The kitchen is the centre for most of your family’s activities. It is the testing centre from which come forth the many marvelled dishes housewives and cooks alike create for us. If you are thinking about creating a new kitchen design or redesigning an existing one, you should be without doubt aware of how important proper kitchen design and organization is in a well planned kitchen.
A correctly designed and organized kitchen is not only delightful to look at, but is also a marvel of efficiency, convenience, and functionality. Any talented cook will tell you that one of the secrets to achieving culinary success is to have a proper kitchen design that is well equipped. That way, the cook does not waste time with trivial matters such as whether he or she might trip on the cords, or how to get by a cabinet that is in the way, or how to plug in a blender when the outlet is well beyond reach. This allows the mind to be fully focused on cooking.
Here are a few tips for a great kitchen design.
Space: The single, most thoughtful aspect of good kitchen design is space. It’s a more difficult task than just thinking about having enough space to lay your equipment. For one, you really have to consider what is the correct amount of space to move around in yet not be encumber by having to take too many steps to get from the sink to the fridge.
One kitchen design guideline designed for this purpose is the ‘work triangle'. The work triangle is an imaginary line starting from the sink, all the way to the cooker top, down to the fridge, and back to the sink. The total length of this imaginary triangle should be about 26 feet, with no segment being less than 4 feet or more than 9 feet.
This rule of the thumb has many supporters, as well as critics. However, it is a good place to begin when thinking about the new kitchen design.
Organization: You should think about organization in your kitchen design in order to accommodate all of your pans, cutlery, and other kitchen utensils. You also have to assign space for supplies such as fruit, vegetables, meat, and others. Make sure the supplies and equipment you need are placed in an area where they are easily accessible when needed. You will have to install various cabinets and containers for this.
Make sure the equipment you place in the kitchen is not jumbled about. When moving about in the kitchen, you shouldn't have to go around any equipment. This is not only eye sore, but also poses a danger for accidents and mishaps. You should also arrange the equipment so that doors don't hit them when opened.
Equipment: Try to think about your normal kitchen routine. Where do you go? What do you need? What steps do you usually take? Take all of these into consideration when laying out the format of your kitchen design. Use this guide to decide where you should place all your equipment. Make sure there are outlets where you will be needing electricity and that they are not in areas that get wet.
Architecture: It would be best if the kitchen design allows for wide doors for easy access. Swivel doors can be a viable alternative to conventional doors. You will require an easy access to other rooms so also allow for your hands being full.
Design your walls so that they are protected against the heat and against smoke and other kitchen stains. Consider installing a vent to get rid of the smoke and gases that accumulate when the kitchen is in use. If it is possible to have your ceiling higher than normal, then that would be a good idea.
In Case of Doubt Call the Experts
A contractor and kitchen design expert can also assist you if you need advice on the layout of your kitchen design. Make sure you communicate your requirement and desires clearly so that they can adjust to your needs.
Conclusion
If you decide to create your own kitchen design, be sure to remember the tips listed here to help you in designing your dream kitchen.
