A brand-new kitchen renovation can completely transform the look, feel, and functionality of your home. A recent survey found that approximately 29 percent of Americans chose to remodel their kitchen because their spaces had finally broken down.
Whether you want to do a kitchen renovation for looks or functionality, there are a few key things to know.
Read on for a list of seven key kitchen design rules that will help to ensure that your home renovation project goes as planned.
1. Start with the Layout
One of the most important kitchen design rules is to start by planning your layout. Think about how you’ll use the space and plan the layout accordingly.
An open kitchen that blends into the living room works well for families who prefer entertaining and “hanging out” in both spaces. A U-shaped kitchen layout works great for people who love to cook and need a designated area at the end of the kitchen for food prep.
A galley kitchen layout is long and narrow and incorporates the appliances and countertops along each parallel wall. Large island kitchen layouts incorporate a central island as a place to eat meals or to wash dishes and cook food.
2. Kitchen Design Rules: Zoning
Once you decide on the kitchen layout, you can divide the space into separate zones. Each zone will allow for different functions like food prep, cooking, and storage.
Your “wet zone” should include the sink and dishwasher. Use the work triangle concept to help you plan the space.
The work triangle concept connects the three most important work areas of your kitchen: the sink, refrigerator, and cooktop. Make sure that these three things are unobstructed for easy access. The distances between each individual zone should be between four and nine feet so you can move around easily.
3. Use Layered Lighting
The right lighting is vital for any home renovation project, especially the kitchen. As you think about light fixtures for your kitchen renovation, remember to try and layer the lighting as much as possible.
Combine a variety of lighting types including ceiling lights, task lighting, and accent lighting. This not only adds a beautiful visual element to the space but will also improve overall functionality.
Kitchens with low ceilings can utilize recessed lighting or flush-mount ceiling lighting. Larger kitchens can incorporate more ornate options like pendants and chandeliers to brighten things up. Remember to add under-cabinet lighting and other task lighting as well.
4. Don’t Skimp on Materials
Using high-quality materials does more than just add a gorgeous look to your brand-new kitchen renovation. These materials are also designed to last for years and can resist exposure to water, stains, and damage.
Instead of laminate countertops, consider investing in solid surface materials like granite or quartz. Choose solid hardwood cabinets over cheaper cabinets with a simple, thin veneer.
As for flooring, you should always choose the most durable option available. Since your kitchen sees some of the most foot traffic and is vulnerable to spills and messes, the flooring should be as high quality as possible.
5. Measure Your Appliances 
Many kitchen appliances come in a standard size, but if you’re choosing something higher-end, they might be larger or smaller. Always make sure that you measure the appliances you plan to install in your new kitchen.
Record the dimensions of these appliances including their height, depth, and width. That way, you can be sure that your brand-new gourmet oven or sleek refrigerator will fit in the space.
Always talk to your kitchen remodeling contractor to make sure that they’ve accommodated your appliances based on the specific ones you’ve chosen. Getting this information to the remodeling company ahead of time will save you a lot of headaches later.
6. Remember to Account for Storage
Some homeowners get so excited about the kitchen renovation details like countertops and lighting that they forget about one of the most important aspects: storage. Always make sure that you’re keeping storage top of mind throughout the process.
Having adequate storage space definitely makes life much easier. Roomy cabinets with organizers for utensils, silverware, and pots and pans are quite helpful. Adding a separate pantry area can also do wonders for your kitchen’s functionality.
Proper storage doesn’t just make working in the kitchen easier, it also helps eliminate clutter. A clean, organized kitchen will look much more beautiful than one that’s always cluttered and in chaos.
7. Remember Electrical and Ventilation
With so many appliances, it’s important to make sure that you include electrical and ventilation in your design. Make sure that all receptacles near countertops use GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) protection.
You should also have at least one wall-switch-controlled light near the entrance. Windows or skylights are also crucial to help with proper ventilation.
A quality outdoor-venting exhaust system should be installed above your oven and microwave if it’s located above the stove. Microwaves below the countertop should be at least 15 inches from the floor. The right outlets, electrical plan, and ventilation will not just keep your kitchen safe, but will also keep it more functional.
Create the Ultimate Kitchen
Remember these key kitchen design rules to help ensure that your new kitchen renovation goes smoothly. With the right layout, quality materials, and other advanced planning, your beautiful new cooking space will become a favorite part of the home.
If you’re looking for help with your next home renovation project, be sure to contact MPLS Kitchen Remodeling today.