The kitchen is the heart of any home. To ensure that your kitchen is both pretty and functional, careful planning is highly crucial. Whether you’re doing renovations on a shoestring budget or are planning to splurge on your kitchen, your choices will impact the result of your project. Here are some tips that should help you design your new kitchen.
Save Time by Considering Functions
Reflect on how and where you use the items in your kitchen. For example, it’s best to store your bowls and breakfast foods near your breakfast table. Place plastic containers near your work surface for packing leftovers. To improve your dishwasher unloading time, place the dishes and other utensils near the dishwasher.
Ensure Wide Walkways
Plan enough space for paths, which should be a minimum of 36 inches wide. Cooking zones need a broader path, where two-cook kitchens should be given 48 inches and one-cook configurations at least 42 inches. In creating your kitchen design, adjust the placements of peninsulas and kitchen islands with these measurements in mind.
Lead Traffic Appropriately
Place the refrigerator where it can be accessed by people working in the cleanup and cooking areas, as well as passersby. To ensure a kid-friendly kitchen, place the cooktop away from traffic areas. This is so kids don’t accidentally catch handles, and avoid burns and spills.
Determine a Suitable Height for the Microwave
The location and height of the microwave should depend on the adult cook in the house. It should be placed 15 inches above the countertop level.
Know the Island’s Function
If you plan to cook and eat on this space, ensure that you have enough space such that the cooktop is appropriately separated from the dining area.
Plan Enough Room for Storage
A common mistake that homeowners make is not giving enough space for storage. Utilize all the available space. Avoid leaving a gap between your overhead cabinets and the ceiling because dust will only collect between these spaces. Instead, allow the cabinets to go right up into the ceiling. Provide deep drawers for pots and pans, deep dish pizza pans, and ensure to add enough storage for those appliances that would clutter the countertops. Be sure to check out kitchen countertops from Bradco Kitchen & Bath.
Consider Landing Space
In your kitchen design, provide at least 15 inches of countertop at the sides of the refrigerator and cooktop. Also include landing space near the microwave.
Planning for the Countertops
If you plan to cook frequently, plan enough counter space between the sink and the range. If the kids are willing to help in meal preparation, you might want to consider two countertop heights.
Plan Lighting
Kitchens usually suffer from insufficient lighting. When planning overhead lights, you don’t want the light behind you to avoid casting shadows onto the workspace. Position the lights so that they are located in front of you. Consider adding under cabinet lights so that they shine directly on the countertops.
Consider Electrical and Power Outlets
Ensure that there are suitable power sources for new or repositioned appliances. Many people find out later that they don’t have the proper electric or gas lines. Appliances should also be measured to make sure that they will fit appropriately into the assigned spaces.
Think about Safety First
Design a family-friendly and safe kitchen by considering good visibility for the play area and backyard from the cooking area. You can also try using slip-resistant flooring and rounded countertops.
Plan Your Flooring Well
In choosing your flooring, consider porosity, maintenance, and slip-resistance. Hardwood floors are a classic but remember that it will wear out faster near wet places such as the sink, stove, or the fridge. Stone floors are also popular, but keep in mind that these may call for periodic resealing so consider if it’s something you’re prepared to handle.
Setup the Cooking Range Area
Keep utensils, spices, and cooking oils behind or beside the range for quick access. Place frequently used pots on hooks near the range.
Be Wise in Storing Knives
Hang knives where you can easily choose the right one for your task but away from children’s reach.
Have Storage for Recyclable Materials
Prepare a cabinet with different containers for plastic, glass, and metal. Also have some space for old newspapers.
Don’t Forget to Add a Message Center
Create a message center by the kitchen phone. Place a whiteboard, chalkboard or bulletin board and have a notebook, calendar, markers, chalk, pens or pencils ready.
Final Thoughts
As with any home project, kitchen designing is not always easy. Know that there are many considerations and choices to make that will affect your final kitchen design. Taking your time to plan is indeed the biggest step towards getting your dream kitchen.