Gone are the days when kitchen design was all about storage space and cooking. In today’s time, the kitchen has become more of an activity hub for wine, dine, recipe creation and recreation. But along with this innovative approach, choosing how to design it has become more confusing than ever. A lot of factors like the practical aspects of having room to move around, aesthetic factors and personal taste come into play.
In case you are wondering how to break it all down so that every detail has been taken care of, no need to look further. This blog is like your go-to guidebook that not only gives you expert tips on kitchen design, but also comes in handy in case you haven’t really figured out what you want.
Whether you are designing your kitchen for the first time or trying to upgrade it with a renovation design, the process is threefold.
1.Mind mapping
Identify how the space will be used
The first step to figuring out the layout of the kitchen is to identify how that
particular household wishes to use that space.That could be anything ranging from having storage cabinets for expensive China dishes or wine cellars to table countertops for working and dining. A few notable kitchen layout designs include one wall kitchen, L-shaped kitchen, U-shaped kitchen, island kitchen and gallery kitchen.
Segregate the space into different zones
The biggest pitfall of a highly functional kitchen is the clutter and chaos it creates because of inefficient planning. The last thing anyone would want is for the wet zone like sink and dishwasher to interfere with cooking. This is where zone planning saves the day.The location of each zone also determines how that particular individual prefers to carry out the work.
The overall look and feel of the space
Before diving into the specifics like colours, lights, materials and design, determining the vibe of the space is paramount. For instance, some people prefer a more calming and muted atmosphere whereas some might prefer something more vibrant. This is highly subjective and there is no right or wrong in the choices you make. But this is still an important step, because the vibe that the kitchen gives away speaks volumes about who you are.
2. Practical aspects
The work triangle
The work triangle helps in connecting three important pillars for the smooth functioning of the kitchen. The trio includes: cooktop, sink and refrigerator. These areas of the kitchen should remain unobstructed but also in proximity to each other to ensure that you can move around easily. A distance of 4 feet to 9 feet is ideal.
Provisions for appliances
Making provisions for electrical appliances and power outlets like microwave, toaster, refrigerator, stove, RO purifier, etc. is an important step for the smooth functioning of the kitchen.
Design wide walkways
Every kitchen floor plan should consist of a path throughout the kitchen which is at least 36 inches wide. Aisles between the kitchen zones should be at least 42 inches to 48 inches wide for one-cook and two-cook configuration respectively. This kind of configuration ensures that the traffic flow is carried out in an efficient
manner without people bumping into each other.
Microwave at the right elevation
The height at which the microwave needs to be placed will widely vary depending on whether a kid uses it or not. If the appliance is to be used by kids, below- countertop setup would be the ideal choice. The average elevation of the microwave used by adults alone would be around 12-15 inches above the countertop level.
Landing space right beside appliances
Landing space right beside appliances provides an easily accessible spot to
quickly place hot items fresh from the oven or microwave. It’s also helpful when preparing different kinds of ingredients. A life-saving kitchen design tip is to allow at least 15 inches of countertop on each side of a cooktop and refrigerator.
Customising storage space
A very useful kitchen design tip is to list out the number of utensils that would go into the pantry and measure the height of the storage canisters accordingly. If in case any small appliances go into the pantry, be sure to make some room for them in the storage space of the pantry. Then you can determine the right height of the pantry and also be assured that everything would fit perfectly into it.
Good ventilation
Every kitchen should be equipped with a decent amount of ventilation to release any excessive smoke and indoor air pollutants. This ensures that fresh air is circulated throughout the space and natural sunlight can light up the atmosphere instantly. Elements such as open windows, chimney and exhaust fan are a must- have.
3. Aesthetic value
Using durable materials
Granite and quartz countertops are two popular choices of kitchen countertops that most people opt for. They are durable and not easily prone to any kind of wear and tear. Additionally, they have properties like bacteria resistance and heat resistance that make them viable, easy to maintain and fresh looking for decades.
Hues that never go out of style
Even though customised hues can end up giving a unique personal touch to your space, nothing can really beat the classics. Neutral tones and soft pastels like greens, blues and purples can make the kitchen look calming and inviting. But bold colours like bright yellows and reds make a statement and create a sense of fun in the space. Monochromatic tones create a minimalist and timeless look. But popular combinations like blue and white can create a sense of timelessness in space.
Strategic lighting
Using both artificial and natural lighting can create a sense of simplicity and functionality in the space. Additionally, using LED strip lights to illuminate the countertops can be a game changer.
Kitchen is known to be the heart of your space. Turning it into a multi-functional masterpiece is now just a click away. Check out KIWO kitchens that come with elegance, functionality and durability.