G&A House of Kitchens

Does it ever feel like the holidays are a Mensa challenge on how to fit all your cooking and baking onto your limited counters? If you don't want to spend another stressful season storing extra cookies on your dresser, let's get started on a kitchen renovation.

Although there may be some exceptions for very petite kitchens, as a general rule the minimum effective size for a kitchen island is 3' x 5'. Less than that is considered an inefficient use of space.

A work zone kitchen layout pulls everything involved in a specific task together, including equipment, appliances, and materials. In most kitchens, the three major zones are going to include a cooking center, food prep center, and cleanup center.

When planning your kitchen remodel, it's important to think about your ultimate goal. Are you looking for more square footage? Do you need a space that's more functional? Or are you looking for a more decorative or thematic look?

Do you ever feel like the type of counters and cabinets you have in the kitchen don't ever really come clean? When you cut down on the amount of time you spend scrubbing, let's talk about installing easier to clean counters.

It's important to remember that every kitchen has its limitations. When your kitchen simply doesn't have the square footage to accommodate everything you need to store, it may be necessary to look for more out of the box kitchen storage ideas.

You can make your kitchen more environmentally friendly when you remodel. Not only will choosing energy saving appliances cut your utility bills, but there are ways to reduce your energy use through natural or energy efficient lighting.

Did you know that the classic work triangle kitchen layout actually dates back to the 1950s as a tried and true method for optimizing workspace? This type of layout can be configured and adjusted for your particular kitchen to make the best use of your space.

Detail work with your kitchen remodel includes the hardware for your cabinets and drawers. You can choose antique, reclaimed hardware or reproductions to ultra-modern designs. These are decorative as well as functional.

If you want a cutting edge kitchen, think geek. Many experts agree that the kitchen of the future will be technology central, including multi-functional appliances networked to make programming them easy -- even when you're away from home.

It's important to remember that making changes to your kitchen is about more than just increasing your home's value. Let's talk about what you'd like to change to improve your kitchen's functionality.

When planning your kitchen remodel, don't forget about the lighting. By adding layers of light, including recessed lighting, under cabinet lights, pendant fixtures, and other lighting elements, you can really create a dramatic effect.

When you lack adequate kitchen storage, hunting for the utensil or cooking accessory you need can be a real expedition. If you find that you keep buying accessories you already have because you can't find them, it's time think about a kitchen remodel.