Contemplating A New Kitchen or Kitchen Renovation

As an architect working on kitchen designs for over 30 years, it wasn’t until we renovated our own kitchen that I was able to experience what my clients go through. I want to share the benefit of this experience with you, and I will be creating several blog posts that will follow the design and building process.

Here is our “before” photograph. The contractors tend to enjoy demolition so we didn’t have time to get a photo before the demolition began. What is missing in the photograph are the upper cabinets, a much lower ceiling and a clunky island, which partly blocked the view to our dining room. On the right slightly out of the photo is an old oven, quite dead.  The house, in the heart if the Marblehead historic district, does not have a lot of exterior exposure, so interior finishes and lighting were a key factor in our renovation.

 

Here is one of the first photographs after we completed the kitchen.   It took a while to get there...

                              

 

Thinking about a Renovation?

You need a change.

Your appliances are old and tired.

Your kitchen could really use an update.

Your kitchen is not meeting your cooking or family needs.

You are moving into a new home, and you have a chance to create a kitchen that will exactly meet your needs.

Creating an updated or new kitchen is a long process that requires imagination, research, planning and design.

How do you begin?
 

Of course, figuring out your budget will be critical in producing an idea of the scope and design of your project. Once you do that, it is time for your imagination. What would you like to see? How do you envision the kitchen? What style of kitchen appeals to you: country style, sleek and modern, minimalist or decorative or somewhere in between. Your kitchen should aim to feel inviting, comfortable, utilitarian and fit into your lifestyle. Will the kitchen be part of an open plan with a dining room? Will you have seating in your kitchen? An island? A counter with seating?
 

Initial Research

 
This is the time for you to start looking at kitchens in books, magazines, television design shows like HGTV and the many sites on the Internet where you will find what is current in kitchen design. You can also visit area showrooms. Try to collect images of the kitchens that appeal to you, and create an inspiration file. This will help you when you start meeting with professionals.

Magazines and/or internet sites like…  Houzz (http://www.houzz.com/), Old House Journal (http://www.oldhousejournal.com/), Architectural Digest, Home, New England Home, etc. can be helpful to get a sense of how you want to live.  
 

 First Consultation with an Architect or Designer: Optional but a Wise Reality Check

This is the time to ask for help with the design of your space. You may want to talk to contractors early in the process, but in order to get a better understanding of the scope of the project, it will be helpful to get an initial consultation from an architect or kitchen designer.  With this step in the process, you will be able to see if your ideas fit your budget and if larger renovations are feasible or even necessary. Understand that an architect or designer can only approximately give you an idea about overall expenses. Normally, the general contractor will provide pricing for specific line items. The final cost estimate will depend on the project scope and your design decisions along the way. Also keep in mind that a designer may be used for interior work, but if the project includes an expansion, exterior work, or structural modifications, you will likely need to have a licensed architect provide drawings in order to obtain a building permit

If you are feeling like this kitchen project is a go, I suggest visiting kitchen showrooms, local vendors, and large outlets like Loew’s or Home Depot that feature cabinets, kitchen appliances, counters, plumbing fixtures and flooring.  

(To be continued....Next blog post: RESEARCH AND PLANNING)