Plan the whole kitchen before building cabinets

Design the cabinet around the appliances

We chose the largest refrigerator that would fit below our countertop. Later, we added ventilation openings and reversed its door. Those changes made the fridge work better, but they also showed why the appliance has to come first.

1. 1Choose the major appliances.
2. 2Measure the actual units.
3. 3Confirm ventilation and service requirements.
4. 4Choose the sink location.
5. 5Map plumbing routes.
6. 6Map electrical loads and outlets.
7. 7Establish the cabinet envelope.
8. 8Mock up every door and drawer.
9. 9Test the aisle and work area.
10. 10Only then finalize the cabinetry.