Kitchen Tip: Use Before Beauty; Of Course!

Have you ever walked through a new home or even a remodeled home that has a kitchen to die for? If you have you are not alone.

Every home builder knows that a drop-dead gorgeous kitchen will sell a house, and the kitchens in model homes always look fabulous. But fabulous-looking kitchens can be impossible to work in. To avoid such a distressing situation in your new house, spend some time in the kitchens that grab you and study them carefully.

Pay particular attention to the sink and appliance locations, the size of the food prep area, the cabinetry and the lighting, because these are the things that will make your kitchen a joy or a pain.

In most new houses, you'll likely find a modified a galley -- an L-shaped counter with an island -- or a U-shaped counter. In smaller town houses, an L-shaped counter with space for a table and chair is common. Whatever configuration you encounter, the organizing principle is the same -- you want the sink and stove to be separated by only a few steps. Full Article