Many people don't realize this, but when we are in the comfort of our own homes, we tend to spend most of our time in the kitchen. In fact, research suggests we spend something like 65% of our waking time in, or around, the kitchen. The kitchen truly is the “hub of the home”, since it is where we congregate as a family. Children chat with mom after school as she prepares dinner; couples enjoy wine together there and guests gravitate towards the kitchen when we entertain. In short, the kitchen still is the location where the majority of the activity, laughter and drama of day-to-day life takes place.



Given the importance of the kitchen, it is always best to carefully consider and plan any changes to your kitchen's lay-out and design. If you are remodeling your kitchen you need to optimize functionality, space and utility whilst not compromising style.

There are plenty of things you need to think about before you get started. For example, if you are buying new white-goods or appliances, you need to factor their mere presence and size into the space that you are redesigning. For example, if you are buying a new refrigerator, be sure to check the dimensions of your fridge and think about how and where it will best fit into the kitchen. Likewise if you are purchasing that all-important new stovetop, the placement and installment of this highly significant appliance can affect the way in which you use your kitchen space. So make sure all the major appliances are located in practical positions that optimize your family's use of the internal space in your kitchen.

Maximizing storage is another oft overlooked matter. When you remodel your kitchen be sure to think through how you can declutter your kitchen with clever storage solutions.

What about the material of the new cabinetry you are planning? Do you have an idea of the advantages and disadvantages of the respective materials on the market? For example, while timber is beautiful, it can be costly. There are plenty or excellent, durable man-made materials for cabinetry and bench tops that are inexpensive and designed to stand the test of time.

If you are planning a family, or have small children, you may need to think about child-safety measures, like children's locks for cupboards and cabinets.

Moreover, if you are incorporating a dinette in your kitchen where will that be? And how can you delineate your food preparation area from eating areas?

These are just a taste of the sorts of things you will need to think about before remodeling. After all, style and beauty can only go so far. When it comes to your kitchen, you need plenty of space, storage and bench area to prepare food and spend time with the family. Get that right... and everything else will fall into place.