Insider's Guide to Kitchen Design

Insider's Guide to

Kitchen Design

WELCOME

Hello there!

I am so happy you’ve purchased An Insider’s Guide to Kitchen Design. This guide is born out of my love

for kitchen design and my experience as both an interior designer, kitchen designer and homeowner

(we’ve restored and renovated our 1940s Chicago Bungalow). My design education also included

coursework ailiated with the NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association), which I highly recommend

as a resource to designers and homeowners alike. The majority of imagery in this PDF is of kitchens

from our design portfolio (the source is otherwise attributed). I opened my full service design firm,

Centered by Design in 2015, and kitchen design has become a passion for our firm.

Designing a kitchen, or the heart of the home as we like to call it, takes a lot of knowledge, organization,

a great team and an even better project manager. Whether you are about to embark on your own

renovation and have a designer, contractor or cabinet maker, etc. this guide will give you a lot to think

about and empower you to make educated design choices!

The guide is broken into four sections: Practical Advice, Design Guidelines, How To Get Started and

Sample Drawing Set. Follow it in order and use it like a workbook for maximum eiciency. It’s never

too early to start planning your dream kitchen, Bon Appetit!

For all our latest design inspiration follow along on Instagram @centered_by_design

Claire Staszak, Principal, Centered by Design

SECTION I

- Practical Advice -

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Fill out the Kitchen Questionnaire: Think Like a Researcher

• Review the Kitchen Remodeling Checklist: Make your Wishlist

• Average Kitchen Renovation Cost Template: Be Prepared

• Interview Contractors: Get Multiple Bids

• Step by Step

: Schedule, Timeline, Budget, Plan

• Basic Glossary: Learn Industry Terminology

• Cabinet Knowledge: Not all Cabinets are Created Equal

Kitchen Questionnaire - Part 1

Household Information:

How many people are in your household, and who is/are the primary cook(s)? Do you cook frequently

or is the kitchen used more on the weekends / special occasions? Do you enjoy entertaining or have any

special hobbies to consider, like baking?

Children:

If you have children, do they like to cook? And what considerations would you like to make for them in

the kitchen?

(e.g., step stool, cutting boards, pantry access, microwave or appliance heights)

Pets:

If you have pets, what would you like us to know about them and their use of the kitchen?

(e.g., pet food storage, bowls, water access, etc.)

Research:

What DO you like and what do you NOT like about your current kitchen?

Do you consider your kitchen as just another room in your home, or is it more of a living space/heart-of-

the-home where you and your family spend a majority of time?

What improvements are you looking for in a new kitchen? (e.g., Easier to clean; Upgraded appliances;

More eicient traic pattern; More storage; Better lighting; Additional workspace; Other)

Do you prefer small appliances out and accessible or hidden away for clear counters?

What key small appliances do you use daily?

Are there entertaining features or technology you would like to see in your kitchen?

Are there any new or dierent appliances you hope to incorporate into the new kitchen design?

Design:

What style would you like your new kitchen space to have? Formal, Traditional, Transitional,

Contemporary, Open and Airy, Modern? Are there any kitchen designers, magazines or brands you love

that you’d like to emulate or incorporate in the kitchen?

What colors do you like/dislike?

Which metal finishes do you prefer? Are there any you really don’t like? Brass, Bronze, Polished Nickel,

Chrome - satin or with shine?

What type of finish would you prefer for new cabinets? Natural wood, Light wood, Medium wood, Dark

wood, Metal/glass, Aged/antique, Painted, High-Gloss, etc.?

What type of material are you considering for your countertops? What is most important to you in

regards to durability, natural materials, cost, aesthetics?

Do you need additional decorative or task lighting? Do you like under cabinet lighting?

What are key areas you’d like to invest in or areas of importance to you? Please refer to our kitchen

design checklist.

Anything else you would like us to know or consider as we design your new kitchen!?

Kitchen Questionnaire - Part 2

Kitchen Remodel Checklist

O/X CLIENT NOTES DESIGNER NOTES

Kitchen Floor Plan

most recent revision date:

Cabinet Cabinetry

cabinet door style

cabinet hardware

cabinet accessories

Countertop

edge detail

backsplash/ tile

grout

Plumbing

sink

single/ double basin

confirmed sink cabinet size:

drain

faucet

single / double / high-arc spout /

pull-out sprayer / seperate sprayer

garbage disposal

Appliances

dishwasher

refrigerator

water filter / ice maker

freezer

side by side / top / bottom

range

gas / electric

range hood

ovens

single / double / convection/

microwave & oven combo

cooktop

gas/ induction

microwave

wine fridge

built in coee maker

Electrical

decorative lighting

reccessed cans

Average Kitchen Renovation Cost Template

Highest Cost Items:

• Contractor Fees : Estimate 30 - 50% of overall project budget

• Designer Fees : Estimate 10-20% of overall project budget

• Cabinets: $10K - 50K

• Appliances: $6K - 100K

• Countertops: $5K - 25K

Median Cost Items:

• Backsplash: $1K +

• Hood/Exhaust Fan: $2500 +

• Cabinet Hardware: $500 +

• Light Fixtures: $2000 +

• Furniture: TBD

Lower Cost Items:

• Faucet: $650 +

• Sink: $800 +

• Flooring: $5 - $10/ sq

• Inspection/Permit Cost: TBD

Total $_______

Thoughts on How to Value Engineer:

Everyone has costs top of mind when undertaking a large renovation. Our advice is to decide what is

most important to you and put your money there. If this is your “forever home”, invest in cabinets that

will stand the test of time, appliances and countertops are easier to swap out over the years. If this

is an investment property, higher end appliances and quality countertops will garner more interest.

There is a huge range for costs of items like hardware, lighting, sinks and faucets.

With some dilegence, you should be able to find a style you love at a price point that works for you!

Ballpark overall costs to expect, depending on geographic location: $50K - $250K

Top 8 Questions To Ask Your Contractor

1. Are you licensed and insured in my city?

2. Could I have the phone/email of two recent clients who could give you a referral?

3. How long have you worked in this industry?

4. If you’re newer to the industry, what did you do before? Experience in peripheral fields like

architecture or building trades is a good sign.

5. Do you work mostly on commercial, residential, new construction, or renovations?

What’s your area of expertise?

6. Have you ever collaborated with an interior designer? Good contractors understand the value of

an interior designer, or home owner who appreciates and understands design details.

7. Can you create a project budget? An itemized list of expected costs broken down per room or

per trade, such as plumbing costs, electrical costs, framing, drywall, tile, etc.

8. Can you explain your process for a “change order?” When changes occur to scope of work, either

increasing or decreasing costs what is the procedure?

We always suggest printing out inspiration photos to show to a potential contractor. Use your photos

as a tool to gauge the contractor’s sensitivity to design details. It is a good sign if they are responsive

to the vision and even add suggestions / comments on design possibilities (or restrictions) based on

their construction knowledge. They likely have a good eye for design and detail which goes a long way

during the building process!

What Your Contractor Wants You To Know

1. Create a thorough wish list or scope of items needing to be addressed by area throughout the

home.

2. Prepare a good inspirational package with images. You can gather these on sites like Pinterest and

Houzz. Print these out for your meeting.

3. Provide any plans of existing conditions, including plat survey plans from your closing or floor

plans from your home or online listing.

3'-0"3'-0"

REFREF

14'-2"

7'-0"

4'-6"

3'-6"

7'-0"

5" 14'-2"

3'-6"

2'-0"

4'-0"4'-0"

6'-0"

4'-0"

6'-0"

10'-0"

3'-0"

9'-4"

D/W

MWO

REF

8'-11

3'-0"

10'-0"

5'-0"

DINING ROOM

PANTRY

KITCHEN

19'-9"

CEILING HEIGHT

10'-0"

6'-0"

3'-0"3'-0"

REDUCED DOORWAY

FOR TRIMMED OPENING

STAIR WELL WAINSCOTING

SEE ELEVATION FOR DETAILS

7'-6" 7'-1"

1'-3

2'-3

1'-3

TRAY CEILING

The following three suggestions are a good general practice when preparing or meeting with

potential contractors or other trades people:

1. SET REALISTIC GOALS : Kitchen renovations are known for going over on time and budget. Even

the biggest budgets need value engineering. Decide what are the most important elements (i.e.

appliance quality, cabinet quality, better lighting plan, etc.) for you and your family, stick to those

priority items and let them guide your choices. Living through a renovation is not easy, plan for it

accordingly or move out!

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH: Make sure you talk to friends, family and professionals for guidance on

their experience with dierent brands, designers, showrooms and dealers. You are about to spend

a lot of money and time to create function and beauty for your family, do your due diligence and

then trust the professionals.

3. CREATE A BUDGET: A simple Excel spreadsheet will do. We always recommend budgeting, even

if at first the numbers feel like a guess. As designs become finalized you can swap numbers for the

actual costs. There are a lot of moving parts and this helps keep track of not only costs, but ordering

too.

4. HIRE YOUR TEAM: Aer steps 1 - 3 you should be well on your way to find your supporting players

for this renovation. Designers and builders can aid in your budgeting process as well. We recommend

involving a good team from the start for eiciency. You will save time, money and costly mistakes

with professional help. We recommend first reaching out to an interior or kitchen designer, they can

oen recommend vetted contractors and builders.

Kitchen Design Step By Step - Part 1:

Planning, Budgeting & Design

5. MEASURE YOUR SPACE + IDEATE: Kitchen design comes down to millimeters! Make sure you or

a professional gets very accurate measurements to work from.

6. FLOOR PLANS, ELEVATIONS AND D VIEWS: Now is the time to get creative! Use online space

planning tools like SketchUp and more to draw and ideate for your project. If you are working with

a professional they should provide multiple floor plan options, elevations and 3D views.

7. SUBMIT FOR PERMITS IF NECESSARY:

Work with your city, architect or builder to submit for your permit once plans are drawn and finalized.

8. CREATE PROJECT TIMELINE: Ask your contractor or builder for a timeline and contingency time.

9. FINISH SELECTIONS: With your drawings approved, now is the fun part! Choose your cabinet

door style, color/s, metal finishes for plumbing, lighting, countertops, hardware, etc. If you are

struggling, this is another good stopping point to involve a designer.

. PREPARE FOR CONSTRUCTION: Setting up a makeshi kitchen in the basement or elsewhere

really helps if you are living through a renovation. We recommend access to a fridge, sink, crockpot

and hotplate! Get ready for some dust...we promise once it’s all over it will be worth it!

Kitchen Design Step By Step - Part 1:

Planning, Budgeting & Design

1. DEMOLITION (~ WEEK)

2. STRUCTURAL CHANGES: (- WEEKS)

• Framing

• Plumbing

• Electrical

• Mechanical

3. DRYWALL & PAINTING (~1 WEEK)

FLOORING ( -  DAYS)

5. CABINET INSTALLATION ( -  DAYS)

6. COUNTERTOPS & BACKSPLASH (~ -  WEEKS)

• Cabinets must be installed to measure.

• Fabrication & Installation require multiple site visits.

APPLIANCES & DECORATIVE LIGHTING ( -  DAYS)

8. FINISHING DETAILS & HARDWARE ( -  WEEKS)

9. PUNCH LIST & CLEAN ( -  DAYS)

10. ENJOY!!!

Kitchen Design Step By Step - Part 11:

Construction & Project Management

Get familiar with cabinet industry terminology and construction:

Wall Cabinet

Also known as upper cabinets,

typically 12-13” deep

Base Cabinet

Also known as lower cabinets,

typically 24” deep

Appliance Box and Panel

Cabinetry used to house / hide

appliances

Crown Molding & Back Band

Detailed woodwork used to finish

the tops of wall cabinets

Toe Kick & Furniture Base

Detailed woodwork used to finish

the bottom of base cabinets

Flush End vs. Paneled End

Refers to how the side of cabinet is

finished

Basic Cabinetry Glossary - Part 1

Inset vs. Overlay Cabinet

Most popular types of cabinet doors/

styles in the USA

Inset Cabinet

Features doors and drawers that

fit inside of the cabinet face frame.

Overlay Cabinet

Refers to how much a door overlays

the face frame of the cabinet.

Basic Cabinetry Glossary - Part 2

Door Style

Defines the look, construction and

type of cabinetry door.

Appliance Garage

Custom cabinetry, designed to

conceal large appliances.

Pull out/ Roll out Cabinet

Cabinetry type that rolls or pulls out,

f.e. for spice storage, trash can, etc.

Get familiar with cabinet industry terminology and construction:

Cabinet Knowledge: General FAQ

• Good quality cabinetry is absolutely beautiful and will add value to your home.

• Invest in the best you can aord. You will use and touch your cabinets everyday.

• Make sure your cabinetry is built out of solid materials. Quality cabinetry should have a minimum

of plywood box construction with corner braces, full height backs, so close hinges and joinery

details (such as dovetail drawer boxes).

• Cabinet face frames and doors should be made of solid wood or (if painted) there may be a

wooden frame with a composite center panel.

• Talk to your cabinet maker about their finishing process and cabinet interiors. Great cabinets are

finished by hand with very high quality painted and hand applied finishes.

What are the things you need to consider before you purchase your cabinetry?

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Kitchen Inspiration Sources: Start Dreaming & Designing

• Styles of Kitchen Design: What’s Your Style?

• 10 Ways to Layout Subway Tile: So Much to Choose From

• 7 Favorite Countertop Edge Profiles: Details that Matter

• 18 Favorite Light and Dark Cabinet Colors: Tried and True Colors

SECTION II

- Design Guidelines -

The following are my favorite design accounts/ brands to look at for inspiration!

Corey Damen Jenkins

@coreydamenjenkins

coreydamenjenkins.com

Humphrey Munson

@humphreymunson

humphreymunson.co.uk

KitchenLab Interiors

@kitchenlabinteriors

kitchenlabinteriors.com

Jean Stoer

@jeanstoerdesign

jeanstoerdesign.com

Kate Marker Interiors

@katemarkerinteriors

katemarkerinteriors.com

Waterworks

@wtrwrks

waterworks.com/us_en/

Kitchen Inspiration Sources

What’s your style? No need to pick just one! The best kitchen designs oen result from combining

unexpected elements from dierent design genres.

Traditional

@centeredbydesign

Modern

@centeredbydesign

Styles of Kitchen Design

French Country

@centeredbydesign

All Wood / Rustic

@centeredbydesign

Bohemian/Eclectic

@annaburkeinteriors

Transitional

@katemarkerinteriors

Styles of Kitchen Design

European Modern

@formandfield

Scandinavian

@pinterest (source unattributed)

What’s your style? No need to pick just one! The best kitchen designs oen result from combining

unexpected elements from dierent design genres.

Stack Bond

by. Ann Sacks

Vertical Stack Bond

by. Fireclay Tile

Crosshatch

by. Claybrook

Running Bond

by. Ann Sacks

4x4 Square Tile

by. Entrance

Designer Tip:

For more modern spaces, try Stack Bond

and Vertical Stack Bond patterns.

Designer Tip:

For a more vintage aesthetic, try 4 x 4

Square and Offset patterns.

Our 10 Favorite Subway Tile Layouts

Diagonal Herringbone

by. Centered by Design

Diagonal Offset

by. Home Designing

Traditional Herringbone

by. Erin Hanrahan

Offset

by. Centered by Design

Straight Herringbone

by. Bedrosians Tile & Stone

Designer Tip:

Shower niches are a great place for

contrasting mosaic tiles.

Designer Tip:

Don’t forget to choose your grout color!

Decide if you want grout to match or

contrast with your tile selection.

Our 10 Favorite Subway Tile Layouts

Our 7 Favorite Countertop Edge Proles

Eased Edge Square

Square

by. Centered by Design

Miter with Apron

by. Centered by Design

Designer Tips:

Countertops are typically priced by a stone

fabricator. This is the person who installs the

stone in your home. You visit stone yards to

chose your slab and they can connect you

with a stone fabricator.

Fabricators will visit your site and laser

measure for accuracy of the installation.

Make sure you have chosen or installed a

sink prior to measure.

Make sure to think about your backsplash

and edge prole when considering your

kitchen design.

Styles 1-4 are great in more modern kitchens

and style 5-7 work well in more traditional

settings.

Our 7 Favorite Countertop Edge Proles

Bullnose

by. Cambria

Ogee with Dupont

Ogee

by. Centered by Design

Bevel

by. Cambria

Our Top 9 White Paint Colors

Chantilly Lace

Simply White

White Dove

Intense White

Wevet

Ammonite

Cornforth White

Skimming Stone

Mountain Peak White

Our Top 9 Dark Paint Colors

French Beret

Overcoat

Metropolitan

Worsted

Down Pipe

Wrought Iron

Off Black

Mahogany

Kendall Charcoal

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• How To Measure Your Kitchen: Break out the Tape Measure

• Sample Floor Plan: Designing starts here!

• Sample Electrical Plan: Get lit!

• Designer Tips: Mixing Metals: Don’t fear the mix

• Designer Tips: Kitchen Sinks: Get the look you want

• Designer Tips: Hanging Lighting: Play with Scale

• Designer Tips: Bar & Counter Stools: Check your Measurements

• Designer Tips: Hardware Count & Placement: Count & Re-count

SECTION III

- How To Get Started -

1. Prepare a piece of paper, pencil and a good measuring tape.

2. Try to draw the shape of the room, based on where you stand.

3. Begin with measuring the ceiling height, and write it down on the site as folllows: Ceiling H= xx”

4. Next, measure every wall’s length and write them down next to each of them.

5. If there’s an opening (window or door), make sure to mark it on the plan.

6. Measure each opening from outside to outside, including the trim that goes around it. Do the

same for height & width. For window, make sure you also measure from floor to the top of the sill.

7. Write down which room the door leads to - this will influence the design process.

8. Next, measure the space between wall and window/ door on each side, and write those down.

9. Lastly, note any of the existing mechanical locations, like sink plumbing, radiators, or can lighting.

How To Measure Your Kitchen

Sample Floor Plan

Sample Electrical Plan

Designer Tips: Mixing Metals

Satin Brass, Polished Nickel & Stainless Steel

Aged Brass, Silver, Stainless Steel & Polished

Satin Brass & Stainless Steel

Designer Tips:

- General:

Don’t be afraid to mix metals. It is a good

way to add some character to your kitchen

and make it more YOU!

- Mixing yes’s:

• Mix brass and dark bronze

• Mix brass and chrome

• Mix brass and nickel

- Mixing no’s:

• Don’t mix nickel and chrome

• Select 1 main nish and accentuate it

with up to 2 others, including appliance

nish.

Designer Tips: Kitchen Sinks

Undermount Sink

Top Mount Sink

Apron Front Sink

Designer Tips:

- Top Mount Sink:

Otherwise know as “drop-in sink”. It is

relatively easy and inexpensive to install.

It also doesn’t require an internal support

system under the counter, making it a good

choice for DIY people on a tighter budget.

- Undermount Sink:

Mounted underneath the counter, providing

a clean, modern look. Edge of the counter

drops off directly into the sink basin. They

typically require more work to install because

the sink must be glued to the underside of

the counter. For most sinks of that type you

need to have holes cut into your counter

top to install your faucet.

- Apron Front:

Features a large forward-facing section that

replaces a portion of the counter. Typically

used in farmhouse style or more traditional

projects.

Designer Tips: Hanging Lighting

PANTRY

KITCHEN

FAMILY ROOM

PANTRY

KITCHEN

FAMILY ROOM

LED LED LED LED LED

LED LED LED LED LED LED LED LED

LED LED LED LED LED LED LED LED LED LED LED LED

LED LED LED LED LED LED LED LED LED LED

LED LED LED LED LED

Sample Kitchen Electrical Plan

Pendant above Kitchen Island

Designer Tips:

- Island Pendants:

For best visual and functional effect we

recommend installing ceiling xtures 30”-

36” from the surface of your kitchen island. If

there are multiple pendants being installed,

the widest part of the xtures should be

spaced a minimum of 30” apart.

- Linear Pendants:

Best choice to light extra long surfaces.

Selecting a xture that’s about 2/3 the size

of the kitchen island or a dining table is the

key to achieve a perfectly lit surface.

- Lighting at Round Dining Table:

Choose a xture that measures between

1/2 and 3/4 of the table diameter. We

recommend its installation at 32”-36” from

the surface of your dining table.

Pendant above Dining Table

*Play with scale! Lighing can make more impact when it’s oversized, or it

can be more subtle if petite.

Designer Tips: Bar & Counter Stools

Counter Stools with Back

Dining Chair vs. Counter Stool vs. Bar Stool; source: furniture.com

Counter Stools with no Back

Designer Tips:

- Counter Stools:

A typical counter stool seat height should t

between 23” - 28” off the oor to the top

of the seat. These will work perfectly with a

counter height of 35” - 37”. These are most

commonly used in kitchens.

- Bar Stools:

A typical bar stool seat height should t

between 29” - 32” off the oor to the top

of the seat. These will work perfectly with

a counter height of 41” - 43”. These are

most commonly used in bar areas, or raised

island counters.

- Spacing:

Measure your overall island size and divide

it by 24 to determine the optimal number

of seats.

Dining Chair

Counter Stool

Bar Stool

Designer Tips: Hardware Count & Placement

Cabinet Pulls placed horizontally & vertically

Cabinet Knobs on Top Cabinets

Sample Hardware Placement Sketch

Designer Tips:

- General:

Sketch your hardware on a cabinetry shop

drawing or a photo and make sure to count

it twice before you place an order! Don’t be

afraid to mix hardware nishes and styles.

- Cabinet Knobs:

Very commonly used for top cabinets.

Typically more traditional in style, most used

sizes are 1.25” & 1.5”.

- Cabinet Pulls:

Can be installed horizontaly or vertically,

depending on a cabinet type. Install handle

pulls on all drawers for easier use, especially

if any of them will hold heavy items. A good

rule of thumb for pull sizing is 1/3 of the

cabinet size. Ex: 24” cabinet = 8” pull.

Sketch out hardware to help with accurate count, ex: here we have:

- 12” Appliance Pulls, Qty: 4

- 1.25” Cabinet Knobs, Qty: 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Existing Floor Plan

• New Floor Plan

• North Elevation

• South Elevation

• East Elevation

• Island - East Elevation

• Island - North Elevation

SECTION IV

- Sample Kitchen Drawings Set -

Existing Floor Plan

New Floor Plan

North Elevation

South Elevation

East Elevation

Island - East Elevation

Island - North Elevation

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Before Photos

• 3D Rendering

• Aer Photos

SECTION V

- Completed Kitchen Project -

Before Photos

3D Rendering

After Photos

For more information about our services, and to purchase our range of

PDF’s for sale, please visit: www.centeredbydesign.com

Additional Resources:

• Centered by Design Online Shop

https://centeredbydesign.com/shop/homeowners/

• National Kitchen & Bath Association

https://nkba.org/

• National Association of the Remodeling Industry

https://www.nari.org/

• Unique Kitchens and Baths

https://www.uniquekitchensandbaths.net/

• Stoer Home Cabinetry

https://stoerhome.com/pages/cabinetry

• Circa Lighting

https://www.circalighting.com/

• Top Knobs

https://www.topknobs.com/

• Rejuvenation

https://www.rejuvenation.com/

• Waterworks

https://www.waterworks.com/us_en/

• This Old House

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21015310/the-don-t-get-burned-kitchen-

remodeling-guide