KITCHEN BUYING GUIDE

Design Your Dream Kitchen with Our Kitchen Design Tool

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It's where meals are prepared, family and friends gather, and everyday moments happen. A well-designed kitchen should not only look beautiful but also provide the functionality and storage you need for your lifestyle.

Before you begin designing your new kitchen, take some time to consider the following important factors:

1. Identify Your Kitchen Layout

The layout of your kitchen will determine how your cabinets, appliances, and work areas are arranged. Common kitchen layouts include:

• L-Shaped Kitchen: A versatile layout that works well in both small and large spaces by placing cabinets along two connected walls.
• U-Shaped Kitchen: Offers maximum storage and countertop space by utilizing three walls of the kitchen.
• Galley Kitchen: A practical design with cabinets and appliances positioned along two parallel walls, making efficient use of smaller spaces.
• G-Shaped Kitchen: Similar to a U-shaped kitchen with the addition of a peninsula, providing extra workspace, storage, and seating.

Understanding your kitchen layout is the first step toward creating a design that works for your space.

2. Consider Adding a Kitchen Island

A kitchen island can add valuable countertop space, storage, and seating while creating a beautiful centerpiece for your kitchen.

Before adding an island, make sure you have enough space for comfortable movement. We recommend maintaining at least 36 inches of clearance between the island and surrounding cabinets, appliances, or walls.

3. Select Your Cabinet Style

Your cabinet door style plays a key role in defining the overall look and feel of your kitchen. We offer a variety of popular door styles, including:

• Raised Panel
• Recessed Panel
• Shaker
• Slab
• Cathedral / Arch

Once you’ve selected your preferred door style, you can choose from our available colors and finishes to create a look that complements your home and reflects your personal style. Door styles and colors are collection-specific and cannot be customized.

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Plan Around the Kitchen Work Triangle

A functional kitchen design considers the relationship between the three main work areas:

• Sink
• Refrigerator
• Cooktop or Range

These three areas create what is known as the kitchen work triangle. The placement of these key elements can greatly impact how efficiently you move through your kitchen while cooking and preparing meals.

A well-planned work triangle allows easy access between each area while keeping the main cooking zone away from heavy traffic paths.

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Design a Kitchen That Fits Your Lifestyle

Every homeowner has different needs. Think about how you use your kitchen and what features are most important to you.

Need More Storage for Pots, Pans, and Large Items?

If you have oversized cookware or heavy kitchen items, consider wider cabinets with roll-out trays. These provide easier access and allow you to organize items that may be difficult to store in standard cabinets.

Want a More Decorative Kitchen Design?

Add custom touches that make your kitchen unique, such as:

• Glass cabinet doors
• Wine cabinets
• Plate racks
• Glass racks
• Decorative moldings
• Specialty cabinet doors

These details can add character and create a more customized appearance.

Do You Need More Pantry or Cabinet Storage?

Think about your storage priorities. Would you prefer:

• More pantry space?
• Additional wall cabinets?
• More base cabinets?
• A combination of different storage solutions?

Planning your storage needs early will help create a kitchen that stays organized and functional.

Would You Like an Island?

Kitchen islands are not only great for additional workspace and storage—they can also provide a comfortable area for seating, entertaining, and gathering with family and friends.

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Start Designing Your Kitchen Today

Once you have considered your kitchen layout, storage requirements, and design preferences, the next step is to take accurate measurements of your space (see our Measuring Guidelines) and connect with one of our professional kitchen designers.

The Premium Design Service includes:

• Unlimited design revisions
• Quotes for different cabinet collections and styles
• A 2-business-day turnaround
• A $100 credit toward your final order

Our experienced designers will guide you through every step of the process—from reviewing your measurements and creating a functional kitchen layout to helping you finalize your cabinet selection and place your order.

A kitchen remodel doesn't have to be overwhelming. With expert guidance and thoughtful planning, designing your dream kitchen can be a simple and enjoyable experience.

Get started today by completing our kitchen design form. We look forward to helping you create a beautiful kitchen you'll love for years to come!