Kitchens today are more than places to prepare food and perform clean-up tasks. Your kitchen is most likely where everyone gathers daily to plan schedules, grab a snack, do homework, complete artistic projects, cook, clean, and share casual conversations. It is where all your guests migrate soon after arrival because that’s usually where the action is.

Many homeowners decide to remodel because they know their kitchen could function better, look better, and make their lives more enjoyable. But where to start? When planning a kitchen remodeling project, it is important to keep the following important considerations in mind:

1) Is there good work flow? What changes could be made to improve work flow?
        Even minor changes in cabinet configuration can make a big difference in the funtionality of your kitchen. It could be that re-routing traffic will make your kitchen seem bigger because guests, kids and pets are no longer parking in or passing through your work space.

2) Do you have adequate storage? 
        Quality cabinet makers now provide so many storage options that it is not necessary to increase the size of your kitchen to reap more storage for important kitchen items. A product called the Magic Corner II is just one of the options that allows the homeowner to turn the blind corner into easily accessible storage space. Pull-out spice and pantry drawers are other great storage options.

3) How well is your kitchen lighting functioning?
         Does your home have the traditional single light fixture in the middle of the kitchen ceiling? If so, you are in for a treat when you remodel because an updated lighting plan can literally transform your space. We like to use “layers of light” which provide light where you need it–under counter lighting, recessed ceiling lights, pendants, and sconces.

4) When standing for long periods on your kitchen floor, do your feet and legs tire easily? How easy is it to clean your current flooring?
        It is important to choose the appropriate flooring for the way you use your kitchen, and these questions are a good place to start. Consider what’s most important to you–whether beauty, durability, comfort, or all of the above. Fortunately, today there are products that fit every lifestyle.

5) Are the cabinet doors comfortably accessible and easy to operate?
        A well designed kitchen will always include cabinets that function well. Remodeling your kitchen is the perfect time to make those changes you’ve been dreaming of.

6) Do drawers and roll-outs glide effortlessly?
        Once you use cabinets that have high quality hardware you will wonder what took you so long to make the change.

7) Are countertops and all work surfaces a comfortable height for all your cooking and baking needs?
        It’s natural to assume that all countertops must be a standard height. But in a custom remodeled kitchen, it is possible to specify exactly what works best for you. Are you perhaps taller or shorter than the average homeowner? Even a slight adjustment to height can make a big difference in your comfort. Is there one tall cook and one short cook in your household? Providing countertops at varying heights not only makes everybody happy as they cook, but creates visual interest in the kitchen for everyone who dwells there.  

Salem Oregon kitchen remodel
Salem Oregon cabinets
Salem Oregon remodeling