The kitchen is a very special place in the home. It is so much more than a place to prepare and cook food. Indeed, the 21st-century kitchen is a place for the family to meet at the start of the day and enjoy a fantastic dinner in the evening. If you’re going to rip everything out and start from a blank slate, you have come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to designing the perfect kitchen layout.
Your Kitchen Should Be Designed Around Your Lifestyle
If you are the head of a large family, what typically happens in the morning? Do the kids like to quietly drink OJ while catching up on social media? If yes, then consider a breakfast island that is set away from the main way. So, you don’t impede one another.
Observe for a week and see what’s happening in this busiest of rooms. Make a few notes and choose ideal placements for worktops and appliances.
Various Kitchen Shapes
The range of kitchen shapes includes the following:
- Single-wall kitchen
- Galley kitchen
- L-shaped kitchen
- U-shaped kitchen
- Island kitchen
- Peninsula kitchen
Once you have categorized your space, it is much easier to create the right layout. Google can help you by finding kitchen design blogs from interior designers. If you are IT savvy, you can install a 3D kitchen design program on your PC.
Things to Consider While Creating the Perfect Kitchen Layout
Here are the important things that you must consider:
#1. Functionality is Important
Whatever else, the kitchen should be functional in design. The concealed storage with units that slide out makes all the difference. The frying pan and other cooking implements can be hung on the interior of cabinet doors. This keeps the space uncluttered.
Take a look at some of the top-rated home improvement online mags. Get some design layout ideas. And if your budget stretches to it, hire a kitchen designer. So, you are sure of a functional and visually appealing design.
#2. Consider Kitchen Triangle
The kitchen triangle involves the proximity of the fridge, sink, and oven. This typically means two on one side and one on the other side of the main walkway. This ensures that you aren’t wasting time moving around.
If you need some plumbing to relocate the sink, that shouldn’t be an issue. Just talk to a local plumber who can easily add piping to install the sink in the perfect location.
#3. Optimized Space is Necessary
Even a large kitchen needs special consideration when it comes to storage space. We recommend custom-made cabinets (wall-mounted to save space). Also, there should be small shelves that offer even more storage for things like spices and kitchen implements.
Why not go for a handle-less kitchen? This offers a smooth, uncluttered look. If your kitchen is on the small side, this will give it the appearance of being more spacious.
Open shelving adds a lived-in look. You can see condiments and implements, rather than being behind doors.
#4. Practical Design is a Requisite
This means you should consider the following things:
- Height of worktops
- Position of wall-mounted storage racks
- Storage location for everyday items
For instance, you should place things at the right height. It makes a big difference when it comes to the daily tasks one has to do.
#5. The Importance of Lighting
Both general and task lighting are required in the kitchen with a full range of LED light fittings. You must find functional and elegant light fittings.
Consider wall-mounted spots that can be easily moved along the track. This provides effective task lighting over the worktops. Moreover, it adds a touch of class.
Dimmer switches are always a good idea in the kitchen. They are helpful in those late nights when you just can’t sleep.
#6. Worktops & Splashbacks
If you can afford it, why not have customized worktops made by a leading stonemason? Granite, marble, and quartz are all ideal for worktops. A quality stone lasts a lifetime.
Matching splashbacks are recommended for that touch of elegance and sophistication.
#7. Go For Smart Solutions
Any Australian homeowner who is looking to revamp the kitchen should be thinking ‘smart’. The latest generation of smart appliances is voice-activated. You can connect them to the controller via Bluetooth.
With a 21st-century smart kitchen, you will be the envy of all the neighbors.
#8. Ventilation Is Critical
Of course, the kitchen demands great ventilation. You should have a canopy and a powerful extractor fan to remove cooking odours.
Install a couple of window extractors. One at each end of the room creates a nice airflow. It keeps the kitchen smelling fresh.
A country style calls for a large copper canopy. A modern or futuristic style is best with black steel, lined with aluminium.
#9. Use Of Quality Materials
The kitchen is the most used room in the house. If you want a space that stands the test of time, choose high-quality materials, appliances, and implements.
It might cost a little more, but it actually gives better value for money. You must also think about cleaning and maintenance, which you want to keep to a minimum.
#10. Choose A Contractor
Of course, you can find a contractor with turnkey solutions. They handle the design, procurement, and installation. You’ll have nothing more to do than watch as the team gets stuck in!
Their website should have a lot of client reviews, which does bring peace of mind. Don’t make the mistake of being too price-focused when comparing contractors. The best is not always the most expensive.
#11. You Can Get Ideas from Kitchen Showrooms Too
If you were thinking that going into a kitchen showroom means buying, think again! You can browse and ask the assistant to help you with your design. Who knows, they might have an in-house kitchen designer who is happy to help.
Conclusion
In conclusion, designing your perfect kitchen layout requires careful consideration of your lifestyle, shape of the space, functionality, storage, lighting, worktops, ventilation, and smart solutions. Remember, the ideal kitchen should be both beautiful and practical.
Use this guide in mind and a touch of creativity. You can transform your kitchen into a space you’ll love for years to come.
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Michael C Vang is a passionate blogger. He has been blogging since 2013 on a variety of topics. He is committed to creating informative and engaging content that helps readers learn more about everything.
