CREATING YOUR DREAM KITCHEN

No room in the house has greater impact on both home value and family life than a well-designed kitchen. Getting there isn't always easy, but with a bit of vision, a realistic budget and a lot of planning, your dream kitchen is within reach. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Make lists and gather resources

Every good kitchen renovation starts with a wish list. Include both the materials that you'd like to use, and the functions that you'd like the space accommodate. Will you use the room strictly for food preparation, or do you crave a space to entertain? Do you have any special storage or prep requirements, like an oversized pantry or baking centre? Do you love the look of granite or do you need the maintenance-free qualities of man-made counters? Do you need custom cabinetry, or will off-the-shelf suffice?

Start by gathering ideas from magazines, showrooms and homes that you admire. Create a folder where you can collect inspiring ideas, and your dream kitchen will unfold before your eyes. Think of all of the materials you'll eventually need to select: cabinets and counters, flooring, backsplash, sink and faucet, appliances, lighting fixtures, handles and knobs. And don't overlook what's behind cabinet doors, like pull-out pantries and drawer inserts.

Draw your plan

The kitchen is often the hub of both family and entertaining life, so it's important to get it right. Start by sketching out how you'd like your kitchen to flow and where you'd like all the pieces to be once the project is complete. Consider those specialty areas (are your plates extra-large, are you a baker or canner?), that you might like to include. Are there walls that can be removed to open the kitchen to adjacent rooms? Is there a window that you wish was a bit larger, or a door that you'd like to replace to bring in more natural light? Now is the time to consider all of the possibilities and work them into the plan.

Don't forget the importance of the 'work triangle' - the golden rule of kitchen planning. The triangle consists of your main cooking centre (the range or stove-top), the refrigerator and the primary sink. You must create a clear path between each of the three legs of the triangle, and no single leg should be more than 7-feet long.

In the plan, leave ample room between counters and the appliances across from them for doors to open, or for people to pass by. Think about your comfort as you move around the room or reach into corner cabinets. Allow for enough continuous counter space to prepare on, and space on either side of the sink or stove to rest dishes and hot pots. Think of all of the things you wish were close at hand while you prepare a meal, and create a spot for them. Now is the time to remove any inefficiency in your current kitchen and ensure that everything has a place.

When in doubt, consult professionals to make sure you've covered all of the options in both layout and materials available to achieve your dream; and Bon Apetit!