Four Keys to Creating a Kitchen
That Works For You...by New Face Kitchens
If you've ever spent any time behind the scenes of a restaurant kitchen, you know that the preparation of delicious meals is a fast-paced choreography between chef, salad maker, grill cook and wait staff. It is an economy of motion within an economy of space, with the goal being the prompt service of food.

With our hectic lives, we multi-task while we cook, people eat on the run and a meal where everyone sits around the table together is often a rarity. For some, cooking is a necessary evil. For others, it is enjoyable. And no matter what your style, creating a kitchen that's efficient and convenient should be a priority whether you are a simple cook or have the heart and saucepans of a gourmet.

But before you make any decision that will have a long term impact on you and your family, ask yourself two questions: can I trust the people I am about to do business with; and does the company have integrity?

New Face Kitchen Systems of Bellevue was founded in 1992. Since then, owner Tom Phelps has directed his 40+ years of construction experience toward the kitchen and bath industry. His dedication to quality workmanship, affordable pricing and guaranteed work schedules has grown the business mostly through referrals from satisfied customers.

With the ideals of a family owned and managed business in mind, Phelps says “I like the hands-on aspect of the business. I like talking to the customers.” Phelps’ wife Brandy, stepson Perry Fleming, stepdaughter Brook Fleming and father Wally Phelps all contribute to New Face Kitchens’ success.

There are three important keys in creating a kitchen that works with you and not against you: plan the space for efficiency, choose the right appliances and pay attention to storage needs. New Face Kitchens’ new showroom at 14625 NE 20th St. in Bellevue has design consultants on staff, to help with kitchen planning needs. Hours are Monday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A recent customer satisfaction survey found that more than 98 percent of New Face Kitchens’ customers said they would recommend the company to a friend. Of the company’s more than 6,000 satisfied local customers, better than 96 percent indicated the company either met or exceeded their expectations on the finished project.

You may need the help of a pro, but whether you are remodeling or reorganizing, deciding how your space will accommodate prep work and cooking is a must. While the classic "kitchen triangle" layout and its variations are still workable, today's kitchen designers more often are creating multiple work stations to allow more than one person to work efficiently without getting in anyone else's way.

Here are some other ways to create a cook's kitchen:
  1. Place a spice drawer by the main cooking workstation. This lets cooks have their cumin, chives or cilantro close at hand, and racks tailor-made for glass spice jars are available.
  2. Position a warming drawer next to your cook top. An invaluable cook's tool, a warming drawer can keep an entrée warm while side dishes are prepared.
  3. Mount a magnetic knife bar on the wall nearest where you chop and slice. The bar keeps cutlery stored safely above your countertop but within convenient reach for prep work.
  4. Install an ergonomically designed sink. One system manufactured by Franke streamlines food prep and cleanup using a cutting board, measuring bowl, colander, open-bottomed bowl and a stainless-steel grid. Those elements are integrated into the design of the main under-mounted sink. Both Kohler and Kallista are also designing interesting new looks for sinks.
Just as you would put together any recipe, so should you find the right ingredients for your kitchen to make it work for you and your family and enjoy the added benefits of smart design in one of your most-used spaces.

Visit www.newfacekitchens.com/ for more information.