When shopping for a new home, it’s becoming more and more important to also base your decision on how much you will love the kitchen. The perfect kitchen means different things to different people. The following criteria includes the components that will let you know if a kitchen is right for you.

Next time you’re shopping for your new home, consider the points under each heading to help you assess your next tour through a home you’re interested in. Print the score card below and take it with you next time you tour a display home.

Overall Look & Feel

When you enter the kitchen, you should almost instantly feel good to be in that space. It’s not one particular thing you have to love, but the sense of it being the kitchen you envision yourself in.

• Drawn to the interior design scheme colours.
• Functional and efficient for your cooking style.
• Does the kitchen island offer the seating and storage space you desire?

Layout

The flow and layout of a kitchen is critical to enjoying your daily moments. Are the appliances and utensil drawers in easy-to-use areas? Is there enough pantry space if you’re an avid baker? The layout of the kitchen contributes to your experience in your home so should be taken into high consideration.

• Do you immediately like the circulation of the space?
• Layout and location of kitchen in relation to the rest of the home.
• Are the appliances and kitchen island situated in your ideal locations?

Materials & Finishes

The quality of the materials is a personal preference. Do you prefer natural stones or love quartz options? Do you like high gloss cabinets or traditional wood ones? Ultimately, based on your budget and personal preference, it will determine your preference of the materials that are used in the kitchen.

• Do I like the look of the cabinets, countertop and flooring used?
• Do I like the faucet and sink chosen?
• See the value of the kitchen and it’s durability for years to come.

Appliance Package

The importance of the appliances falls within your commitment of using each one. If you’re passionate about your stir-fry’s, love baking cupcakes from scratch, or need ample storage for frozen food, you’ll put higher value for different appliances.

• The look and placement of the appliances.
• The functionality of the appliances serves my needs for their use.
• Each appliance is durable, functional and easy to clean.

Storage Space

Where you’re going to be cooking a lot or not, kitchen storage is almost always important in a home. Really go through the cabinet space, drawers and pantries to assess if there is enough space for our lifestyle needs.

• Enough storage space for my pots, food processors and dishes.
• Will there be enough room for my non-perishable food items?
• Do I have enough cabinet space to conceal everything I need it to?