The kitchen needs to be a functional space for entertaining and preparing daily meals, and that’s accomplished with a carefully planned layout. Whether you’re thinking about a kitchen remodeling project or building a custom home, here are some important layout do’s and don’ts to consider.

Do:

Take stock of what you need to store.

Most people have numerous items to store in the kitchen, including food, dishes, and small appliances. Before deciding how many cabinets and storage areas you need, look at what you have. You can then plan for enough enclosed spaces to house large items, open shelving or overhead storage for dishes, and pantry space for food.

Think about how you use the space.

It’s impractical to wash dishes in the sink, then have to carry them across the room to put them in the dishwasher. It’s also not ideal to grab cookware out of storage nowhere near your stovetop. Outline which appliances and fixtures need to be near one another, then combine the sections into a functional layout.

Don’t:

Pack too much into a small space.

You want to fit as many functional appliances and cooking areas as possible into your kitchen, but you also need open space to move around comfortably. Generally, you should have about three feet of walking space between counters and islands or peninsulas, or more if you plan on cooking with the whole family.

Skimp on counter space.

You also need enough counter space to prepare meals. In large kitchens, adding an island or peninsula can give you more functional areas to work. In small spaces, consider adding an extendable countertop at the end of your island or a removable cutting board over your sink or stovetop.

If you’re planning a kitchen remodeling project or custom home, the professionals at Dumore Construction & Remodeling in Honolulu will help you make the most of the space. The construction company provides quality craftsmanship to homeowners throughout Oahu. To view a list of services, visit the company’s website, or request a free estimate for your kitchen remodeling project at (808) 216-9956.