Assessing Your Kitchen Space & Lifestyle Needs
When homeowners in Southeast Michigan start thinking about remodeling their kitchen, the first thing that usually comes to mind is style: new cabinets, updated countertops, or a beautiful backsplash. While those design choices are exciting, the foundation of any successful kitchen remodel isn’t what color the cabinets are — it’s how well the space fits your life.
At Lincorp Borchert, we’ve seen it time and time again: when a kitchen is designed around how you live, it becomes the heart of the home — functional, comfortable, and timeless. This page will guide you through how to assess your kitchen space and your lifestyle needs before starting your remodel, so you can avoid costly mistakes and end up with a space that works beautifully for decades.
Why Lifestyle Matters More Than Layout Alone
Many kitchens look great in photos but don’t actually work for real families. Maybe the stove is too far from the sink, the refrigerator blocks traffic, or there’s not enough space to prepare a meal while kids do homework at the island. These issues come from designing for looks instead of lifestyle.
When we begin any kitchen remodeling project, we ask homeowners questions like:
- Do you cook often, or mostly reheat meals?
- How many people usually use the kitchen at once?
- Do you entertain frequently, or prefer quiet family dinners?
- Do you need space for kids or grandkids to sit and snack while you cook?
- Is easy cleanup more important than a gourmet cooking setup?
These questions help shape the “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” For example, a family of five in Macomb Township may need a large island with seating and durable quartz countertops, while a couple in Royal Oak may prioritize open shelves and a wine fridge for entertaining.
Analyzing Your Current Kitchen Space
Before you can create your dream kitchen, it’s important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the space you already have. Here are a few areas to evaluate:
Traffic Flow
Does your kitchen feel cramped when two people are moving around? Are you constantly bumping into open cabinet doors or your refrigerator? Good traffic flow is essential — especially in busy households. A popular guideline is the “kitchen work triangle,” which places the sink, stove, and refrigerator within easy reach, without obstacles in between.
Zones of Activity
Today’s kitchens aren’t just for cooking — they’re for gathering, working, entertaining, and even studying. Think about what activities happen in your kitchen and where they naturally occur. Do you need a homework zone? A coffee station? A baking area with extra counter space? Mapping out these zones ensures your kitchen is functional for everyone.
Storage
One of the top complaints we hear from Southeast Michigan homeowners is a lack of usable storage. Overhead cabinets that are too high, deep corner spaces that become junk collectors, or pantries that don’t actually fit family needs can all cause daily frustration. When you assess your kitchen, note where clutter builds up — that’s a clue your storage isn’t working.
Natural Light & Views
Lighting is one of the most overlooked parts of kitchen design. If your current kitchen feels dark or closed-in, it may be worth considering larger windows, lighter finishes, or new lighting layouts. Many Michigan homeowners have older homes with limited natural light in the kitchen — this can often be addressed with thoughtful design updates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Assessing Your Needs
- Ignoring Daily Habits – Designing for “someday dinner parties” instead of how you actually live leads to wasted space.
- Overlooking Storage – A beautiful kitchen with poor storage will quickly feel cluttered.
- Forgetting Lighting – Without layered lighting (task, ambient, accent), even the best layouts can feel dull.
- Not Planning for Growth – Families grow, entertaining styles change, and resale value matters. Plan with the future in mind.
- Skipping Professional Input – A seasoned designer can spot layout issues and propose solutions you might not have imagined.
Tips for Getting Started
- Make a Wish List: Write down what frustrates you about your current kitchen and what you’d love in a new one.
- Track Daily Use: For one week, notice how you move through your kitchen and where bottlenecks occur.
- Collect Inspiration: Save images of kitchens you love — even if they’re very different, patterns will emerge in style and function.
- Talk with Experts: A design-build team like Lincorp Borchert can help you turn ideas into a practical plan, complete with CAD designs before construction begins.
Next Steps in Your Kitchen Remodeling Journey
Assessing your kitchen space and lifestyle is the first step toward a remodel that feels right for you. Once you’ve identified how you want your kitchen to function, the next step is layout planning — making sure the design supports your goals.
👉 Explore the next guide: Kitchen Layout Planning for Flow & Function
And if you’re ready to talk about your own project, we’d love to start that conversation. Our team has been serving Oakland and Macomb County homeowners for over 30 years, helping families design kitchens that are as practical as they are beautiful.
📞 Call us at (586) 992-8400
