A lot of people say that life happens in the kitchen. It doesn’t matter whether you are rushing your breakfast or whether you are having a brew with some of your friends. Your kitchen really is an activity hub for the home and for this reason, you need to make sure that it works for you. A thoughtful kitchen design can make this happen. If you intend on planning a kitchen renovation or if you are designing a kitchen and need some help with the layout, then this guide will help you to find out everything you need to know.
Eliminate Wasted Steps
Whenever you design a kitchen layout, it is vital that you think about the tasks that you perform the most. You can save yourself far more time and energy by simply placing the items that you need to do a job, together. If you have an espresso machine for home use, then be sure to put this close to your mugs and also your coffee grounds. You will thank yourself for doing this. It is also important that you put all of your plastic wrap or containers near to a work surface so you can package up any leftovers. Dishware should also be put near the dishwasher too as this will make the process of unloading far easier.
Divide your Walkways
You have to make sure that your floor plan has enough room for any cabinetry and kitchen islands too. This will help you to move through the space with ease. As a general rule, the paths between your kitchen should be around 36” wide. Aisles within the cooking zone should be around 42” if you are cooking as one person and 48” if you have two people. Of course, it is a good idea for you to adjust everything accordingly so you can make sure that you get the best result out of your layout.
Direct Traffic in the Kitchen
Traffic flow is a vital consideration whenever you choose to design your kitchen layout. You do not want the cook to be bumping into people all the time. If the traffic is flowing through the kitchen into another room, then simply make sure that the range is not in line with this busy path. If you have a central island, then this is a very good way for you to split the working area of your kitchen from the more social part. It also means that you can have friends chat without them getting in the way, so be mindful of this if you can.
Stay Clear of Corners
Pay attention to your corners whenever the time comes for you to place your appliances or even your cabinetry. If you want to make sure that your appliance doors are functional, then it is wise for you to plan space so you can account for the clearance of the door as well as the swing direction. Keep your appliances away from the corners and also make sure that the doors are not going to bang into one another if you were to open them at the same time. If you are dealing with tight corners, then opt for handles that are low-profile. If you have appliance handles that stick out too much, then this can make it incredibly difficult to open so be mindful of this.
Find the Right Height
Another thing that you can do would be for you to try and make sure that you are choosing the right height for your microwave oven. This will depend on whether or not you have kids. You may want to make it so your kids can reach it with ease for example. If you are an adult, then try and have it around 15” above the countertop level. If you have kids who are going to be using the appliance then it could be wise for you to opt for one that is below the countertop. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to get the result you want out of your kitchen design.
Determine the Function of the Island
When it comes to kitchen islands in general, you need to make sure that form always follows function. Imagine for a second how you would like to use the island in the space you have before you go on to think about the design. If you want to cook and then eat on the island, then you have to plan enough space so that your stovetop is away from the dining area. The island can also offer you the chance to have other elements, which may include a sink or even a dishwasher, for functionality purposes.
Plan Space
You have to make sure that you have enough space around your appliances if possible. This gives you the space to put down hot items as soon as they come out of the oven or the microwave. It will also be of great help whenever you choose to prepare ingredients. When you design your kitchen layout, you have to account for at least 15 inches of countertop on either side of the fridge and the cooktop. Landing space is very important if you have a lot of small appliances, which could include a toaster or a coffee pot. If you can be mindful of this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to get the result you are going for with your remodel.
Countertops have to be Considered
If you can, you have to think about your needs when it comes to meal preparation. This will help you to guide your general countertop choices. Chefs who often cook will usually need a lot of preparation space. If you simply prepare basic meals or if you do not cook often, then this probably won’t be as much of a requirement for you. Incorporating two countertop heights can easily make baking much easier. If you like to keep your kids involved a lot with meal preparation, then this is very important for you to keep in mind.
Double-up
If you know that you have a big family or if your cooking needs are somewhat extensive, then you may want to double up on your most used-appliances. You will want to do this while kitchen planning. A second microwave for example or even a miniature refrigerator can easily work for you. It also means that you can spread out the workload and you can keep any kids who like to snack, out of your way. If you have kids, then it could be a good idea for you to add a miniature snack bar. This is a great spot for after-school, and you may also find that it works for your kids very well.
Arrange the Cooker
If you have any important cooking utensils or essentials, then be sure to put these in the space around the range. Place a shelf behind the range as this will make it easier for you to store any spices, oils or utensils. If possible, you need to make sure that you plan your layout so that you have some extra drawers for your cookware and so you can also hang your pots and pans. This is a fantastic way for you to make sure that everything is working for you and that you do not have to go halfway across the kitchen just to finish the meal you are trying to make.
