Kitchens are no longer just places to store food and prepare meals. They are now also a central hub of household activities. Kitchens can now be the warm heart of a family get-together, a place to entertain friends and loved ones, or somewhere for quiet contemplation. You can design a kitchen to fulfill all the functions that you need and want.
With Kvik as your kitchen expert, we can help you navigate the process to your dream kitchen. Here, we would like to share a few things you may want to think about and to do as you design your kitchen to ensure that everything fits and works just the way you imagined.
Decide kitchen uses
Of course, a kitchen is for food. But you should discuss or write down the different things you plan on using your kitchen for. You can say “cook food”, but you may want to be a bit more specific. Will you do a lot of baking? You will need to plan for a suitable oven and other appliances. Do you prefer simple meals, or do you plan on some elaborate culinary exercises? Or will your kitchen be more for reheating? Also, do you want to entertain guests in your kitchen, or do you just want a space for work or studying? These functions will help you plan your kitchen appropriately.
Make a list
Once you have decided what you want to do in your kitchen, make a list of what you want or need in order to do so. And think big. Consider this a wish list of everything that would make your ultimate kitchen. Perhaps you want a convection oven and induction stovetop. You may prefer a two-door refrigerator for more freezer space and maybe with an icemaker. Do you want many different small appliances? Or will a coffee maker and a blender fill your needs? Think materials as well – do you want marble countertops, or are you okay with granite or laminate surfaces? This list can help you figure out configurations, including how much counterspace and storage room you will need.
Contemplate a budget
With a good idea of functions and your wish list, you can start working on a budget. First, though, you may want to prioritize your list, so you can allocate your funds properly once you have priced all your options. You do not have to make specific allocations. It could just be a range. Also, a budget allows you to set parameters and expectations for yourself in terms of what you can do. You might not be able to afford a convection oven and marble countertops, so you will have to look for other alternatives, keeping your options open.
Consider functionalities for all
As you pick appliances and designate their locations, you should think about who will be using what. Do you have little ones who should not be able to reach certain appliances or storage areas? Or are they old enough to access some appliances, but they may not be able to reach as high as an adult? If you or someone in your household has mobility or back problems, you may want a kitchen layout that accommodates them as well. And if there is a chance that many people will be using the kitchen at the same time, you will want to make sure there is enough room for them to move around without jostling or bumping into each other.
Measure the entire space
This is a very important step. You need accurate measurements not only to select the right cabinetry, appliances, and fixtures, but these measurements will help you get a better idea of what you can and cannot do in your kitchen design. For example, you may really want a kitchen island, but there may not be enough room to install one and have space to move around. So, alternatives could be no island, or a trolley set-up that you can wheel around as you like. And do not forget to measure all the way up to the ceiling. There is potential storage space for items less frequently used, which you can access with a stepping stool.
Design for efficiency and safety
Along with making sure there is enough space, you should consider making your kitchen as safe a space as possible. This is an area with high heat and sharp implements. You should have flooring that is non-skid and easy to clean in case of spills to prevent slips and falls. You should allocate space for emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits. If there are kids about, you should install child-proof cabinets where appropriate. And think about eye-lines and corners of cabinets. Using the kitchen should not be like navigating a potentially harmful obstacle course!
