Jan 26 2008
Kitchen Design Secrets
Of all the rooms in the house,the kitchen is the most difficult to plan. Unlike other rooms where you can move furniture around to your heart’s content, you have only one opportunity to design the perfect kitchen layout. Once the plumbing is in, your design is fixed, so take as much time as you need to work out the most pleasing and practical plan.
Cooking is a serious task that requires adequate space, specific equipment and functional fittings. Good kitchen design is more about planning well than having the largest possible room.
As the kitchen occupies a central role in our daily lives, it’s important to consider its position in relation to the rest of the house.
Does it have a view? Is it to be integrated into the living zone? With the latest technology in extraction and proper ventilation it is possible for a kitchen to be positioned almost anywhere: open-plan to the living room is a common trend today and with these new developments and the range of attractive designs on offer, there is no longer any need to hide your kitchen away behind closed doors. Increasingly, the kitchen is the place where the family congregates to unwind and share news, so factor in a small sitting area if you have thespace. If it is to be an open-plan design, the mood, decor, floor and wall coverings will need to blend into the overall scheme, and different areas of activity will need to be clearly defined.
But be realistic about your capabilities when integrating your kitchen with the living area. If you are a natural, relaxed cook you will enjoy the company and conversation of your friends and family as you prepare the meal. But if you prefer to work without interruption, it may suit you better to keep the kitchen private. As a compromise, you could open a small section to allow for a limited amount of flow.
A new kitchen adds significantly to the value of your home. Plan it so that it works perfectly for you, but make sure that it has general appeal too, so that you can recoup the cost if you sell your home.
KITCHEN SOLUTIONS
Always plan very carefully before you embark on any major kitchen alteration or upgrade. In the long run, professional advice will save you making expensive mistakes. Think about how many people use the kitchen at any one time. Is this a high-traffic area? Are the cabinets, fridge, sink and back door easily accessible?
- Consider whether you need all the utensils you have and only display those gadgets and small appliances that are in frequent use.
- Since the kitchen must store so many things, work out what proportion of the area you need for equipment and how you can use the height of the room as well as the floor space. Have elevations drawn up for you, so you can visualize the height of the fittings.
- Determine the exact dimensions of appliances so you can be sure of accessibility and avoid ending up with dead space.
- How often do you shop? Buying daily or in bulk affects how much fridge and storage space you require. Similarly, if you are a passionate cook you will have different storage requirements than if you prefer convenience foods. Do you have a good vegetable basket and sufficient freezer space?
- Ensure that your new storage incorporates time-saving devices like a lazy Susan, roll-out shelves and divided drawers. Make shelves adjustable to accommodate changing needs.
- Install light switches where they are easily located and ensure that you have enough power points for all your appliances. Check that you have adequate task lighting and an attractive fixture in the eating area.
- Are your appliances in good condition or do you need to replace them before settling on your final floor plan?
- Is the kitchen positioned close to the family room and dining room?
Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Kitchen Design Secrets
- Conquering Clutter
- Kitchen Design & Textures
- THE ABC OF COOKWARE Part 1
- Conquering Clutter (continue...)
- THE ABC OF COOKWARE Part 2
- Kitchen Renovation, relocate Cabinets and Appliances with U-shape Kitchen Design
- The Ultimate Kitchen Planner Part 1 (Appliance)
- Kitchen Layouts
- Discipline in the Kitchen Design Process
- Spice up your Kitchen with Colour (Seaside Chic, Contemporary,Provencal Country & Industrial)
He was very excited about a promising future as a design artist and dreamed of one day owning his own graphic design company. … Appliance Capacity
This happens automatically, so you can effortlessly shoot without the need to adjust the settings every time the conditions change. … Fitness Equipment
If you’re planning to stain your unfinished kitchen cabinets, the type of wood you use will have a major effect on the choice of stain colour and the final appearance once the stain is applied. … Kitchen Cabinets
If you don’ t have a spectacular view, perhaps your deck could be located near a beautiful garden tree. … Memory Stick
Order by Phone (7) Lodge Kitchen Lodge Kitchen Welcome to our new rustic kitchen category where you can find bear cookie jars, rustic pot racks, iron paper towel holders, antler wine racks and more. … Kitchen Ideas
An online Discount Furniture Stored offering quality bedroom furniture, living room furniture, dining room furniture, kid’s bunk beds and kitchen furniture at discount prices. … Patio Furniture