The document summarizes key considerations for remodeling a kitchen based on a presentation by Wendy Albee and the Master Builders Association. It discusses making the kitchen the heart of the home, starting with a blank slate and priority list, taking a test ride in the remodeled space, focusing on one focal point, considering elements above and below, maximizing work surfaces, adding lighting, and personalizing the space. Case studies show before and after examples highlighting these points.

1. Presented by
Wendy Albee & Master Builders Assoc.
NKBA, NWSID, Master Builders, Remodeler Council, CGP, CAPS

3. The Way that You
Live (or want to live)
 Kitchen is the new Family Room – the true heart of
the home

4.  Who?
 How?
 When?
 What?
 Kids? Pets?
 Entertaining?
 Do I need two tables?

5. My Office
Before kitchen had small island with cooktop,
minimal counter space and no room for the entire
family to participate.

6. My Office
After Remodel – Large island with counter space for entire
family to eat, gather, make pizza, or play games.

7. My Office
Before kitchen had cramped work space everywhere and
didn’t maximize the natural light.

8. My Office
After Remodel – Opened up wall to large windows to
maximize light and ample room for everyone.

9. My Office
After – A bar
with prep sink &
beverage fridge
for entertaining.
Before –
a pantry

10. My Office
After – An
adjoining family
room with
accessories in
complementary
color palette.
Before

11. My OfficeBefore kitchen there was limited workspace for the
master chef of the house.

12. My Office
After Remodel – Larger island with cooktop for master chef
who likes to share his cooking expertise.
And room for his audience!

13. • Empty dishwasher
without taking any steps
• Easy reach to put away
groceries
• Cooking utensils,
spices, oils within reach
of cooktop

14. My Office
Before kitchen microwave took up valuable
real estate.

15. My Office
After Remodel – Incorporated microwave with wall
ovens to increase counter space

16. Before Remodel – Did not accommodate two cooks
Or the fact that they
liked to entertain.

17. After Remodel – Several work stations easily
accommodate two

18. After Remodel – Utilize the entire space to enhance lifestyle

19. After Remodel
Also installed
bar area for
entertaining.

20. Before

21. •Ample counter for
baking and prep

22. • Room for family
to eat or kids to do
homework
• Utilize wood
countertop to make
it feel more like a
table

23. • Ample room for
food items, baking
goods, and kids’
crafts.
• Client can spend
less time shopping
and more time with
her kids.

24. Start with a Blank Slate
 Make a priority list
 Forget what is in your kitchen now
 Write down the room measurements on a blank piece of
paper
 Remember walls can be removed or opened up

25. My Office
Why do we need 2 tables?
Do we really need a formal dining room?
Before -
Kitchen
Before –
Dining Room

26. My Office
Blank piece of paper with the overall room
measurements.

27. My Office
New Floorplan – Remove wall between kitchen & dining room
and add large island with two seating areas. Result is a large
great room utilizing all of my client’s space.

28. My OfficeAfter Remodel –
Looking into kitchen
from new family
room (was original
dining room).
New great room
offers room for
church meetings &
time with
grandchildren.

29. My Office
After Remodel –
Looking into kitchen from the only dining table.

30. My Office
Client wanted to make their kitchen more central to their
home. Original kitchen with lots of wasted space in hallway
between kitchen & dining room and long walk to enter
kitchen.
Entry
Hallway
Dining room
Family
Room
Laundry
Room
table

31. My Office
AFTER –
Truly the heart of the
home as all communal
rooms stem off new
kitchen.
New kitchen plan
eliminated the hallway
and opened the
kitchen to the entry.
Also allowed room for
island & enhanced flow
for parties &
gatherings.
Dining room
Family
Room
table
Entry

32. My Office
After Remodel –
Looking into kitchen
from the entry. No
longer have to go
down the long hallway
to enter the kitchen.

33. My OfficeAfter Remodel –
Looking into kitchen
from the dining room.

34. Take a……
Test Ride

35. My Office
You can tape an area.

36.  Do normal activities and see how your new floorplan will
work.
 Use boxes for a new island or cabinets so you have to
actually walk around them.
 Think about where you will set your grocery bags to
empty them.
 Consider all activities and go through the actual motions
to ensure the new kitchen will function properly.

37. Focus on One
 One focal point keeps the room balanced
 Select what you want to be the focal point of the
room
 Make sure it’s the only one

40. Problem: Looked directly into neighbor’s
house.

46. Think about……
Above & Below
 Don’t forget about the floor and ceiling

47. Before
After –
Cathedral ceiling

48. •Tile floor is
heated &
controlled with
thermostat
• Tile is great for
dogs and kids;
holds up in rainy
weather

49. AFTER - Bar on island
lowered so all one level
at counter height.
Added curves instead of
angles.
Maximize Work
Surface

50. Light It Up!
 The importance of lighting cannot be emphasized
enough

51. Installed new
windows & added
rain-sensing
skylights

52. Taped out new
window
New window
offers more
natural light on
the dark side of
the house.

53. New window
installed in
remodel
Hint:
Everything
should be on a
dimmer

54. Make It Personal
 You should walk into your kitchen and know it’s
yours

55. Tile
mural
Glass mosaic
Slate, glass, &
metal mosaic

56. New door
moldings &
box beam
ceiling with
beadboard
inset

57. Before

59. Custom railing
is artwork

62.  Who?
 How?
 When?
 What?
 Kids? Pets?
 Entertaining?
 Do I need two tables?

63. • Start with a Blank Slate
•Take aTest Ride
• Focus on One
•Above & Below
• MaximizeWork Surface
• Light It Up!
• Make It Personal

64. TENTHINGSTO KNOWWHEN DESIGNINGA
BATHROOM
Sunday, March 24, 2pm at NewportWay Library
CREATING OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES
Thursday, April 4, 7pm at Lynnwood Library

65. Thank you!