.com. Kitchen design, space planning, custom cabinetry and interior design: Rosemary Merrill, Casa Verde Design, Minneapolis; 612/353-4401; casaverdedesign.com.

Photographer: Werner Straube.

Page 32: (Left) Kitchen designer: Janice Pattee, CKD, Janice Pattee Design. Photographer: Kim Cornelison.

Page 33: (Left) Interior designer: Bob Williams, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, mgbwhome.com; Photographer: Colleen Duffley.

Page 34: (Top left) Kitchen designer: Matthew Quinn, Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio.

Photographer: Emily Jenkins Followill. (Top right) Principal designer: Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, senior designer: Francesca D’Angelo, Taylor Hannah Architect Inc. Photographer: Andreas Trautmansdorff. (Bottom right) Architect: Aleck Wilson, Aleck Wilson Architects, San Francisco: 415/765-9095; aleckwilsonarchitects.com.

Photographer: Paul Dyer.

Page 35: (Bottom left) Principal designer: Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, senior designer: Francesca D’Angelo, Taylor Hannah Architect. Photographer: Andreas Trautmansdorff.

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