Whatever you’re attempting to accomplish, having the correct tools is critical. A well-designed kitchen may change cooking from a chore to a pleasurable experience. For years, I was forced to work in a cubicle. Then we built the house, and I was given the freedom to design my own kitchen. I now enjoy cooking for my family and friends.
Knowing the fundamentals of kitchen design is always beneficial. Changing the position of a gadget can sometimes make a significant difference. Do not rely on architects or professional kitchen planners while renovating or designing a new kitchen. They will never understand your family’s habits and needs as well as you do. Only you know what you truly require and what is best for you and your budget.
A efficient kitchen makes your life easier
When we decided to build a house, I purchased a number of kitchen design books. Because most kitchen design websites are greatly influenced by marketing, it is best to rely on books. I highly recommend all of them.
Begin by asking yourself what you truly require while designing your kitchen. Do you enjoy baking or prefer baking and cooking? How much fridge space do you require? How many sinks are required? Do you only have one cook in your kitchen or do you need enough space for two or more? Do you want to use your kitchen for breakfast and basic meals, or do you just want to cook with it?
What about a washing machine in the kitchen?
One of the most crucial considerations is whether or not you want to install your washing machine in your kitchen. Then you’ll need additional space, not just for the machine, but also for related equipment like dryers, irons, ironing boards, and dirty laundry storage.
Triangle of work:
The work triangle was formerly the foundation of kitchen layout. The refrigerator, stove, and sink make up this triangle. The triangle is the shortest distance between the fronts of any gadget, according to convention. The triangle should not be longer than 8 meters (26 ft). A single leg must be no longer than 2.74 meters (9 feet) and no shorter than 1.23 meters (4 feet). A chef must be able to freely move from one appliance to the next. In my kitchen, I follow this rule and am really happy with it. Our friend constructed a large house with a large kitchen. They see no reason to consider something as insignificant as the job triangle.
Although the work triangle has served as a useful guide for generations, it is frequently oversimplified today. Nowadays, we use more than three appliances in our kitchen; microwaves and dishwashers, but also blenders and other gadgets must meet this notion. Still, triangles are a wonderful place to start.
Traffic update:
Before diving into the details, consider how much traffic your kitchen will need to support. From the refrigerator to the sink, cabinets, and stove, people enter your kitchen. Do your children require convenient beverages and snacks? Is there traffic going through your kitchen to other places? Is there a back entrance, a storage room, or a cellar door?
Create a plan that includes major traffic routes and then proceed from there. If your kitchenette has a lot of doors, closing one can help to minimize traffic and gain space. It is also crucial that the kitchen is conveniently accessible from the dining and living areas. We spend the majority of our leisure time doing these things, and good design can significantly improve your home life.
Choose the Right Equipment:
You pick how to arrange the remaining appliances after you’ve set the triangle on the kitchen plan. Always keep the dishwasher close to the sink. There are hobs, wall ovens, and integrated hobs to choose from. The most crucial question is whether you want to use gas or electricity to cook. Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll be shown a list of available devices. Extractor hoods should always be installed on outside walls so that smoke may be blown out directly. The hood will never work properly if the path is too long or too twisted.
It is critical to have enough refrigerator space. As a general guideline, half a cubic meter (500 liters) is required for the first two family members and 0.04 cubic meters (40 liters) for each succeeding family member.
Cabinets in the kitchen:
Cabinets can have an impact on the appearance of your kitchen. What you choose is determined by your budget and preferences. Keep in mind that cabinet surfaces should be simple to clean and weatherproof. If you choose wood for your custom cabinet doors, be sure it is well-seasoned. When the wood dries, it will alter shape if it is too fresh. Open shelves should be avoided as much as possible because dust will fall everywhere.
Sink:
The options are limitless and are determined by your preferences and financial constraints. I believe in bigger sinks because they make life easier. I have two extra-large stainless steel sinks with scratch-resistant surfaces and am extremely pleased with them. The scratch-resistant surface is more durable and easier to clean than regular flat stainless steel surfaces.
The Kitchen Island:
If you have a large kitchen, you might want to consider installing a center island. An island can be as simple as a dining table or as elaborate as an additional kitchen station complete with sink and hood. Remember the following guidelines: The work route from the workbench to the opposite counter must be at least four feet (1.06 m) wide. If there are two cooks, the space between them must be at least 1.22 meters. If you want to eat on the island, allow for 61 cm of space per person.
If your existing kitchen leaves a lot to be desired, don’t despair: it is capable of creating wonderful meals in even the most modest of settings. You are the chef; you inject your cuisine with your energy, spirit, and individuality. Regardless of your circumstances, cooking with love will make a significant difference.
Countertops:
You can never have too many countertops in your kitchen. Countertops are available in a variety of materials, from polished cement to marble, depending on your budget. While marble is lovely, I wouldn’t use it for a kitchen surface. Marble stains easily, cracks when exposed to heat, and is tough to clean. The table’s height should be chosen based on your height. The normal height is 72 cm. For me, this is far too low. My counter top is 92 cm high since I like to chop and cook while standing.
Conclusion:
Overall, having a well-designed kitchen with the proper tools and layout may transform your cooking experience from a drudgery to one that you look forward to. It is critical to grasp the fundamentals of kitchen design and to consider your unique needs and preferences when renovating or building a new kitchen. You can build an efficient and effective kitchen that compliments your style and enriches your culinary pursuits by paying attention to elements like the work triangle, traffic flow, appliance location, cabinet choices, sink selection, kitchen island inclusion, and countertop materials.
FAQs
1. How can a well-designed kitchen improve my life?
A well-designed kitchen can make cooking and meal preparation easier, more pleasurable, and more organized. It can save you time and effort while also providing appropriate storage and workspace and fostering a comfortable environment conducive to culinary innovation.
2. What variables should I consider before choosing a countertop?
Budget, material durability, simplicity of cleaning, and heat resistance should all be considered in countertop choices. While materials such as marble are visually beautiful, they are readily stained and heat sensitive. Select a countertop height that is comfortable for you and fits your cooking and preparation technique.
3. Can I design a beautiful kitchen even with limited space?
Yes, you can have a nice kitchen even if you have little room. Concentrate on streamlining storage, maximizing counter space, and implementing effective organizing options. Proper planning, astute design decisions, and the use of small equipment can help you maximize the potential of your kitchen.
