The kitchen is the busiest room in the house, a place to prepare and consume delicious food, while also being a meeting area for the family in the mornings. Society has changed over the years; the kitchen used to be a place solely for the preparation of food, which was transported to the dining room for consumption. Today, however, the kitchen is a room where the family can share time at the start and beginning of their day.
The basics of good kitchen design
Create a focal point; it could be a breakfast island, an oven canopy or a central lighted area, something that draws your attention. Aim for a balanced look, with cabinetry distributed evenly, while the kitchen triangle of fridge, cooker, workspace makes for an efficient use of space. Most kitchen designers would rarely stray from that model, although there are times when you have no choice; every room is unique and that split level oven might have to be adjacent to the work area, a good designer can work with what they have.
Draw a floor plan
A sheet of A3 paper would be enough for the average size kitchen; make it ‘to scale’ and add all appliances, cabinets and major furniture; there are computer programs to design 3D kitchens. It’s much easier to make changes at the design stage, which is why the professionals create a layout floorplan. Find resources on the web about the core concepts of good kitchen design, which will help you become a better designer.
Concealed storage
To create a streamlined uncluttered look, have lots of hidden storage; use the insides of cabinet doors and make a few storage units that make use of recesses. Use Google Images to find ‘minimalist kitchens’ and view some cool designs; Art Deco can be blended into a contemporary background with the right accessories.
Quality appliances
These products are expensive and should be designed to stand the test of time, while looking good, of course. One of the best brands is LG, with their InstaView range being a bestseller, which comes in a range of designs and sizes. Google is your best friend and when it comes to finding online reviews for kitchen appliances, they have you covered. Check the warranty and the supplier’s return policies before making a purchase; some homeowners stick to a particular brand, mainly because they have always had a good experience with those products and why change a winning formula?
To summarise, plan the project, start by looking at what you will keep from the current set up, then you can cost the project and the finished plan is your template. Whether this is a DIY thing or you are using a local kitchen renovation contractor, the right design is essential; think minimalist to start with and try to make it a functional space that is designed around the family’s needs.