Designing your Kitchen
This may end up being a long process, but taking the time to get things right here will ensure that there are no problems in the future. The first thing to consider when planning for your new kitchen is what you will use it for, whether it be primarily for cooking for your family or for entertainment. If you plan to entertain, how often will you do so, how many people will you be cooking for and will it be formal or informal? All of these influence how much space you will need, both to work and for storage.
If you are renovating your kitchen, identify existing trouble spots and see how these can be rectified. Working with a professional kitchen designer will be invaluable here, and throughout all parts of the kitchen design process. If you do not like the placement of existing plumbing and electrics, keep in mind that it may not be as expensive as you think to relocate these. A plumber or electrician’s advice will be needed before making any decisions. However, any kitchen should have the following basics: ample working and storage space, good lighting, reliable appliances, and plenty of power points (for all those small kitchen appliances!)
The most important thing in the kitchen is the “work triangle”, which is made up of the sink, the cooktop and the refrigerator. For maximum safety and efficiency the total space between the elements of the triangle should be no more than 7-10 metres with 7 metres being ideal. The kitchen sink should also be placed in an area with plenty of natural light and in an area convenient to you.
Nothing is more frustrating in a kitchen than a lack of storage space. Ensure that your kitchen design maximises storage space, and that cupboards and drawers are well placed. If you plan to have overhead cupboards, they should be easy to reach. Corner cupboards are unavoidable in many types of kitchens, so to maximise the amount of storage space in them, consider installing such things as lazy susans, bi-fold doors or dual-access doors. Drawers should be wide and deep wherever possible so that appliances, cooking utensils, pots and pans or even food items can be stored. Pantries should have narrow shelves at be at least 900mm wide. Pull out shelves are an option for pantries. Also ensure that the bench space is sufficient to serve meals, prepare food, and that there is also a designated space for hot items.
Types of Kitchens
There are several different types of kitchens from U-shaped to island kitchens. Following is a brief overview of each type.
- U-shaped kitchen — this style of kitchen is suitable for small or large kitchens and is the safest design in that it stops members of the household from walking through the potentially dangerous work triangle. It also offers optimal bench and storage space. If seating is at a premium in your home, you can also use one of the “legs” of the U as a breakfast bar or eating area.
- L-shaped kitchen — this kitchen style is great for narrow, long or open-plan rooms and still provides a good amount of storage and workspace. It is also easy to reach all of the main working areas.
- Single-line kitchen — use this kitchen in small spaces. This style of kitchen has appliances placed underneath the countertop for maximum workspace and storage cabinets are usually placed overhead.
- Two-way Galley — this style of kitchen minimises the amount of movement as cupboards and workspaces are located in front of and behind you. However, for safety reasons, ensure that the space between the two sides is wide enough for people to navigate around you.
- Island kitchen — this is any style of kitchen with a separate workbench included. This is useful if more than one person is cooking at a time and works best in larger areas, so that traffic flow is not impeded.
Safety Issues
As well as looking good and being practical, it is vital that the kitchen is as safe as possible. Make sure that there is sufficient room for you to maneouvre with hot dishes and that the risk of people colliding with you is minimised. Cupboard and drawer handles should be fitted vertically rather than horizontally, so that small children are not tempted to use handles as a ladder. Ergonomics also play a part in the kitchen. Consider using a refrigerator with the freezer in the bottom so that you are not constantly bending to get food. Different bench heights can also help save unnecessary bending. Hotplates should be lower than the food preparation area and the sink should be higher.
Kitchen Design Professionals
As building a new kitchen is a major project, it is important that you are happy with all the professionals that are working with you on the project, whether they are kitchen designers, builders, electricians or plumbers. If you are hiring a firm to oversee the project for you, check if they coordinate all of the tradespeople required to complete the project.
If you are employing a kitchen building or design firm, you should get an initial consultation, after which you should receive detailed plans of your new kitchens along with an estimate of the cost and the time needed to complete the project. The professional should also be able to help you with choosing materials, colours, appliances, and other aspects of the kitchen.
A good professional will inspect your kitchen before any renovation to ensure that there are no significant problems. They should also be fully insured, qualified and able to show you references from previous projects. However, you should still check all paperwork thoroughly before any work commences and ensure that a system is in place so that changes to the original plan cannot be made without your express permission.
ESTEPONA KITCHEN DESIGN
Local 4 Edificio Las Salinas
Urb. Guadalmansa
CN 340 Km 163-164
29680 Estepona
Málaga
Tel: +34 952 790 664
www.esteponakitchendesign.com
info@esteponakitchendesign.com
Heart of the Home
Design | Issue 5 — February and March 2009
Design | Issue 5 — February and March 2009
| Subscribe to newsletter | Printfriendly version · Send to friend |
