For most Texans, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where loved ones gather to talk about the day’s trials and triumphs; it’s where important conversations are had and homework is completed; and, of course, it’s where we all fuel our bodies each day.
Being that your kitchen is the epicenter of your Dallas home, you want to make sure it’s designed with care, precision, and in a way that meets and serves your unique needs. In order to accomplish this, the layout needs to be just right, so here we’ll explore the layout logistics to consider when designing a kitchen remodel.
How much working space do I need?
First, think about your lifestyle. If you spend a lot of time cooking elaborate meals and entertaining guests, then an open concept with ample space to work is essential. A large kitchen island surrounded by plenty of space to work and move about will make your life a lot easier.
On the other hand, if you’re more keen to eat out than spend hours slaving away in the kitchen, stylish storage and a more compact layout that gives more space to your other rooms might be better suited for your needs.
Do I need a breakfast bar?
If your kitchen feels more like a drive-thru—maybe you and your family are more inclined to breeze in and grab food on the go than spend long hours dining—then a breakfast bar is an expense you can forgo.
But if little sounds more enticing than a long leisurely breakfast with your family, then a beautiful breakfast bar can really enhance the quality of everyday living.
Should my kitchen island be mobile or stationary?
This is another lifestyle question. If each of your days feels different than the last—maybe some days are spent entertaining large groups while others are more quiet and solitary—then a mobile island can bring some much-needed versatility. You can bring it out when you need it and tuck it away out of sight when it won’t be useful.
However, if your routine tends to be pretty stable from day to day, then a fixed island that’s well-integrated into your design will keep things simple and stylish.
Does your kitchen need access to the outdoors?
This is a vital consideration for all of you Texas BBQ aficionados. If you enjoy grilling regularly, then direct access from the kitchen to the patio will make your life a whole lot easier. In fact, even if grilling isn’t on the regular agenda, you might be among the so many of us who like to take advantage of the nine months of good weather per year by eating outside, which is another strong case for outdoor access.
It all depends on you!
The bottom line is that the right kitchen layout varies from person to person—it completely depends on your unique needs and lifestyle. Taking a moment to sit back and consider your daily life in the planning process will go a long way to ensuring you remodel the kitchen of your dreams.
