Kitchens are one of the busiest parts of a home. We use them to create beautiful meals, and in today's world, they are sometimes transformed into work from home offices. Designing a kitchen can be tricky - we want it to be beautiful, but it must also be functional. Some guidelines can help us simplify the task, and make it more approachable:
Think ahead. Planning out your kitchen space goes a long way. Whether it's a galley, U or L shaped kitchen, always consider function before all else. Plan for your appliances including fridge, sink, and stove within 6 feet of one another for ease of movement.
Create storage. Kitchens fill up fast! Before you know it, you'll be struggling to fit your pantry items, blender, food processor, pots and pans without adequate storage space. Allow overhead cabinets to extend to the ceiling, consider deep drawers for easier access to your kitchen accessories instead of letting them crowd your countertops. Make use of every nook and cranny - you'll need it!
Light the way. Because kitchens are highly active zones with a lot of hands-on tasks taking place, lighting is essential. Overhead lighting, although appropriate in other areas of the house, is insufficient in kitchens and will only cast shadows on your workspace. Consider installing some lights under your cabinets so you can properly see what is happening on your counterspace.
Power up. Ensure enough power sources and plugs for your appliances and accessories. Many realize only too late that they don't have the gas or electric lines needed to power their kitchen. To be effective, know where your items will be installed and take the right measurements. For example, if a dishwasher is crammed into a tight nook without adequate space for the hose, it could push against it and block drainage.
Lay down the countertops. There is no such space as too much counterspace - you'll need it for organizing, chopping, plating and much more. Choose a surface that is sturdy enough to handle the heavy-duty work of a kitchen and that is easy to work on. Keep in mind, grout between tiles is hard to maintain and stainless steel will scratch easily.
Clear the air. Cooking fumes affect visibility and lead to accidents, which makes ventilation important in a kitchen. A range hood keeps the air flowing and dissipates odors quickly. Ideally, opt for one that is efficient, quiet, and connects to the outside.
Keep it fresh. Avoid re-using appliances and accessories from an old kitchen. Old generation items will stick out like a sore thumb in a shiny new kitchen. If you're looking to economize, you can do so in the details of your remodel (e.g. saving $100 on a type of drawer handle if there is a more affordable alternative that looks good)
Trash talk. Garbage tends to be forgotten until it's staring straight at you. Remember to plan for garbage and recycling bins. Consider whether you want built-in bins behind your cabinets, or a sleek stainless-steel garbage container placed out of the way.
Look out below. When it comes to flooring, consider slip-resistance, maintenance, and porosity. Some types of flooring, such as stone floors, may need periodic resealing - make sure you know how often and whether that is a task you are comfortable with. Hardwood floors are beautiful but wear out faster by the fridge, stove, and sink. Consider your options along with the advantages and disadvantages.
Stay safe. Keep your kitchen safe and family-friendly by ensuring visual access to the backyard and indoor play areas. You may also want to consider eliminating sharp edges with rounded countertops, slip-resistant flooring to avoid falls, and stoves located at adult height to minimize the risk of burns.
Designing a kitchen is a lot of work with a lot to consider, but if done right, it will quickly become a delight to spend time in.