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234 of 236 found the following review helpful:
 Best all-around book on the subect. Jun 27, 1999
I've bought just about every kitchen remodeling guide out there, and a huge stack of kitchen magazines. I wish I'd found this book earlier in the process -- it's by far the best. Practical advice and methodology on every step of the process from space planning to a great system for coming up with a workable color scheme (I was REALLY going nuts over this aspect, and now have an aesthetic approach that makes sense). Little things that other books don't discuss, like planning for the space needed to open cabinet and appliance doors, and what's considered a practical width for passage between a stove and an island, and setting up a working temporary kitchen for use during the project. It discusses all options and doesn't necessarily embrace all the latest fads. Do you need an island, or will it just clutter up your floor plan? It prepares you for what to expect during the process -- hiring contractors, the delays, when to order things, should I hire a designer or an architect? Or neither? And what's the difference? Lots of color photos and diagrams, discussion of various materials, relating your remodel to the architectural history of your house -- I could go on. All in simple, thoughtful, common-sense prose by authors who've apparently been there many times and know the joys and the pitfalls -- and have a great sense of design. You won't regret getting this book.
164 of 166 found the following review helpful:
Nuts and bolts of remodeling and kitchen design Aug 19, 2000
By G. Creagh Wohltmann
There are so many kitchen design books on the market. If you want the best one, buy this. Why? Because it forces you to think about how you want to function in your kitchen before you even begin to select cabinets, appliances, fixtures and fittings. What good does it do you to install attractive features like professional ranges and refrigerators, expensive cabinetry and lighting if, in the end, you have to walk clear across too long an area to get from your refrigerator to your sink? This book guides you to examine how you work in your kitchen, e.g., whether one or two people cook, whether you entertain, whether you have special needs for children, etc. There is a great section that teaches you about the hidden systems in your walls, like plumbing and electrical, in a way you can understand, so you can be informed about these hidden elements and aren't a total dummy when talking to your contractor and when determining whether what needs to get done as far as plumbing and electrical work is in fact being done. Might prevent the old "being taken to the cleaners" problems we've all experienced as, say, when dealing with auto mechanics. The section on construction scheduling and contractors is invaluable. The chapter entitled "Designing with the Physical Space" is terrific. This book is worth every penny and probably a lot more in terms of making yourself aware of all aspects of your kitchen remodeling project, what you want and what you don't want in terms of the functionality of your finished kitchen. As it is an expensive remodeling project to undertake, it seems worthwhile to make yourself as knowledgeable as possible. After reading this book and knowing I have it as a reference, the task of remodeling the kitchen seems much less overwhelming.
86 of 87 found the following review helpful:
Start with this book! Aug 12, 2000
By David Wihowski
If you are remodeling or building a new house this is the kitchen book to start with.What it is: a kitchen design book that covers everything from floor plan layout to appliances to decorating to the plumbing, heating, cooling, etc. What it is not: a nuts and bolts "how to" book. A picture idea book. I was fortunate to begin with this book. It covers every angle of kitchen design so I really had to think of everything when planning my new kitchen. I haven't built it yet but I feel very confident about my design because of the details this book made me account for. For most people this book could be the single purchase necessary. This book covers the varying levels of needs that kitchen users have. If the kitchen is just a place to have coffee and warm up soup or restaurant leftovers, or if you are a family cook, the design basics you need are here. If you are a serious cook who entertains a lot, like me, you may need to add other resources to your library. Or if you want a show-piece kitchen, you may need to go further than this book. Whatever style of kitchen you are creating START here, then go to other resources if you need to. Good pictures (and quite a few of them), though like I said it is not a picture idea book. Text is prosey and easy to read. Very highly recommended.
52 of 52 found the following review helpful:
 Nothing Not Covered in Other Books Jul 11, 2006
By Peri Winkle
But still an OK good all round resource, albeit woefully short on design ideas. My first reaction was that it's not the book the other reviewers read, but maybe I was too hard on it. This is an edited review, and if I could change the number of stars, I'd give it three, anyway, having set it aside and picked it up again.
I have several other books that cover the subject very well--especially when it comes to function and design--and I've been through a remodeling, so a lot of what's in this one didn't seem new, thorough or insightful the first time I sat down with. Probably the rave reviews by other readers created unreasonable expectations that this would have some fabulous unique insights about designing kitchens that work AS KITCHENS. It doesn't, but it is very comprehensive when it comes to construction, working w/a contractor, avoiding on-site screw-ups, adapting kitchen layout to the spaces that surround it, etc., none of which should be given short shrift. Maybe that's what excited the other reviewers; guess that's the main perspective and expertise of the authors. It would be quite useful for someone who has not spent as many months [years, maybe] studying the subject and been through multiple additions and remodelings.
Don't buy this one for design ideas. It tries, but it's not even the best when it comes to function, though you might have high expectations based on the title. It's really pretty basic in that respect and focuses more on common mistakes that contractors find in designers' work, like 'that door is going to bump into that [wall/cabinet/doorway/etc.]. The most thorough book on my shelf when it comes to kitchen function [i.e., making using it efficient and comfortable] is good old (1980) Build Your Harvest Kitchen (Rodale Press). For creative design ideas, try DK Home Design Workbooks: Kitchen. For innovative, high style ideas, try Terence Conran Kitchens: The Hub of the Home. Another good one is Kitchen Redos, Revamps, Remodels, and Replacements: Without Murder, Suicide, or Divorce; also the New Kitchen Idea Book. I also have and like Joan Kohn's It's Your Kitchen. My current kitchen is based on ideas pulled from everywhere, including pages ripped from obscure magazines and stuff I found on the web. If you're not as inclined as I am to cast a wide net, maybe at least these brief comments will lead you to a book or two that will meet your needs. This might be one of them--if you're handing the contruction details yourself.
45 of 48 found the following review helpful:
Soup to Nuts, This is the book to get Nov 04, 2003
By Bob Feeser
"MillCrafters.com"
I bought Kitchens that Work at the same time I bought Great Kitchens, At Home with America's Top Chefs. I love Kitchens That Work, and am disappointed in the one about America's top chefs. If you are wondering what Mario Andretti's garage looks like, it is nothing like you would imagine. Probably more like a GM assembly plant. Top chefs think in terms of production, not beauty. One of the kitchens has bare cinderblock, unfinished on the wall. Very utilitarian with little warmth. Others are better than that, but I did not find anything inspiring in there.
Kitchens that work on the other hand, has every level of kitchen pictured. Some high end kitchens to dream of, as well as some a little more practical. The important thing as they mention is an intelligent design, that incorporates what you need, rather than the latest trend.
When I read some of the reviews on Kitchens that Work, I thought it would be lacking something, NOT! It has every consideration covered. Planning, layout, design, considerations when dealing with contractors, things to look out for when opening up walls, like hidden pipes for example, and the list goes on and on.
All I can say, "Soup to Nuts, This is the Book to Get" You could spend a year pondering all of the considerations they give you. Well done, definitely five stars.
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