A new kitchen in any house will be a welcome addition. Some people remodel their kitchens for increased functionality or to add extra space. Others remodel their kitchens for a brand new look. Whatever your reason, careful planning will make your kitchen both functional and beautiful.

Before you go out and buy that new refrigerator or start taking out the cabinets, ask yourself some questions to get a general idea what would improve your kitchen’s functionality. Do you have a large family? How often does your family eat meals together, and where? Is the kitchen the center of your house, or is it rarely used? Do you like to cook a lot? What is your preference on flooring, walls, ceilings, islands and lighting?

Now that you have some ideas in mind, remember that the most important element of any kitchen is its functionality.

Since cooking usually involves a lot of movement, an easy-access kitchen with lots of counter tops would be the most functional. The height of your work center, as well as clearances between cabinets and appliances, plus the amount of under-counter storage areas are all factors to consider when planning an efficient and easy-access kitchen. Keep in mind, too, that cabinets, as well as refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves and stoves, all have doors that will project into the kitchen when they are opened. Make sure there is enough space for you to move around when they are open. Don’t place a microwave and a cabinet directly across from each other, for example.

Counter tops are typically around 36 inches in height, but they can be customized to best suit the homeowner. The top shelves of some cabinet spaces may be difficult for shorter people to reach, so lowered heights of everything in your kitchen will improve access.

Kitchen layouts these days come in all shapes and sizes, but some of the best designs look good and add accessibility and efficiency to your kitchen A U-shaped kitchen layout is the most efficient, since it is accessible from both sides. An L-shaped kitchen creates room for a breakfast nook at one end. Kitchen designs with an island at the center allow for placement of cooking tops, plenty of under-counter space, a sink and an eating areas, all in one.

However, in all the designs the dishwasher should be located at the center or near the sink, for best functionality.

Also new to today’s kitchens are added spaces for a home office or a computer center. If you decide to add one of these features, make sure your computer center has adequate lighting and that there is enough cabinet space for the computer and the printer, as well as some drawers for filing or paperwork and enough desk space to spread out all your projects. Selecting an ergonomic chair is not only important for comfort, but also helps your back, as well.

By following these simple suggestions, your new kitchen will be both beautiful and efficient, and sure to compliment your home in a brand new way.

- For more information about kitchen designs, contact Benicia Home Improvement Center, 736 First St., Benicia. Call at (707) 745-8337.

Benicia Home Improvement

PLAN CAREFULLY - Ask yourself questions to get a general idea what would improve your kitchen’s functionality. Your family’s size, how often the kitchen is used for meals and how frequently you cook, are all things to take into consideration.

FUNCTIONALITY is the most important element when remodeling your kitchen. Cooking requires a lot of movement so an easy-access kitchen with lots of counter tops is the most functional. Also, be sure to check the height of your work center, clearances between cabinets and appliances, as well as the amount of under-counter storage areas.

COUNTER TOPS are typically around 36 inches in height but they can be customized to best suit the homeowner.

A U-SHAPED kitchen layout is the most efficient, while the L-shaped kitchen creates room for a breakfast nook at one end. An island design allows for placement of cooking tops, under-counter storage, a sink and an eating area all in one. All designs should place the dishwasher at the center or near the sink, for best functionality.

ADDING HOME OFFICE SPACE to a kitchen is a very popular feature but be sure your computer center has adequate lighting and counter space for the computer, printer and plenty of draws for storing supplies and paperwork.