It’s true with any remodeling project, of course, but a well-designed, detailed plan is especially important when it comes to remodeling your kitchen. Regardless of whether you plan to do it yourself or are using the help of a professional, your first step will be to come up with a plan that will address three main kitchen criteria: food preparation, storage, and cleaning.

In the 1950s, and until relatively recently, kitchens were designed in a triangular pattern, with the three points of the triangle being the stove, refrigerator, and sink. It was considered the most efficient setting at a time when most women were staying home during the day and working alone, preparing family meals from scratch.

Of course, that is no longer the case, which is why kitchens have evolved to suit people’s cooking habits, as most women now work outside the home, share cooking chores with their husbands or other important people prepare only some meals from scratch. To reflect those changes, modern kitchens are designed with multiple work areas, including islands, to allow more than one person to work in the kitchen at a time. Many kitchens even include two sinks, on the island and on the traditional countertops, to further facilitate the division of labor.

Since almost twice the storage space is required in modern kitchens, cabinets become a major problem when planning a remodel. You’ll want to decide on the types of surfaces, colors, materials, and styles that suit both your preferences and your budget.

The same goes for countertops. They should be durable and attractive, but within your price range. One thing to keep in mind is that expensive surfaces like granite or marble can be extremely durable, but are very difficult for the average hobbyist to work with.

When it comes to flooring, modern kitchens are now generally made of vinyl, as opposed to the linoleum that was more commonly found in 1950s kitchens. Whether you use sheets or tile, you will have a wide variety of styles and textures to choose from. choose. Wood floors have also made a comeback in both high-end and moderately priced kitchens.

Kitchen sinks can be found in cast iron, stainless steel, and plastic, and they come in many styles and colors, as do the faucets to fill them. Whether you choose a single or double sink, with one or two handles on your faucet, you will again be limited only by your taste and budget.

A similar variety will be available in stoves, microwaves, range hoods, refrigerators and freezers. It’s up to you to decide what works best for you, without breaking your budget, but whatever you choose, it all starts with sitting down and coming up with a detailed plan of what you want in your new kitchen.