Design Center

Style

Why do I want a new kitchen?

What's on the wish list of others who use my kitchen?

Where can I incorporate current elements into the new kitchen?

What do I like and not like about my current kitchen?

• What don't I like about how it looks?
• Do I have enough countertop space for preparing meals?
• Is my sink large enough?
• Do I need a second sink for food preparation?
• Do I have enough refrigerator and freezer space?
• Do I need more storage space?
• Do I have enough shelf space?
• Do my cabinet doors open easily?
• Is all the hardware in good working order?
• Is there enough space for me to comfortably prepare meals and cook?
• Do I need more space in the kitchen for working on the computer, paying bills, and other tasks?
• Do I have a separate recycling area?
• Do I have enough electrical outlets?

What general style do I like—contemporary, traditional, modern, eclectic, etc?

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

What are some of the styles and products that I like—those I've seen in a designer's showroom, on geappliances.com, in publications, or elsewhere? Begin collecting idea photographs, drawings, descriptions, and lists of what you want in your new kitchen. Over time, a pattern will emerge, and the design elements that suit you perfectly can be adapted from your collection and brought to life in your new kitchen.

What colors do I like? Which do I dislike?

Function

Who will be using the kitchen?

• How many people will use my kitchen?
• Will young children or elderly family members use the kitchen?
• Does anyone have special needs?
• Where do I expect to eat meals after the new kitchen is completed?
• Do I require a kitchen table?
• What other activities will take place in my new kitchen? (laundry, homework, watching TV, paying bills, and/or working on the computer)

How will I use the kitchen to entertain?

• Do I plan to entertain frequently?
• What is my entertainment style—formal or informal?
• Do I typically cook the food myself or have the party catered?
• How many guests do I typically invite?
• Do my guests always end up in the kitchen?

What are my storage requirements? What storage improvements would I like to see in my new kitchen? Inventory your current kitchen. Looking at what you have in your kitchen now, where would you want to put it all in the new one? Make a list of storage needs and wants.

What is my cooking style?

• Who is the primary cook?
• Is the primary cook left- or right-handed?
• How tall is the primary cook?
• What is the primary cook's cooking style? (gourmet, family, quick and simple, takeout, and/or baking)

What atmosphere does the primary cook prefer when preparing meals?

• No one else in the kitchen?
• A helper in the kitchen?
• Family and friends visiting and helping?

Does the primary cook have any physical limitations?

Who is the secondary cook?

Do they prepare meals together?

Is the secondary cook left- or right-handed?

How tall is the secondary cook?