Design a Kitchen for the
Way You Live
Presented by Wendy Albee & Master Builders Assoc.NKBA, NWSID, Master Builders, Remodeler Council, CGP, CAPS
“Going Beyond The Triangle”
Think about……
The Way that You Live (or want to live)
Kitchen is the new Family Room – the true heart of the home
Think about……
Who?How?When?What? Kids? Pets? Entertaining? Do I need two tables?
My Office
Before kitchen had small island with cooktop, minimal counter space and no room
for the entire family to participate.
My Office
After Remodel – Large island with counter space for entire family to eat, gather, make pizza, or play
games.
My Office
Before kitchen had cramped work space everywhere and didn’t maximize the natural
light.
My Office
After Remodel – Opened up wall to large windows to maximize light and ample room for everyone.
My Office
After – A bar with prep sink & beverage fridge for entertaining.Before – a pantry
My Office
After – An adjoining family room with accessories in complementary color palette.
Before
My OfficeBefore kitchen there was limited workspace for the master chef of the house.
My Office
After Remodel – Larger island with cooktop for master chef who likes to share his cooking
expertise. And room for his audience!
Everything Within Reach
• Empty dishwasher without taking any steps
• Easy reach to put away groceries
• Cooking utensils, spices, oils within reach of cooktop
My Office
Before kitchen microwave took up valuable real estate.
My Office
After Remodel – Incorporated microwave with wall ovens to increase counter space
Before Remodel – Did not accommodate two cooks
Or the fact that they liked to entertain.
After Remodel – Several work stations easily accommodate two
After Remodel – Utilize the entire space to enhance lifestyle
After Remodel
Also installed bar area for entertaining.
After Remodel – New design allowed people in, but only to a point.
Before
Island the Right Size
• Ample counter for baking and prep
Island the Right Size
• Room for family to eat or kids to do homework
• Utilize wood countertop to make it feel more like a table
Large cabinet pantry
• Ample room for food items, baking goods, and kids’ crafts.
• Client can spend less time shopping and more time with her kids.
Tip #1
Start with a Blank Slate Make a priority list Forget what is in your kitchen now Write down the room measurements on a blank
piece of paper Remember walls can be removed or opened up
My Office
Why do we need 2 tables? Do we really need a formal dining room?
Before - Kitchen
Before – Dining Room
My Office
Blank piece of paper with the overall room measurements.
My Office
New Floorplan – Remove wall between kitchen & dining room and add large island with two seating areas. Result is a large great room utilizing all of my client’s space.
My OfficeAfter Remodel – Looking into kitchen from new family room (was original dining room).
New great room offers room for church meetings & time with grandchildren.
My Office
After Remodel – Looking into kitchen from the only dining table.
My Office
Client wanted to make their kitchen more central to their home. Original kitchen with lots of wasted space in hallway between kitchen & dining room
and long walk to enter kitchen.
Entry
Hallway
Dining room
Family Room
Laundry Room
table
My Office
AFTER –Truly the heart of the home as all communal rooms stem off new kitchen.
New kitchen plan eliminated the hallway and opened the kitchen to the entry. Also allowed room for island & enhanced flow for parties & gatherings.
Dining room
Family Room
table
Entry
My Office
After Remodel – Looking into kitchen from the entry. No longer have to go down the long hallway to enter the kitchen.
My OfficeAfter Remodel – Looking into kitchen from the dining room.
Tip #2
Take a……
Test Ride
My Office
You can tape an area.
Test Your Plan
Do normal activities and see how your new floorplan will work.
Use boxes for a new island or cabinets so you have to actually walk around them.
Think about where you will set your grocery bags to empty them.
Consider all activities and go through the actual motions to ensure the new kitchen will function properly.
Tip #3
Focus on One One focal point keeps the room balanced Select what you want to be the focal point
of the room Make sure it’s the only one
Before Remodel – no real focal point
After Remodel – Stove is the Focal Point
Before Remodel – window was focal point
Problem: Looked directly into neighbor’s house.
After Remodel – Stove is Focal Point
Before – Fridge was focal point
After Remodel – Island is the Focal Point
Before – no real focal point
After Remodel – Pendant Lights are Focal Point
Tip #4
Think about……
Above & Below Don’t forget about the floor and ceiling
Raise the ceiling
Before
After – Cathedral ceiling
Tile floor
• Tile floor is heated & controlled with thermostat
• Tile is great for dogs and kids; holds up in rainy weather
Tip #5
AFTER - Bar on island lowered so all one level at counter height. Added curves instead of angles.
Maximize Work Surface
Tip #6
Light It Up! The importance of lighting cannot be
emphasized enough
Maximize Natural Light
Installed new windows & added rain-sensing skylights
Maximize Natural Light
Taped out new window
New window offers more natural light on the dark side of the house.
General & Task Lighting
New window installed in remodel
Hint: Everything should be on a dimmer
#7
Make It Personal You should walk into your kitchen and
know it’s yours
Unique Tiles on a Backsplash
Tile mural
Glass mosaic
Slate, glass, & metal mosaic
Unique Moldings & Architectural Elements
New door moldings & box beam ceiling with beadboard inset
Tropical Paradise
Before
Use an Heirloom
Wrought Iron Railing
Custom railing is artwork
It’s Possible To Make Amazing Transformations!
It’s Possible To Make Amazing Transformations!
Think about the Way that You Live
Who?How?When?What? Kids? Pets? Entertaining? Do I need two tables?
Tips
• Start with a Blank Slate• Take a Test Ride• Focus on One•Above & Below• Maximize Work Surface• Light It Up!• Make It Personal
Free Classes
TEN THINGS TO KNOW WHEN DESIGNING A BATHROOM
Sunday, March 24, 2pm at Newport Way Library
CREATING OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES Thursday, April 4, 7pm at Lynnwood Library
Thank you!
Q & A