Part 9- Designing A Custom Home A Builders Perspective- The Kitchen

Part 9- Designing A Custom Home A Builders Perspective- The Kitchen

One of the most important aspects of a home is the kitchen. Too small and the kitchen is cramped. Too large and you'll walk your legs off cooking the family meal.

The truth is, kitchens are not designed by the Architect or Plan Designer but by the cabinet company's designer. Sure, when Architects draw up the plans a kitchen is always included but it more that he is allocating space for the kitchen rather than actually designing it. The layout and design of the kitchen is left to the cabinet company.

I suggest having the Architect draw up the preliminary house plans and then send a copy to the cabinet company so they can design it the way you want it. Then have the Architect include their design in the building plans. This way, you get a well designed kitchen by an expert that designs kitchens every day.

Contrast this approach to completing the plans only to have the cabinet company tell you the plans are designed in such a way where you can't have the dream kitchen you always wanted. I've seen it happen and it's not going to make momma happy!

A good kitchen designer will take into account how you live. The designer will discuss, "the work triangle", what appliances (cooktop, trash compactor, 1 or 2 dishwashers, refrigerator etc.) you want, recycle centers, walk in pantry, what side of the sink you want the dishwasher etc.

In regards to the Padova Plan, below are my observations:

a.  The kitchen is on the same side as the garage so unloading groceries is easier.

b.  The main walkway from the foyer to the leisure room passes next to the kitchen instead of directing traffic through the kitchen. That can be disruptive as well  as dangerous.

c. The kitchen has a bar top for casual eating as well as a place for guests to sit and chat.

d. The center island is nice but it interrupts the work triangle between the main sink, cooktop and the refrigerator.

As I mentioned previously, have the kitchen company design your kitchen not the Architect.