The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home, not just for cooking, but often the hub of family life. When designing a kitchen, there are many aspects to consider to make the space functional, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. In this article, we'll cover the most important rules of kitchen design that will help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams.
The kitchen triangle principle
One of the most important principles in kitchen design is the concept of the kitchen triangle. This principle refers to the optimum distance and layout between the three main work areas - the fridge, the sink and the cooker.
- Refrigerator: The fridge should be within easy reach of the kitchen entrance to make it easy to store and remove food.
- Dishwasher: The sink is often next to the dishwasher and should be close to the stove and fridge to make cleaning and preparation easier.
- Stove: The cooker occupies a central position and needs to be surrounded by plenty of working space to ensure a smooth cooking process.
The total length of the sides of the triangle should not exceed 7-8 metres to keep the kitchen workflow efficient.
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Golden rules for kitchen design
- Designing a suitable storage space
One of the most important aspects is the design of storage areas. The kitchen is full of tools and ingredients that need to be stored. Design cupboards, drawers and shelves so that everything is easily accessible. It's a common mistake to want to put everything that has to do with the kitchen there. But the Christmas serving set and infrequently used kitchen appliances could fit in other places. It's worth prioritising in terms of frequency of use if you feel you're short of space. Not to mention sorting, the 77th pot probably won't be used this year if it hasn't been used in 3 years. In addition, it's best to have a pantry, where (if it's well designed and distributed) you can stash a lot of stuff. But a well-designed pantry cupboard can also serve the purpose.
- Provide enough workspace
Kitchen worktops are a key element in cooking. Make sure you have enough counter space so that all preparation and cooking activities can be carried out comfortably. Specifically, you need somewhere to unload from the fridge, somewhere to prepare ingredients after cleaning and, last but not least, somewhere to serve after cooking and baking.
- Appropriate lighting
Proper lighting in the kitchen is essential. Combine natural light with artificial lighting and place task lighting above work surfaces. A common mistake is to have lighting at a high level. If you don't have shelves or overhead cabinets with LED strips on the bottom, careful planning is needed to ensure that you have lighting at work surfaces that you don't shade and that is actually useful in the evening hours.
Source: Pinterest
- Ergonomic design
When designing your kitchen, pay attention to ergonomics. Plan the placement of cabinets, drawers and appliances so that you don't have to bend or stretch too much.
- Ventilation and extraction
Proper ventilation and extraction in the kitchen is important to reduce unpleasant odours and humidity. Choose a good quality extractor hood that effectively removes cooking fumes and odours.
Practical design guidelines
- Use of open shelves
Open shelving is not only practical, but also aesthetically pleasing. These shelves allow you to store frequently used tools and ingredients, making them easily accessible. It is a common mistake to use these shelves to store decorative items. They can get dusty very easily, spoiling the appearance, but more importantly, you lose valuable storage space. It is important that only beautiful, aesthetically pleasing, but frequently used items are placed here.
- Installation of an island or peninsula
If you have enough space, consider adding a kitchen island or peninsula. These provide extra work surface and storage space, as well as a great place to gather with family and friends. You can add bar stools to the other side, so you can even make serving a reality here.
Source: The Creatives Hour
- Hidden devices
Built-in or concealed appliances, such as a built-in fridge or dishwasher, give a clean and tidy look and save space. I really like this solution, as it gives a much more unified, cleaner look if you only see the fronts of your choice everywhere.
- Multifunctional furniture
Multifunctional furniture, such as extendable tables or folding chairs, offer a flexible solution for smaller kitchens where every square centimetre counts.
- Combining colours and materials
When designing your kitchen, dare to combine different colours and materials. For example, a combination of wood, metal and glass can give a modern and stylish look, while colours can be used to personalise the space.
Frequently asked questions about kitchen planning
What is a kitchen triangle and why is it important? The kitchen triangle is the optimal arrangement between the fridge, the sink and the stove. It is important because it makes kitchen workflows more efficient and reduces unnecessary movement.
How can I plan the storage spaces in my kitchen? Think about the tools and ingredients you use often, and plan easily accessible storage for them. Use drawers, cupboards and shelves to make sure everything has a place.
What lighting solutions should I use in the kitchen? Combine natural light with artificial lighting. Use ceiling lights, task lighting and mood lighting to meet different needs.
Concluding thoughts
Designing the perfect kitchen is not an easy task, but it can be made much easier by following some basic rules and guidelines. Pay attention to the kitchen triangle principle, proper storage space, work surfaces, lighting and ergonomics. Armed with this knowledge, you can get started on the kitchen of your dreams!
Sources:
- Homes & Gardens: Kitchen Triangle
- Architectural Digest: 10 Golden Rules to Follow When Designing a Kitchen
- Better Homes & Gardens: Kitchen Design Guidelines
