Let’s face it – whether you’re the chef of the family or the official primary taste-tester in your house, chances are you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s the heart of the home, and a place where many important tasks take place each and every day. Often a well designed kitchen can instantly increase the value of a home and increase its appeal on the market as well as its ease of use to you and the rest of your family. In order to design the perfect kitchen for your needs and marry form with function, you should carefully consider its purposes.

Kitchens receive a lot of traffic, so it’s best to keep it open and easy to move about. From rowdy children running through the home or a restless and hungry family to friends gathered around during a dinner party, it’s important to remember that often the cook isn’t the only one occupying this space. When designing your ideal kitchen space, leave plenty of room for walk-through traffic.

Additionally, plan for plenty of work space and ample storage. There is nothing quite as frustrating as dealing with limited counter space while preparing a large meal. If your kitchen space is awkwardly shaped and this cuts into your counter space, you may want to invest in a center island or breakfast bar with comfortable seating. Install cabinetry and drawers for easy storage and to keep clutter off your counters.

Finally, carefully select your appliances based on your own personal needs. For example, if you have a large family and cook often, you may want to invest in a double oven. If you do a great deal of frying and grilling on your stove top, invest in a high quality fume hood. However, remember that your appliances also need to fit into your design. Appliances, like the other elements in your kitchen, should serve a purpose while also complementing the décor.