As you start to design your new room, take time to consider the benefits and limitations of your current space—so you can design a kitchen or bath that really works for you.
Can’t wait to rip out that dated vinyl floor or get rid of that ugly vanity? Although it’s tempting to start your kitchen or bath overhaul right away, it’s important to take time to consider how you use the space—and how you would like to be able to use it. Thinking carefully about the big picture helps ensure you don’t end up with beautiful new cabinets but a kitchen work zone that still feels cramped and uninviting. Here are a few things to consider as you begin to plan your updated kitchen or bathroom.
Before you redesign your kitchen or bath, consider whether the existing space meets your needs. Do you have enough countertop space in the kitchen work zone, for example? Do you have enough room for your family to hang out in the kitchen, or do you long for more storage space? Is your existing bath large enough for a luxurious shower for two, or will you need to find extra space in order to add spa-like amenities? Take time to think about how you want to use your space and which features are most important to you.
If you’re redesigning your kitchen, be sure to think about how cooks and guests use the room. If you find that guests often get in the cook’s way, you may want to change the floor plan to reroute traffic around the central cooking area. If you have more than one cook in your family, you’ll want to create a kitchen with multiple work zones. Similarly, in the bath, you may need wider aisles or a dual vanity to accommodate two users during the morning rush hour. Just as importantly, consider how the kitchen or bath connects to adjoining rooms. Would you like to open the kitchen to an adjacent living area or outdoor dining space? Does your bathing area flow seamlessly into the master bedroom and closet? Or would you prefer the bathroom to feel a little more secluded?
Hoping to enlarge your island or change the placement for your tub? Mark the new outline on the floor with tape and live with it for a few days—to make sure it works as well as you envision.
If you’re hoping to stay in your home as you age, you’ll want to include features in your kitchen or bath that will improve safety and ensure easy access to all amenities. Or if you are just starting a family, you’ll want to think about including child-friendly storage or a microwave drawer that can be easily used by kids. Smart planning can ensure accessible features are both stylish and functional.
As you get ready to remodel your kitchen or bath, look for ways you can also improve your home’s energy efficiency. New windows and appliances can help you decrease home energy costs, so now might be a good time to replace them. Look for Energy Star-certified models that meet energy-efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. If you’ll be renovating your bath, replace old fixtures with high-efficiency or dual-flush toilets or low-flow showerheads. Installing Energy Star LED light fixtures and dimmer switches can be other good ways to go green.