How much does kitchen design layout affect your daily life? More than you may realize. A lot of study has gone into finding more efficient ways to set up appliances, more ergonomic layouts, and creative ways to maximize the space you have to work with.
Having a kitchen that you enjoy working in is essential for many individuals, and families. An efficient kitchen design will allow you to more easily prepare healthy and nutritious meals, and a kitchen renovation that allows for extra space can turn it into more of a social gathering place.
A large portion of anyone’s daily chore list revolves around the kitchen. Seeing as how we all spend so much time there – whether we are eating, cooking, cleaning, socializing, taking phone messages, or completing homework – it is in your best interest to make sure that you are making the most of this essential room in your home.
Let’s take a look at different layouts, and the advantages they offer.
Galley Kitchen
A galley kitchen is sometimes also referred to as a walk-through kitchen. Picture an exceptionally wide hallway with kitchen cabinets and appliances on either side. Some galley kitchens have two solid floor to ceiling walls, while others have one solid wall, and one half wall, allowing for counter space on both sides of the kitchen.
Pros:
There is a reason that galley kitchens are the preferred layout of restaurants. This floor plan most easily allows for the “work triangle” – that being the triangle of space created between the sink, the refrigerator, and the oven.
This layout gets its name from the galley of a ship. There isn’t a lot of extra elbow room on a ship, but there are dozens, if not hundreds of mouths to feed. This is a kitchen that has to maximize efficiency and output, while working with minimal space.
A galley kitchen makes excellent use of a narrow space. Older homes with irregular shaped rooms may find that while other kitchen layouts would be difficult to shoehorn in, a galley kitchen can usually be installed or renovated with very little fuss.
Cons:
If you think you will have more than one cook working in this kitchen, you may end up tripping over one another more frequently in a galley kitchen. By necessity, the space through which you pass is narrow, so picture two adults trying to hurry past each other while carrying wide cookie sheets. It can get a little interesting.
For those who enjoy the layout of an eat in kitchen, the galley won’t work. There are some exceptions, of course. For instance, if you only need to set up a small bistro style table with two chairs, you could probably fit this in a galley kitchen. Otherwise, you will need to have a separate room or nook set aside for dining.
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17 Designers Share Their Favorite Kitchen Design Software
No two ways about it - using a kitchen design software is going to make life a lot easier when it comes to planning out your kitchen renovation. However, finding the right software for the job is a whole other issue.
There are many choices out there, and some are definitely better than others. Those just starting out on their renovation journey might be overwhelmed enough trash the whole software idea, and stick to the old pen and paper method.
That’s why we reached out to the pros. We asked 16 professional designers which software they work with, and what they like (or in some cases, dislike) about it.
Their insight is so valuable and helpful, we just had to put it all into a single amazing resource for all the frustrated DIY-ers out there.
You can read all their helpful comments below.
" As I’m designing a kitchen, it is putting the pricing along with any options selected, into a spreadsheet behind the scenes!
Maria Stapperfenne ~ Designer ~ Tewksbury Kitchen & Baths
My favorite design software is 2020… I guess I’ve just simply been assimilated!
The reason I like it is because it makes my work light. As I’m designing a kitchen, it is putting the pricing along with any options selected, into a spreadsheet behind the scenes!
Once designed, I can show the client a 3-D rendering of their room that moves around and can make changes on the fly so they can see it immediately. If they like it, with just a few clicks, I can give them a PRICE on these products in their design!
I used to like Cabinetware, because of the customization, I was able to make on cabinets and STILL keep pricing on the products, but they were sold off to Planit, and I opted for the convenience of the masses.
My MO (modus operandi) is to have the client sit with me while I give them their “HGTV Moment” and create their kitchen before their eyes, so they can see it in 3-D just like they do on the shows.
They love it, get excited/engaged, and I have a much better closing rate from this procedure.
" Hands down the best software (that I now use) is Chief Architect.
BeckySue Becker ~ Principal Designer ~ Designs By BSB
I have been in the kitchen/bath remodeling industry for 30yrs +.
Hands down the best software (that I now use) is Chief Architect.
The diversity and customization of the rooms, cabinetry, finishes, furniture, etc. rarely disappointments me.
This is vastly from the standard catalogs provided!
" As a company that sells itself on realistic renderings, we have developed a way to fill in the blanks that 2020 leaves us by using Sketchup Pro.
Mike Dezoete ~ Principal Designer ~ Kendel Dezoete Designs
I have been designing kitchens, baths and other spaces for about 15 years now. Most of these have been done using 2020 Design.
I started with v6 and am now using v11.8. and have learned the hard way over those years that jumping on the new releases is a treacherous thing to do - even if the new features seem too good to wait for!
Like any software, though, there are inherent bugs that need to be fixed AFTER the initial new version is released. Unfortunately, those bugs usually have a negative impact on my productivity.
There is a fine line between a beautifully rendered image and the amount of time it takes to achieve it - both of which are necessary to be profitable - which, at the end of the day, is kinda the point!
I have found, though, that 2020 has done a fantastic job of developing its software over the years, both in terms of its ever expanding catalogue base and their ability to achieve beautiful renderings.
They have easily become the leader in kitchen/bath software design and have aligned themselves with almost all of the major brands of cabinetry, appliances, fixtures, etc., which makes generating those realistic images a lot smoother.
As a company that sells itself on realistic renderings, we have developed a way to fill in the blanks that 2020 leaves us by using Sketchup Pro.
Their vast user-generated 3D warehouse coupled with our ever-developing skill set has allowed us to either find or create a client's existing furniture, actually light fixtures, exterior house modelling, etc. We use those renderings as sales tools for products beyond just the cabinetry.
This allows us to increase the amount products we're able to sell right at the time of presentation and ultimately increase the bottom line and justify the time spent on our drawings. The same goes for items like backsplash tiles, hardwood flooring, tile showers, vanities, and on and on.
I look forward to how 2020 will continue to make itself more user friendly without sacrificing user flexibility, and expanding its capability in producing realistic renderings using sources such as Sketchup Pro.
" I think 2020 is an industry leader and most cabinet, appliance, plumbing, and countertop manufacturers have catalogs available on their system...
Alison Glen ~ Designer ~ LA Dwelling
We have 3 designers who all use 2020, I picked up my first license about 16 years ago and have watched the company improve their product over the years.
I think 2020 is an industry leader and most cabinet, appliance, plumbing, and countertop manufacturers have catalogs available on their system which helps us create realistic renderings so that clients can visualize their new space.
Remodeling is a big investment and you don’t want any surprises, 2020 has detailed drawings, dimensions, and pricing so that from one software package you have all the tools you need to keep clients, contractors, and your accountant happy!
" Over the years I have looked at many other design software packages but always come back to 20/20.
Arthur Zobel ~ Designer ~ Zobel & Co.
My favorite design software is 2020.
I have been using it since 1990. Over the years I have looked at many other professional kitchen design software packages but always come back to 2020.
All the major cabinet manufacturers are aligned with it, which makes designing easier for me. Another reason is that 2020 is a robust software package that allows me to be very creative.
" It is an extremely powerful and efficient business tool and after using it for nearly 10 years now, I can’t imagine designing without it.
Chelly Wentworth ~ Principal Designer ~ C Change Design
I use Chief Architect Premier for all of my drawings.
It is an extremely powerful and efficient business tool and after using it for nearly 10 years now, I can’t imagine designing without it.
It’s designed for the types of projects I work on which are mostly residential remodels with a heavy emphasis on kitchen and bath design. One of its best features is that as you draw your floor plan it creates a 3D model, and elevations automatically.
Clients are really happy with it as it helps them to visualize the end product. I start by simply programing in everything I want to see in plan, elevation and 3D views.
For example, if I’m setting out to draw a kitchen I can set ceiling heights, wall, window and door types; floor finish, paint colors, molding types, cabinet style, countertops, backsplash height, hardware, and much more.
Then I just need to place the items where I want them and size them in the drawing. From there I can easily generate elevations and 3D models that are editable from any view.
" I use Auto CAD to design my kitchens as well as 3D Max to create the renderings of them.
Daniella Villamil ~ Interior Designer ~ Daniella Villamil Interiors
I use Auto CAD to design my kitchens as well as 3D Max to create the renderings of them.
Haven't had much luck with 2020 and haven't really tried any other kitchen design software that will give me the final 3D rendering quality I like.
Sketchup is another software that we also use to do renderings.
" I love it because it’s easy to learn and it does an easy 3D render.
Sarah Wilson ~ Designer ~ Chansaerae Designs, LLC
I love ProKitchen.
I started using it because it’s one of the only Kitchen software for a Mac.
I love it because it’s easy to learn and it does an easy 3D render.
I’m a cabinet dealer and they have my catalog so it’s super easy to create a buying plan, and kitchen model for my clients.
" It is pretty simple to use and they have a great online resource you can use for importing items into your project space.
Thomas Keene ~ Designer ~ Core Design Services
The design software I prefer to use is Sketchup by Google.
It is pretty simple to use and they have a great online resource you can use for importing items into your project space.
They also have additional "extensions" you can use to add lighting and other rendering elements to your kitchen cabinets design.
I also started my own personal library of items that I find myself making periodically for kitchen designs.
This helps the design process when replicating cabinets, plumbing and lighting fixtures.
" I wanted a program that would do elevations and 3D.
Robin Rigby Fisher ~ Designer ~ Robin Rigby Fisher
I use Chief Architect for Interiors.
We switched in January from AutoCad.
I wanted a program that would do elevations and 3D.
I like the program, but it does have quirks.
I strongly suggest that anyone interested in Chief take a 2 day class to learn the ins and outs.
" Integrates with our cabinet companies and appliances manufacturers for accurate designs.
Kaytlyn Constantinou ~ Kitchen Designer ~ Design 1 Kitchen & Bath
We use 2020 because that is what I learned on and at the time was the most widely supported with the cabinet companies we work with.
Integrates with our cabinet companies and appliances manufacturers for accurate designs.
Great customer service when issues arise.
" AutoCAD is second nature for me, and feels like a hand sketching with precision!
Erica Volkmer ~ Designer ~ Evensen Design
I use Auto CAD to design my kitchens as well as 3D Max to create the renderings of them.
Haven't had much luck with 2020 and haven't really tried any other kitchen design software that will give me the final 3D rendering quality I like.
Sketchup is another software that we also use to do renderings.
" Being able to produce perspectives very quickly is one of it's best features.
Debbie Davis ~ Designer ~ Studio Design LLC
2020 Design is the design software I have used for 20 years. It's certainly not perfect nor without it's share of bugs, but I prefer it for several of its features.
2020 Design prices the cabinetry as I draw the spaces using the selected door style and finish. This saves an immense amount of time in having to manually price the cabinetry.
The software allows me to download current catalogs with current pricing with any changes to the catalog.
The program allows realistic color perspectives including counter tops, tile, lighting, flooring, paint colors, etc. 2020 Design uses a cloud library that is somewhat helpful, but not all pieces are available.
Being able to produce perspectives very quickly is one of it's best features.
Clients are typically not well versed in reading floor plans and elevations and perspective renderings are what is essential for the clients to visualize the spaces.
It's fabulous when the finish projects look just like the renderings and better!
" I enjoy this process for making it a very personal process and it allows me the freedom to add all kinds of details...
Maggie Cham ~ Designer ~ madDesign
I actually do not use software, but still draw by hand.
I enjoy this process for making it a very personal process and it allows me the freedom to add all kinds of details I may not be able to with software.
Although I am continued to be pleasantly surprised by the evolution of design software.
" It’s fairly intuitive, has a ton of manufacturer catalogs you can download...
Sue Dolezal ~ Designer ~ Inspired Designs
I use and am a big fan of Chief Architect.
It’s fairly intuitive, has a ton of manufacturer catalogs you can download and incorporate into your drawings and is a decent price.
" The best part of my job is drawing by hand!
Lynne Stryker ~ Designer ~ Spaces Into Places
I don't have a favorite software as I hand draft everything and always have.
I've tried AutoCAD and 2020 but it takes me right out of my brain.
The best part of my job is drawing by hand!
" You have your entire SRP Quote. Then from there I can determine the discount that I can apply.
Karen Ostergren ~ Designer ~ Designs By Karen
2020 is the best kitchen design software because it works well with the cabinetry company we retail.
We just load the catalogs, do the design, pick the door styles, finishes, overlay, drawer glides, etc., and voila!
You have your entire SRP Quote. Then from there I can determine the discount that I can apply.
We were blown away by the response from these kitchen planners. Did you learn a thing or two thanks to their expertise?
We know we sure did! Feel free to share on social media if you think others would benefit from reading this too.
Refrigerator Buying Guide: Which Model is Right For You?
It’s probably safe to say that the refrigerator sees more traffic and hands-on use than any other appliance in your home. Kids as young as two or three years old are usually keen to figure out the magic of this snack-producing coldbox, and that’s to say nothing of the teens and adults that are already opening and closing the doors all day. In other words, every member of your family will have their hands in, on, and around the refrigerator every single day.
What does this mean for you? It means more thought goes into your refrigerator selection than you initially realized.
No matter which style of fridge you choose to add to your home, there are three main requirements that nearly every consumer wants out of this major appliance purchase:
Now, let’s take a look at some of the different styles of refrigerators available to you, to help you narrow down your selection even further.
Top Mount Freezer Models
If you were to think of a standard refrigerator/freezer combo, you would probably think of this model. This is a rectangular unit where the top third is freezer space, and the bottom two thirds are refrigerator space (approximately).
Pros: If cost is your main concern, the top-mount freezer model is going to offer you the lowest starting prices. This design also lends itself well to smaller setups, meaning if you are looking to save space in the kitchen by installing a shorter or narrower refrigerator unit, you are more likely to find them in this standard arrangement. Top-mount freezers also extend to the full width of the unit – so, unlike side-by-side freezers, you will have a nice broad space which can handle casserole pans and pizza boxes with ease.
Cons: The freezer is at eye level, but it’s the refrigerator that you need to access more frequently. Most people are reluctant to stoop all the way down to peer in, and this can lead to food getting “lost” at the back of the fridge. In terms of efficiency, cold air naturally sinks, so putting the coldest part of the unit up top might require unnecessary energy.
When to Choose This Style: If you are looking for a standard refrigerator that won’t cost a lot up front, or if you are working with compact spaces, this model will be your best bet.
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Small Kitchen Ideas – Smart Tips for Working With the Space You Have
So, you have a small kitchen. If your cabinets are overflowing, you’re constantly searching for counter space, and you bump into someone every time you turn around, you probably already know it’s time for an update – but what’s the best way to make this work?
Despite what home renovation shows or cooking competitions on TV would have you believe, you can get an awful lot done in a small kitchen. Some homeowners panic at the thought of knocking down walls or jack-hammering up floors in an effort to expand a tiny kitchen. As it turns out, you may not have to.
There are a lot of great small kitchen ideas out there, and somewhere there is a design layout which will be absolutely perfect for your situation. With years of experience in helping families make the most out of cramped or awkward kitchens, we have assembled some great tips and ideas that will help you get some inspiration for your own project.
Bright Colors Can Widen Narrow Spaces
Dark cabinets or dark painted walls can make it feel like the entire room is closing in on you. Lighter and brighter colors such as cream, a pale yellow, white, a bright and cheery orange, a spring green, or a robin’s egg blue can make the space appear wider than it is.
Never underestimate the effect that colors can have on your mood. If you are in an overly dark kitchen, you might enjoy the room less because it seems to closed in or depressing. Brighten it up both literally and figuratively.
Make a Bright Focal Point to Draw the Eyes Away From the Walls
If you would rather stick to mostly neutral colors in your kitchen, you can still create a bright and interesting focal point to draw the eyes away from the walls. A bright red refrigerator, a bold pink back-splash, or even sunny yellow laminate countertop can add just the right splash of color, without overwhelming the room.
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12 Kitchen Countertop Options: A Pros and Cons Guide
Homeowners can easily become overwhelmed by the dozens of kitchen countertop options fanning out before them. When choosing to redesign your kitchen (or building a new one from the ground up), countertops can often become a sticking point.
Why?
Because, like every other aspect of your kitchen, the countertops are expected to look great, handle any workload you can throw at them, and stay dependable for decades. It’s not an area of your kitchen to skimp on. It’s an investment.
So to help make sure you’re making the right investment for your home and your family, here is a list of 12 different types of countertops, and the pros and cons you should consider for each.
Granite
Pros
Cons
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Looking for Something Unique? Here are Our Top 11 Kitchen Island Ideas
Adding an island to your kitchen is more than just trendy: it’s a smart and efficient way to increase those much-needed counters, workstations, and even seating for your family. But just like people come in all shapes and sizes, so do kitchens, and trying to shoehorn the wrong type of island into your kitchen can cause many more headaches than it solves.
We looked back across the hundreds of installation jobs we have helped families with over the decades, and have come up with our top 11 kitchen island ideas. Each one has different attributes, pros, and cons; but we are confident that one of the islands on this list will be absolutely perfect for your home.
Consider the following designs:
Basic Built-in Island
The word “basic” in this heading is somewhat misleading. There are plenty of bells and whistles that can be added on to any island, including a rectangular built-in. Of all the kitchen island designs, the rectangular built-in is the one you will see most frequently. This island is a permanent installation, typically placed opposite your existing counters, and it accomplishes two main objectives: increased storage, and increased workspace.
The countertop portion of this island will be on a single level (usually the exact same height as your other counters) meaning it is more ideal for working than eating.
There are numerous styles and materials available to choose from when selecting a basic built-in island. These islands can be matched to your existing kitchen decor, or can be installed as part of an overall kitchen upgrade.
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Kitchen Design Layouts: Do it Right the First Time
How much does kitchen design layout affect your daily life? More than you may realize. A lot of study has gone into finding more efficient ways to set up appliances, more ergonomic layouts, and creative ways to maximize the space you have to work with.
Having a kitchen that you enjoy working in is essential for many individuals, and families. An efficient kitchen design will allow you to more easily prepare healthy and nutritious meals, and a kitchen renovation that allows for extra space can turn it into more of a social gathering place.
A large portion of anyone’s daily chore list revolves around the kitchen. Seeing as how we all spend so much time there – whether we are eating, cooking, cleaning, socializing, taking phone messages, or completing homework – it is in your best interest to make sure that you are making the most of this essential room in your home.
Let’s take a look at different layouts, and the advantages they offer.
Galley Kitchen
A galley kitchen is sometimes also referred to as a walk-through kitchen. Picture an exceptionally wide hallway with kitchen cabinets and appliances on either side. Some galley kitchens have two solid floor to ceiling walls, while others have one solid wall, and one half wall, allowing for counter space on both sides of the kitchen.
Pros:
There is a reason that galley kitchens are the preferred layout of restaurants. This floor plan most easily allows for the “work triangle” – that being the triangle of space created between the sink, the refrigerator, and the oven.
This layout gets its name from the galley of a ship. There isn’t a lot of extra elbow room on a ship, but there are dozens, if not hundreds of mouths to feed. This is a kitchen that has to maximize efficiency and output, while working with minimal space.
A galley kitchen makes excellent use of a narrow space. Older homes with irregular shaped rooms may find that while other kitchen layouts would be difficult to shoehorn in, a galley kitchen can usually be installed or renovated with very little fuss.
Cons:
If you think you will have more than one cook working in this kitchen, you may end up tripping over one another more frequently in a galley kitchen. By necessity, the space through which you pass is narrow, so picture two adults trying to hurry past each other while carrying wide cookie sheets. It can get a little interesting.
For those who enjoy the layout of an eat in kitchen, the galley won’t work. There are some exceptions, of course. For instance, if you only need to set up a small bistro style table with two chairs, you could probably fit this in a galley kitchen. Otherwise, you will need to have a separate room or nook set aside for dining.
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10 Kitchen Remodeling Tips You don’t Want to Miss.
Making the decision to redo your kitchen means that you are about to embark on a journey that will rely heavily on your budgeting skills, your eye for design, and your ability to keep a cool head in a stressful situation.
Kitchen remodeling deasign ideas are as varied as the people who come up with them. It is always a good idea to look for inspiration either online or in catalogs, but the onslaught of Pinterest boards and architectural photography can also feel very overwhelming. What you need right now is a focus.
We have seen many homeowners metaphorically (hopefully not literally) pulling their hair out when they realize the vastness of the options available to them.
With so much information overload coming your way, it can be easy to get distracted or to lose sight of the kitchen that you actually want. The last thing anyone needs is to find themselves standing in the middle of a very new, and very expensive kitchen that they are unhappy with.
Want to make sure you are on the right track? Here are 10 important tips to follow when looking to make the right design and remodeling decisions.
Step 1: Make Your Choices Timeless
Most people will only redo their kitchens once over the course of the time that they spend in their home.
The reason for this is twofold:
First, kitchen renovation can be very expensive, and doing it more than once is not likely to generate a return on investment.
Second, the process is disruptive. Not many families are looking forward to the prospect of living without a functional kitchen for a number of weeks, if not months depending on the scale of the renovation.
With this in mind, it is important that you make sure that the work you do on your kitchen won’t begin looking horribly dated in a matter of five, six, or seven years from now.
One of the best ways to accomplish this is to stick with clean and simple lines throughout your design. Treat your kitchen as more of a backdrop – and up-to-date, efficient, and beautiful backdrop to be sure, but still a backdrop.
Leave the personalization to decorative items, wall hangings, or even paint colors – all three of which can be changed much more easily and cheaply than cabinets, countertops, and appliances.
White and/or neutral colors tend to work much better in making a kitchen seem timeless. Bolder colors can assign a decade or era to your kitchen (remember that avocado colored refrigerator in your first apartment?) meaning you may not be as happy with the design later on.
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What’s the Average Cost of Kitchen Remodel Projects? Knowing Could Save You Money!
An inefficient kitchen design layout leads to all kinds of headaches. If you don’t have adequate counter space, you’re constantly balancing plates and platters (occasionally losing one in the struggle). If your cabinets are cramped, you can expect periodic avalanches as things come spilling out. If you have outdated appliances, you may be paying way more than you need to in energy costs. In other words: if you’ve been daydreaming about a kitchen remodel, you’re not alone.
But what is the average cost of kitchen remodel projects? Can you afford it? How can you be sure you’re getting a fair price?
We get these questions all the time, and in an effort to shed some light on the subject, we’ve come up with this kitchen remodel estimator. Whether your budget is humble or grandiose, whether you’re looking to add some more modern touches, or rip everything out to start over, we’ve got you covered with this handy guide.
Design ideas – modern luxury kitchen interior
Design ideas – Luxury light green kitchen
Design ideas – Green walls and stone floor
Let’s Talk Numbers
Here’s what you came here for:
The average cost of kitchen renovation falls somewhere around the $20,000 mark – but we want to stress the word “average” there. Depending on how much square footage you’re dealing with, and how involved you want your project to be, costs could be significant lower or higher than that.
In general, homeowners report spending between $10,000 and $30,000 on their kitchen makeovers. Obviously, smaller kitchens fare better if you’re angling for a lower price, but even larger kitchens can come in at reasonable prices, if you’re willing to do some of the work yourself, and/or stick to “facelifts” as opposed to complete rip-outs.
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Never Forget About the Kitchen Cabinet Handles
If you’ve recently had some kitchen renovations done, chances are you’re already standing at the center of the room admiring the new scenery. You may be admiring the new looks of your kitchen countertops, feeling completely elated with your new floors, but do not forget about the little things that can boost the overall look for your kitchen even further.
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Replacing or Refacing Kitchen Cabinets?
There are times when you look at your kitchen and decide that you would want to remodel some parts of it just to make things fresh and stand out more. One of the possibilities that you might be thinking about is to give your kitchen cabinet an upgraded look. But the question is, would you opt to replacing or refacing kitchen cabinets entirely with something entirely new?
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