Podcast for Homeowners Preparing to Renovate
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11. Stop! Don’t Start Your Kitchen Remodel Until You Know These 4 Crucial Design Details!
4 Kitchen Layout Details You Can’t Ignore Before You Remodel
Feeling overwhelmed by your kitchen remodel? You’re not alone. You know what you like—but pulling it all together can feel impossible.
In this episode of Preparing for Your Home Remodel, I’m breaking down 4 critical things you need to get right before you start drafting your layout. Nail these from the start, and you’ll save time, money, and headaches.
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Appliances First, Always
Your appliances have rules—clearances, specs, and ventilation. Ignore them, and you’ll hit a wall (literally).
Pick appliances before planning cabinets
Check spec sheets for exact dimensions
Avoid costly mid-project changes
💡 Lesson learned: I rushed a kitchen and forgot the oven specs. Result? A wall had to move mid-project. Don’t make my mistake.
Work the Triangle
The working triangle = sink → fridge → range. Keep it functional, smooth, and pain-free.
Distance between points: 4–9 feet
Total triangle: 12–26 feet
Adjust for how YOU move in your kitchen
Remember: this isn’t a strict rule—every kitchen is unique—but it helps your space flow.
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Plan for Bells & Whistles
Trash pullouts, spice racks, junk drawer organizers… these little extras have big space requirements.
Check dimensions before building cabinets
Rev-A-Shelf is a great resource for planning
💡 These small features can make your kitchen more functional and enjoyable—just don’t forget to plan for them.
Clearances & Codes Matter
Space = comfort. Nobody wants to bump into counters or oven doors.
Walkways between counters/islands: aim for ~4 feet (code: 3.5 feet)
Space in front of appliances: enough to open doors + move comfortably
Counter height: standard 36 inches, but adjust for taller/shorter users
✅ Tip: Measure everything now to avoid surprises later.
Takeaway
Before placing your cabinets:
Select appliances & check specs
Plan your working triangle
Add bells & whistles
Consider clearances & codes
Rushing = mistakes. Take your time and plan smart.
💡 Feeling stuck? A Pocket Designer Session can help. In one hour, we’ll create a custom blueprint so your kitchen layout works perfectly
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