Getting Your Kitchen Design on Paper
This section of Kitchen Design Insights offers a step by step, numbered series of articles on creating a design file and putting your design on paper. If you are using design software the process is no different- you’ll simply be entering the information into the software instead of drawing on graph paper.
This is an important […]
1. Creativity, Process and Intuition
Creativity is a mystery to many of us. Somehow, when planning a project, we must go from the practical to the creative and back again. Designing your kitchen is no exception. You start with an existing or planned space, systems that must be worked with and limitations of budget and/or time. You have a set […]
Read More..>>2. Start A Design File
When you first considered creating a new kitchen, you probably started looking at kitchens in magazines, friend’s kitchens and kitchen appliances and cabinetry in stores. These things took on a different light as you started to consider what you liked or disliked about them. A large part of starting the creative process is this focusing […]
Read More..>>3. Measure The Space
One of the first things to put in your design file is a measured drawing of your existing space. If you’re building a new home or adding a completely new wing to an existing one, you’ll have blueprints to work with from the builder. Get your own copies and use them to follow the process […]
Read More..>>4. Take ‘Before’ Photos for Future Reference
Now is a good time to take snapshots of your existing kitchen to serve as both a reminder and a reference later on. Simply shoot each wall from as far back as you can get, going around the room. Take a few overall shots and some close ups of any details you like or dislike. […]
Read More..>>5. Sketch A Floor Plan
Assuming you’ve measured your space and taken a few snapshots, it’s time to do a more accurate measured floor plan. Most art, office or stationary supply stores can sell you a large pad of graph paper ruled on 1/4 inch squares and an architect’s or drafting ruler. This ruler has the conversions in feet and […]
Read More..>>6. Locate Hidden Systems
The next step is to add the various hidden systems to your drawing. Taking your rough sketch, add sinks, stoves, built-in lighting, heat and cold air ductwork or radiators, chimneys, water supply lines and drains and any other existing fixed systems. Locate wall outlets and light switches, with a light line indicating what fixtures they […]
Read More..>>7. Locate Permanent Architectural Elements
Every house and apartment has various architectural elements that either function as structural components of the building or serve as a decorative and/or historical part of the home. These range from period moldings and windows to bearing walls that support upper floors. Its important to locate and identify these elements so that you can make […]
Read More..>>8. Locate Connecting Traffic Patterns To Other Areas
Traffic between kitchen, dining and other living areas and the outside has a significant effect on the success of your kitchen design. Using the space you left around the perimeter of your drawings, draw in immediate connecting space on all sides of your kitchen including hallways, outside walls, entries, porches, decks and patios, access to […]
Read More..>>9. Block Out Work/Cabinet Space
By now the potential storage, work and appliance space has begun to define itself. When you leave room for people to move and room for doorways and windows you have a limited amount of space to work with. Unobstructed wall space is a resource as is wide areas of open square footage in the center […]
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