Hey Kitchen Lovers

​You can listen to today's email here!​

Today I'm going to go over the 5 main topics of my recent free Kitchen Design Essentials workshop that will leave you more than ready for your next big kitchen renovation.

You'll learn:

• How to define your kitchen renovation end goal.
• The common excuses keeping you from getting the kitchen you want.
• What clients ask for vs. what they should be asking for.
• An introduction to the Universal Design Approach.
• How to get the Best layout for your kitchen.

You can check out the replay below in case you just want to listen.

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How To Define Your Kitchen Renovation Goal.

It's not enough to just say "I want a better kitchen". That doesn't tell me anything. We all want our kitchens to be "better" and to do that we must establish the end goal/s. This way we can focus our attention (money, time, mind) on the things that will help us achieve the kitchen we desire.

Here are the 10 most common end-goal outcomes (you can have more than one btw)!

1. Enhanced Aesthetics - Achieve a more visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing kitchen design.
2. Home Value Increase - Increase the resale value of your home by creating an attractive and functional kitchen.
3. Open Concept Living - Create an open-concept kitchen to improve connectivity with other living spaces in the home.
4. Increased Storage Space - Add or redesign cabinets, drawers, and pantry space to increase storage capacity.
5. Easy Maintenance - Choose materials and finishes that are easy to clean and maintain.
6. Increased Safety - Upgrade appliances and features to meet current safety standards.
7. Entertainment Space - Design the kitchen as a hub for entertainment, with features like a kitchen island for socializing.
8. Accessible Design - Make the kitchen more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges or disabilities.
9. Smart Tech integration - Incorporate smart home technology, such as smart appliances, lighting, and thermostats, to enhance convenience and efficiency.
10. Improved Function - Enhance the overall functionality of the kitchen by optimizing the layout for better workflow and efficiency.

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The common excuses keeping you from getting the kitchen you want.

I've established 12 excuses that people give that keep them from their end goal. I'll list them below, but if you want to see my rebuttal to these excuses check out the pdf file.

1. Limited Space - Excuse: "My kitchen is too small; there's not enough space to organize things properly."
2. Budget Constraints - Excuse: "I can't afford to renovate my kitchen right now; it's too expensive to make it functional."
3. Rental Limitations - Excuse: "I'm renting, so I can't make any permanent changes or upgrades to the kitchen."
4. Lack of Time - Excuse: "I have a busy schedule, and I don't have the time to plan and implement changes for a more functional kitchen."
5. Dislike Cooking - Excuse: "I don't enjoy cooking that much, so I don't see the need to invest time and effort into making my kitchen more functional."
6. Overwhelmed by Choices - Excuse: "There are so many options and designs; I'm overwhelmed and don't know where to start."
7. Ignorance of Design - Excuse: "I don't know anything about kitchen design; I wouldn't even know where to begin."
8. Fear of Disruption - Excuse: "I don't want to deal with the mess and disruption that comes with a kitchen renovation."
9. Inherent Functionality - Excuse: "My kitchen is fine the way it is; I don't need to change anything for it to be functional."
10. Procrastination - Excuse: "I'll get to it eventually; right now, it's not a priority."
11. Lack of Creativity - Excuse: "I'm not creative enough to come up with a functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen design."
12. Perfect Time Syndrome - Excuse: "I'll wait until I have more time/money before I tackle the kitchen."

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What clients ask for vs. what they should be asking for.

Over the years I have been repeatedly requested for the same things. The trouble is, these are the wrong things to be asking for.

The 5 main ones are as follows"

1. I want more storage. ❌

You should be asking, " I want efficient storage"! ✅

Efficient storage in a kitchen design focuses on maximizing the use of available space through well-organized cabinets, pull-out drawers, and innovative storage solutions. It involves strategic placement of items based on frequency of use, utilizing vertical space effectively, and incorporating features like pull-out trays, pulldown units, and dividers to ensure easy access and optimal organization of kitchen essentials.

2. I want less clutter. ❌

You should be asking, "I want to Declutter"! ✅

Designing for decluttering involves creating a kitchen space where items have designated places, unnecessary items are minimized, and storage solutions are utilized to keep countertops and surfaces clear. It emphasizes a clean and organized feeling, reducing visual noise and giving a sense of openness and calmness in the kitchen environment.

3. I want more countertop space. ❌

You should be asking, "I want usable countertop space"! ✅

Prioritizing usable counter space in kitchen design involves optimizing the layout to ensure that countertops are not only abundant but also strategically placed for efficient food preparation, landing area, entertaining, and other tasks. This approach emphasizes a balance between quantity and functionality, ensuring that every inch of counter space serves a practical purpose in daily kitchen activities.

4. I want a work triangle. ❌

You should be asking, "I want personalized functional placement of key elements"! ✅

While the work triangle is a classic kitchen design principle that ensures an efficient layout for the sink, range, and fridge, personalized functional placement takes individual preferences and habits into account. Designing with a personalized approach means considering how you use your kitchen specifically and placing appliances accordingly for a workflow that aligns with your cooking style, making the space not only efficient but tailored to your needs and preferences.

5. I want a budget-friendly kitchen. ❌

You should be asking, "Help me set realistic expectations"! ✅

Choosing a budget-friendly kitchen design should be coupled with realistic expectations, acknowledging potential delays and unforeseen challenges. While keeping costs in check is important, it's equally crucial to anticipate that construction projects may encounter unexpected issues or delays. Establishing a realistic timeline and budget that factors in contingencies allows for a more informed and resilient approach to the kitchen design process, ensuring satisfaction without compromising on quality or functionality.

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An introduction to the Universal Design Approach.

While every kitchen is essentially different, there are universal principles which can be followed to help us get the most functional kitchen regardless of the individuality of the space.

Versatile Work Heights - Incorporate a range of work heights for countertops and islands, allowing for diverse user preferences and making the kitchen adaptable to various tasks.

Spacious Open Layouts - Design wide walkways and open spaces to enhance mobility and create an inviting atmosphere, ensuring the kitchen is functional and enjoyable for everyone in the home.

Intuitive Cabinet Design - Opt for user-friendly cabinet and drawer hardware, allowing for effortless operation and easy access to items, promoting convenience for everyone.

Innovative Storage Solutions - Integrate smart storage solutions that enhance organization and accessibility, catering to the needs of a diverse range of users in your kitchen.

Thoughtful Lighting Design - Ensure well-distributed and ample lighting throughout the kitchen, contributing to a welcoming ambiance and increased function for tasks.

Efficient Appliance Placement - Place appliances strategically to minimize unnecessary movements, promoting an efficient workflow that benefits users of different lifestyles.

Adaptable Flooring Choices - Select flooring materials that balance aesthetics with practicality. Your floor could be the most important surface in your kitchen.

Streamlined Traffic Flow - Create clear and streamlined pathways to essential areas, optimizing traffic flow and ensuring a seamless experience for all users. (No Bottle Necks)

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How to get the Best layout for your kitchen.

This is really what we want at the end of the process. We just want the best kitchen for all the time, money and mental storage that we are spending. Here is my best advice for getting there.

Throw out the rules - Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying there are no rules, just that you don't want to start the process with a whole bunch of constraints. Believe me, they will come up eventually. The path to the best layout is to approach it like anything is possible.

Design Multiple Layouts - I've said this a lot in the past. It is essential to discover the possibilities you never considered for your kitchen. This is the way to do that!

Keep the end goal in mind - After two months in, it's easy to get sidetracked or tempted to take shortcuts in getting this flipping kitchen finished. Remember your goals and let them keep you on track to that dream kitchen.

Don't get discouraged - There will be setbacks and things come up that you were not prepared for. Join the club on this one. Just keep moving forward the best you can. It's part of the process.

Get HELP! - This should be the first thing I mention in this whole email. Get help early, whether free or paid for, and rely on others experiences to help propel this project to success!

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I hope this thorough breakdown of my workshop is valuable on your journey to a new kitchen. The link to watch the replay is below.

If you would like to work with me click here.

Have a great week!

Mark

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