What’s the first step when planning a stylish, functional, enjoyable kitchen? It’s not necessarily creating a budget, collecting ideas, or creating a wish list, says Custom Cupboards design consultant Roger Hazard.

“While these are all great in planning a kitchen remodel, it’s important to look at the big picture,” Hazard says. “Have you ever walked into someone’s kitchen and felt like you had been teleported to a completely different house?

“Failing to understand and work within the boundaries of a home’s pre-existing scale and style can create a space that takes away from the home as a whole,” he says.

Hazard starts by assessing the home and kitchen according to four criteria: scale, layout, style, and purpose.

Establishing Scale. Most of us want more space in our kitchen, regardless of how much storage, how much counter space, or how many power outlets we have. If you are upsizing, can you extend the usable space of adjacent rooms or open up a wall?

Evaluating Layout. Where is your kitchen in the floor plan? How does your family walk into, through, and out of the room? Improving flow and creating a more open feel can start with simple adjustments.

Determining Style. Does your home have a dominant style? What kind of trim work, flooring, and other details are throughout? Frameless cabinets increase storage capacity and accessibility and are now available in myriad designs and finishes.

Defining Purpose. Kitchens aren’t just for cooking. Does yours play a role that might typically be performed by another room? How does your family use the space? For meals? Conversations? Homework or working from home?

Source: Custom Cupboards