Food preparation in the kitchen can truly only be as good as the room is functional. Creating a magnificent kitchen with bay area cabinets and the right plan can turn anyone into a better chef. At the same time, the home will benefit from an increase in value. Below, discover what goes into the top and well-designed kitchen.

It all begins with a vision. Everyone has a different idea and individual style and taste, so the end result must be something that responds to the needs of the individual. However, it also has to be up-to-date with the latest in the industry to ensure practicality and functionality.

The planning stage is next. It requires thorough measurements of the perimeter, and many other considerations. One of the most important things in this room is storage, and that can be perfected with the right cabinets placed in the right locations, and in the right size. Imagine a kitchen that is free of all clutter, and has only a few items placed on the counters. This makes the kitchen more practical and functional, and at the same time makes cleaning easier.

This is the reason why much of the design plans must focus on storage. Modern-day kitchens require so much storage because of the numerous items that are housed within them. There are prepackaged foods in cans, boxes, plastic wrapping, and so on which need to be put away. In addition to that, there are the numerous kitchen gadgets and a small electrical appliances that help us prepare foods quickly. As such, maximizing storage space is the key to creating a fabulous kitchen.

Storage solutions of all kinds exist today that never did in the past. Before, it was all about straightforward shelves, and possibly a lazy Susan. Today, it's all about pullout trays and shelves that avoid people from having to dive into their cupboards. This way, it makes no difference if important items that are often used in the kitchen are placed in the front or in the back of a cabinet.

Imagine never having to reach into the depths of a cabinet to find a plastic lid. However, in order for this to happen, a good plan has to be in place. A good designer will consider the lifestyle and needs of an individual owner before finalizing plans. He or she will find every little nook and cranny to be useful so that small electrical appliances and gadgets can be tucked away.

Next comes the layout. Decide on whether it could be a complete gut or a simple renovation with updating in mind. A complete gutting of the rooms enables for the relocation of the major components of the kitchen, meaning the sink, stove, and fridge. These should be in a triangle formation to reduce the amount of walking, and making things within reach for faster and easier food preparation.

Understanding kitchen design is crucial to creating a spectacular layout. Far too many people redesign these rooms on their own without enough experience and end up with less than favorable results. For example, many will create a kitchen along one wall, which is a huge mistake. Corner cabinets add lots of storage space. Others consider using open shelves, which are beautiful, but not for everyone, nor for every kitchen.

With so many finishes and materials to choose from, it can be overwhelming for some consumers. To simplify matters, choose finishes and materials according to lifestyle. Avoid highly polished materials that increase maintenance requirements.