Understanding how an owner uses their kitchen should be one of the most important final design determinations when designing a kitchen. If you are building or remodeling and can work with your own design or modify the architect’s or builder’s design, think of the space as if you were actually using the kitchen.

Start where you would normally enter the kitchen. Is there a counter or table that ends up looking like a thrift store clearance, literate with keys, bags, cell phones? By adding a drawer with a charging station near your entry, countertops can reclaim their purpose for preparing and serving food. Never settle for creative designs that look good on paper but don’t work for the way you use the kitchen. For example, the island with a pull-out seating area usually looks easy-going and attractive in an item or showroom, but if it doesn’t really work with your home’s traditions, don’t even consider it.

Pull-out drawers and shelves are an absolute necessity in today’s kitchens, not only do they add organization to your life, but they also make it easy to access items like pots and pans located in the back of the cabinet, on the bottom shelf. If there is an opportunity to move household appliances or change them, be sure to carefully read the dimensions and specifications. The fridges are available in a wide range of different widths, heights and depths; never assume a 36″ refrigerator will fit in that 37″ space next to a return wall. Sure it can slide out just fine, but when you open the door and try to use the crisper drawer, the wall prevents the door from opening the space required to allow the drawer to function properly. This is a common occurrence that should have been avoided simply by checking the specs.

Think carefully and creatively about space, make lists, or clip items or images of items are designs you like. See what products are available online or with a visit to a kitchen and bath showroom.