Emotions rising, memories stirring, and ideas simmering – a life in the kitchen. The kitchen’s main function is, and always will be, to store, prepare, and cook food. It’s the place where the art of culinary is brought to life through creativity, hence the need for absolute ambiance. Activities like baking means the entire family can get involved, so your kitchen can be a social hub.
The modern kitchen sits alongside the living room, blurring the boundaries between functional areas in the home. There’s so much action and drama and a little bit of humor combined. The kitchen layout must be functional, comfortable, and attractive.
Every kitchen can be tailored to suit the homeowner’s tastes or needs. Still, there are some golden rules to follow to ensure the kitchen is the place where beauty and functionality coexist. Without further ado, equip yourself with all you need to start making your dream kitchen a reality.
Figure Out the Logistics of Where Everything Will Go
No matter if you’re moving into an existing kitchen or renovating the one you have, being in the kitchen will be a better experience. The kitchen space is used for cooking, entertaining, dining, working, and lounging, so plan everything in detail.
Everything should have a designated place. For example, the refrigerator and dry food containers or spice racks should be close to the kitchen’s entry point so you can quickly unload and put away items. They should never be placed directly next to an appliance that produces heat or in areas vulnerable to sun exposure.
Take precise measurements of the exact floor space, then approach the design by thinking of the following:
- Doorways & walkways: Higher temperatures, more humid air, fat particles, and smells make the door a very convenient solution. A single entrance is a bad idea, especially in a relatively large kitchen, and the doorway should be at least 32 inches wide. The walkways around the kitchen units shouldn’t clash so that you can move freely.
- Work triangle: The logical arrangement of the stove, refrigerator, and sink reduces wasted steps in the kitchen. The sum of the three distances shouldn’t be more than 26 feet, even with a small kitchen floor plan. If the stove, refrigerator, and sink are close (but not too close) to one another, you have a harmonious ecosystem.
- Counters: Regardless of the size you’re working with, a counter offers stability and elbow room for even the easiest recipes. You need three separate counters, roughly four feet long. Bigger isn’t necessarily better. For a kitchen layout with island appliances, you can extend the countertop.
- Seating: Comfortable seating encourages people to spend time together, enhancing the kitchen’s role as a social hub. A good rule of thumb is 24 inches per person; you’ll also need to account for knee space. If there’s a walkway behind the island, have a minimum of 44 inches for clearance.
A Kitchen Is a Heavy User of Electricity, So Have At Least 7 Circuits
Your kitchen is full of appliances, all of which can use a lot of energy as they operate at different temperature extremes. The kitchen is by far the biggest user of energy – food cooking is followed by refrigerated food storage. As expected, there’s increased consumption over the weekend.
At a minimum, you need seven circuits to handle the lighting, oven, refrigerator, garbage disposal, dishwasher, microwave, and other appliances. Having a dedicated circuit for each basic element is an excellent way to spread energy usage and eliminate a power surge. Put, you have a safer, more efficient environment.
Get A Piece of Paper, A Pencil, And Measuring Tape
Kitchen cabinets are subject to heat, moisture, and other damaging elements. Depending on this, some units may last longer than others. Cabinet replacement will offer a nicer look and save costs by minimizing the number of repairs necessary.
According to the experts at Kitchen Warehouse, standard kitchen cabinet sizes are built to ensure all the pieces of the puzzle fit perfectly – the units are measured across their fronts, from top to bottom, and front to back.
The standard for the height of kitchen cabinets has changed over the years, so strike a balance when it comes to personal preferences and situational factors. There’s more open space for every inch you raise the kitchen units.
Taller users will appreciate higher cabinets, for which the standard base can be raised with a bespoke box frame. The height of the cabinets plays an essential role in the kitchen’s configuration. Upper cabinets are typically positioned 18 inches above the countertop and are 24 to 30 inches (600 to 720 mm) in height.
To get precise measurements that set the foundation for a well-designed kitchen, you’ll need a piece of paper, a pencil, and, of course, measuring tape. Record the measurements by using a digital document or an app, keeping it close at hand for future reference.
Please consider the ergonomics of your kitchen and the average height of people using it. Ideally, the wall units should be within reach without requiring too much stretching or bending; compromising may be prudent. At the end of the day, the height of the kitchen cabinets should reflect your personal preference and lifestyle – when it does, the kitchen comes alive.
Protect Your Family by Keeping a Fire Extinguisher Visible, Easily Accessible
It’s no secret that the kitchen is one of the most accident-heavy rooms in the home. Incidents can arise from knife use, oil and steam, handling hot equipment, and fire and electrical hazards. What would you do if the unthinkable happened and a fire broke out within your kitchen?
Have at least one fire extinguisher ready. Most kitchen fires involve grease, so they can burn very hot and can’t be put out by water. The fire extinguisher should be placed where it can be easily reached in the event of an accident. Ensure it’s rated for class B fires.
The Takeaway
Style and design aren’t mutually exclusive. As a matter of fact, they complement one another, so do your best to create a warm and welcoming feel.
