In our last post, we discussed kitchen countertop colors and bringing design into your kitchen.  Some of us out there know exactly what we are looking for in our kitchen aesthetic, but there are those of us who don’t even know where to begin.  Personally, I fall in the latter category where making a simple decision on what color coffee pot I want would put me into a frenzy.  When it comes to designing the color scheme of your kitchen, starting with the kitchen countertops and cabinets are two essential steps.  However, you must know what look you want your kitchen to exude before embarking onward to those two decisions.  If we think about all the options available in countertop colors, especially when considering solid surface countertops, it can be a little overwhelming.  Solid surface countertops can lend themselves to several different overall kitchen styles and thus, different kitchen color schemes.  The easiest way to start the design process is to sit down and consider what look and style you want for your kitchen.  Once you’ve got the basics down, picking out your kitchen countertop color and backsplash should be an easier decision.  For those of us who need a little extra help in deciding on our kitchen design, below is a great questionnaire from kitchens.com that should aid in the design process.

Design Questionnaire

Design and Style

1.  W hat do I like and not like about how my current kitchen looks?

2.  What is the architectural style of my home? Do I want my new kitchen to reflect this style?

3 . Which general style do I like—contemporary, traditional, country or transitional?

4.  Is there a particular design theme I want to use?

5.  What colors do I like? Which ones do I dislike?

6.  What rooms adjoin the kitchen? Does the kitchen need to complement their design?

7.  How does the kitchen relate to the outdoors? Do you want to change or improve it?

8.  What do I like about my friends’ kitchens?

Function and Storage

1.  What do I like and not like about how my current kitchen works?

2.  What’s on the wish list of everyone who uses the kitchen?

3.  Can I keep any of my existing appliances? Do I want to?

4.  Do I need new flooring, or can I keep or refinish the existing floor?

5.  Do I need new cabinets, or can I reface or refinish the existing cabinets?

6.  Do I need more space in the kitchen for working on the computer, paying bills, and other tasks?

7.  Do I need more storage space?

8.  Can I get extra room by organizing the current space better, or do I need to change the kitchen layout?

9.  Can I change the layout within the existing kitchen footprint, or do I need to add space from another room in the house or through an addition?

10. What kind of storage space do I need, and what am I storing? Possibilities to consider include:
Dry goods, paper products, pet food, dishes, flatware, cookware, bakeware, glassware, recycling, china, table linens, small appliances, and bottled or canned beverages.

11.  Do I have enough refrigerator and freezer space?

12.  Do I shop daily? Weekly? Monthly? Do I buy in bulk? Would I shop differently if my kitchen were different?

13.  Do I have enough electrical outlets for small appliances (toaster, coffeemaker, blender, mixer, etc.) and electronics (cell phone, TV, etc.)

14.  Do I have enough light to work by?

15.  How many people use the kitchen regularly? How old are they? Does anyone have any special needs?

16.  What non-food-related activities will take place in my new kitchen? Possibilities to consider include laundry, homework, paying bills, working on the computer and watching TV.
Cooking and Cleaning

1.  Who is the primary cook?

2.  Is the primary cook left- or right-handed?

3.  How tall is the primary cook?

4.  Does the primary cook have any physical limitations?

5.  What is the primary cook’s cooking style?

• a. Gourmet
• b. Family
• c. Quick and simple
• d. Takeout
• e. Baking

6.  How does the primary cook prefer to work?

• a. Alone
• b. One helper
• c. Multiple people visiting and/or helping

7.  Is there a secondary cook? If so, do the primary and secondary cook prepare meals together?  What are the secondary cook’s responsibilities?

8.  Is the secondary cook left- or right-handed?

9.  How tall is the secondary cook?

10. Does the secondary cook have any physical limitations?

11. Do I have enough countertop space for preparing meals?

12. Is my sink large enough? What about the dishwasher?

13. Is fresh water easily accessible when I’m cooking? Do I need an additional sink or faucet?

14. Do I need a bigger cooktop or oven?

15. Are the surfaces, finishes and appliances easy to clean?

Dining and Entertaining

1.  Do need room for eating in the kitchen?

2.  Do I want room for a stand-alone kitchen table and chairs?

3.  Do I want a built-in booth or banquette?

4.  Do I want an island with room for dining on one side or end?

5.  Do I plan to entertain frequently?

6.  What is my entertainment style—formal or informal?

7.  Do I typically cook the food myself or have the party catered?

8.  How many guests do I typically invite?

9.  Do my guests always end up in the kitchen?

Products and Features

1.  What features are needs? Wants? Unnecessary, unwanted, or unaffordable?

• Appliances?
• Cabinetry and Storage?
• Electrical and Lighting?
• Plumbing?
• Miscellaneous?

Click here to download questionnaire

Are you in the market for new kitchen countertops?  Not sure what the best option is for you, your lifestyle, and budget?  Investing in quality, durable kitchen countertops can help up the resale value of your home (and who wouldn’t want that in today’s market).  Doing your research on the different countertops materials available is essential.  For instance, did you know that solid surface countertops are lower maintenance and more cost efficient than granite or quartz?  Don’t cross off certain options without knowing the full extent of their performance and value in the kitchen.  Granite or quartz may not be the best option for your lifestyle or budget.  Solid surface countertops may provide the durability and high end look that you are seeking without putting a huge dent in your pocketbook.  Consumer Reports offers the following helpful tips to consider when shopping around for countertops:

• Decide how much you can afford.
• Read up on maintenance issues.
• Factor in your long-term prospects.
• Don’t overestimate your DIY capabilities.

For a more in depth look at the difference between the countertops available, check out the rest of Consumer Reports guide to buying kitchen countertops.

Click here for the full article.

Like fashion, kitchen décor trends come and go.  Remember the countertops of the 1960’s and 70’s?!  Well, it seems that the recent popular style of Granite countertops may be coming to an end.  However, if Granite is out what’s the new trend in kitchen countertops?  Solid surface countertops are a big contender due to their price, durability, and overall stylistic appeal.  What’s your opinion?  Do you think Granite is “so last decade?”

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