Where Do I Start My Kitchen Reno?

Is there anything Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum of The Brownstone Boys can’t do? They design, they build, they find us the REAL SIMPLE HOME, and as of today, they’re the proud authors of a new book, For the Love of Renovating: Tips, Tricks & Inspiration for Creating Your Dream Home, which is an incredible resource for those looking to renovate a historic home, or really any space.

It’s the kind of book they wish existed back when they were just starting out, writing their eponymous blog. “When we started our blog, we were having difficulty finding answers to a lot of our questions about historic renovations,” Slocum says. They take readers room by room (the bathroom chapter is Slocum’s favorite!), and also offer wholistic information you’d need for any reno like setting a budget, hiring the right contractor, and deciding what to DIY.

The title, For the Love of Decorating has multiple meanings and lots of significance for them. “First of all, we very literally love renovating and transforming spaces,” Bordelon says. “But also, we’re a couple who own a business together and that’s a thread that runs through the book. Our relationship and love for one another is a secondary meaning to the title.”

Whether you’re starting a reno of your own, or just curious about how you’d go about one, they have all the info. Here’s some a kitchen guide to get you started.

From For the Love of Renovating

Where Do You Start?

You might be thinking, That’s a lot of information. Where do I start and how do I put all of this together? Start by measuring your space. Draw it out on a piece of paper if you need to (there are also apps and easy-to-use software, and some of the big box stores like IKEA have online tools for this). Add any windows, doors, or other features that you need to design around. Then decide on the basic layout: which wall will the fridge and range be on, will you have an island, where will the sink be, do you want tall/pantry storage, and so on. Here are a few tips and tricks:

• Try to adhere to the “kitchen triangle rule” for an efficient workflow:
• The stove, sink, and fridge should make a triangle or at least be positioned in a way that each is just a few short steps from the others.
• Put tall storage/pantry units at the end of the row of cabinets or in a corner as an anchor of the design.
• Put the dishwasher next to the sink.
• It’s often easier to place a sink in the island rather than a stove. Remember that you’ll likely want a hood for venting over the stove, and it usually makes more sense to place it against the wall rather than in the middle of the room over the island (although there are some designs we love with that configuration).
• Be sure to save room for any panels that are needed. They are usually ¾ inch thick.
• You might find it useful to build in a pullout cabinet for trash and recycling.
• Add under-cabinet (or under-shelf) lighting. This is low voltage, which means you’ll likely have to find a place to hide a small transformer, such as in a cabinet or in the wall.
• You’ll want a minimum of 36 inches of clearance for all walkways, though we like 40 to 42 inches for a more spacious feel. On the other hand, putting the island out past 48 inches from the range wall might start to feel awkwardly spaced out.

Excerpt reprinted with permission from For the Love of Renovating by Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum © 2024. Published by Union Square & Co.