Kitchen Design
Designing a kitchen must be the most complicated task of the home. a very personal space,
Often succumbing to various trends in an effort to appear new and different - reinventing the wheel for the sake of being different. All too often, failing to perform with jarring details lacking considerable attention.
There are many considerations that need to be addressed and a fine art to balance the functionality with the aesthetics.
A space rarely closed off in its own room with its sole purpose for cooking, it now serves various purposes from eating, homework, home office, gathering, entertaining and living,
Individuals have their own unique requirements for their kitchen. The needs of a young family will demand very different purposes than a single or couple without children.
a well conceived space from a function standpoint will allow the user to flow through the various tasks with ease and minimal thought and steps. Equipment necessary to the task are located in close proximity within reach in logical placement to intended tasks. A heirachy given to equipment used on regular basis placed in the most ergonomic location - without having to reach high or bend low.
A review of how one lives -whats important/ whats not, unique to the family.
One should not get too fixated and over complicate to allow for flexiblity as lives and interets change. The kitchen should grow with you! Timelessness is important, focusing on quality finishes the kitchen will last and so too the look of the kitchen must keep up.
With all these variables, there are some elements of kitchen design that from the earliest kitchens to today are applicable to any client or keen cook.
Fire
It is my preference to place the fire /cooktop on a rear wall opposed to an island - this avoids a low hanging hood protroding into the space as well cooking can create spits and smells that can be unwelcome to guests.
High use equipment such as utensils, pots ands and pans should be in close reach so as to not need to move out the way while cooking. Oils and spices, common produce that requires boiling -ie . pasta/ rice/ legumes/ are also well placed here relating to the task they are being carried out for.
Water
A water point/ sink is needed for both food preparation and cleaning. Ideally the two tasks can be separated but not essential. It is my preference - especially if serving the dual purpose to be located on an island. The sink is where the cook will be stationed for majority of the time -washing the produce before preparing it for cooking, cleaning the dishes from the meal, and so best to be facing his family or guests than have their back to them. Here they can be social and part of the discussions. There can be strong opinions on the island being clear for serving which also has its merits - its an individual decision.
Preparation
Suitable counter space allocation is necessary for food preparation. Ideally 24” /60cm left and right of any sink and cooktop.
Waste bins and water point should all be in close proximity as naturally the washing and peeling of produce requires these elements.
Knife storage too should be in close reach
Storage
Storage in reference to cold (refrigeration) should be well placed in close proximity to the refrigeration and counter set down space
Cupboards vs drawers
heirachy /ergonomics
Finishes
Laminate is by far the most durable finish and recommended for small children or low maintenence /fuss.
Appliances
There are a lot of appliances on the market - built in as well as counter or hand-held - this is individual preference. Often I find built in coffee machines while very convenient don’t produce as nice tasting coffee.
My preference is to always conceal the appliances as best possible - refrigeration and dishwashing is relatively simple, depending on the user - undercounter while not as ergonomic , keeps it out of sight.
Bulky stainless steel appliances will stand out and be the first thing you see when you walk in the room. - Not ideal in an open plan setting where the kitchen is in the same room as the living and dining areas.
Ovens should always have sufficient landing space in close proximity - consider a swing or drop down door for your convenience.
While hanging utensils and pans can have a charming look, they often collect grease and need regular cleaning.
While its a fine balance to combine functionality with aesthetics, I would naturaly prioritize the function if in question.