Kitchens have become the centerpiece of the American home. It is where we eat, hang out with the family and entertain. Big is beautiful and elaborate is everything! Today's homeowner wants a lavish showplace complete with granite countertops, custom tile backsplashes, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances and much more!



Proper layout is crucial to designing a dream kitchen to rival all others in the neighborhood. But before you can begin designing a new layout, it's your job to figure out how this important living space will be used. Begin by assessing the homeowner's needs. Will the family be using the kitchen as a mecca of entertainment; a place to relax and enjoy each other's company, a place to cook five-star meals or does the space need to be deigned to accommodate a hectic family with young children?

Once you know the functions it needs to fulfill, then you need to decide on size. Is an expansion in the plan? Or must you work within its current boundaries? What about shape?

Most kitchens are designed in one of three main shapes:

U-shape.

L-shape.

G-shape.

Once you've established these basic perimeters, you can begin the real design work!

Small kitchens can be a challenge, so remember to be creative when trying to make the space look and feel more open:

Look for unique storage solutions.

Add pullout shelves, rotating inserts, and tilt out bins to make your small space more accessible.

Go Light.

Nothing makes a small space feel cramped than a lot of cabinets - especially if they're made of dark wood. Opt for lighter colors in your cabinets and walls; use lots of open shelves; and wire organizers. And ditch the solid cabinet doors for glass or frosted ones. It'll give off an illusion of more space.

Choose appliances wisely.

Keep your cook top and oven in the same area. Hide away smaller appliance sin cupboards and pantries for a clutter free look and build in microwaves and dishwashers whenever possible.

Visually expand the space with the right lighting.

Maintain a mix of natural and ambient lighting. Adding a skylight is an excellent way to make a room appear much larger than it is by raising a portion of the ceiling and opening the room with more natural light from above.

When designing any kitchen it's important to remember these important features:

-The main purpose of the room.

-The family's size and needs (for instance family's with young children generally need -colors and textures that will hide fingerprints, smudges, and, yes, dirt!).

-The size and shape of the room.

-The budget.