Print Article for : New Kitchen Aid Mixer

Your Online Guide » Quality Home Improvement » Kitchen Home Improvement

[N197]New Kitchen Aid Mixer

by Richard Solare, Ric

Designing Your New Kitchen On The Computer

Okay, just about everyone knows upgrading a kitchen is a smart financial move. For those of you, not me, who enjoy cooking, it may make sense from a purely personal view. Regardless, you need a concrete idea of what you want to add and subtract from your current kitchen.

A kitchen design program is immensely helpful when it comes to creating a vision of your new kitchen. Once you start using these programs, you will be utterly stunned. They allow you to insert different styles, colors, layouts and even particular products in certain situation. A quality program, however, takes it a step further. It will create a virtual kitchen for you in a two or three dimension format. You can then ?walk? around in your kitchen and see it from various angles and so on. All and all, it is very impressive. Sort of like Finding Nemo for adults.

Alas, not all of these programs are created equal. There are absolutely free versions available on the web that you can download directly to your computer. In truth, you get what you pay for when you use these versions. Since you aren't paying anything, you can figure out the quality involved. Ah, but there is a solution.

Nearly all top kitchen design computer programs online come with an interesting marketing pitch. The give you a free period where you can try out the software. This free trial is made available because the companies are marketing to decorators and designers who are looking for a long term software solution. With costs ranging from $300 to a $1,000 dollars for this software, they don't actually expect homeowners to buy it so there is no need to feel guilty. If I am correct in assuming you are only redesigning one kitchen, you can use the free trial to your benefit. Most provide full access to the program, which should suffice for your needs. Just make sure to have all your ideas jotted down since the trials don't last forever.

1. For efficiency, the work triangle (the space between the sink, refrigerator, and stove) should measure 26' or less with no single side longer than 9', or less than 4'.

2. In kitchens smaller than 150 sq. ft., opt for at least 13' of base cabinets, 12' of wall cabinets, and 11' of countertop. In kitchens which are larger, go with at least 16' of base cabinets, 15 1/2' of wall cabinets, and 16 1/2' of countertop.

3. For convenience, plan work aisles to be at least 42” wide for one cook, and at least 48” wide in multi-cook kitchens.

4. Specify a minimum of 24” of counter space on one side of the sink and at least 18” on the other.

5. To create the most accessible landing for unloading groceries, allow at least 15” of counter space on the handle side of a standard refrigerator; on both sides if it's a side-by-side model. Or include a landing area directly across from the refrigerator, but no more than 48” away.

6. For cleanup ease, install the dishwasher within 36” of one edge of the sink and allow for at least 21” of standing room next to it.

7. For microwaves and ovens, provide at least 15 “ of counter space nearby, at least 16” deep.

8. For optimum clearance, no entry, appliance, or cabinet doors should interfere with another.

9. For comfort and to help avoid repetitive-motion injury, plan for work counters of different heights; between 28 and 36” off the floor (easier for chopping and seated-use access), and between 36 and 46” for general tasks (higher counters accommodate taller cooks).

10. To install a cabinet unit above the cook top, make sure the clearance is at least 24” for a fireproof surface, 30” for an unprotected surface.

Designing a kitchen is as much a science as it is an art. Knowing the recommended measurements to use when planning the project can make all the difference in the final outcome.

Article Source : Pg. 27

About Author

Both Richard Solare & Harvey Juric are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Richard Solare has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Travel, Home and Home Improvement. Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com, a directory of companies. Visit us to read more. Richard Solare's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.

Harvey Juric has sinced written about articles on various topics from Kitchen Home Improvement, Home Management. . Harvey Juric's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.