PROPERTY NEWS - A well-planned kitchen will make the "heart of the home" flow well and create an efficient, happy space that can save you lots of time and frustration.
In the kitchen more than any other room in the home, practicality is of utmost importance when you design it.
Here are some tips to consider when planning your kitchen:
Zoning areas in the kitchen
When planning a kitchen, a good start is to decide where each of these necessary zones would work practically:
Cooking zone: Oven, hob, extractor, microwave, work space for preparation and putting down hot pans. Tip: Ensure the cooking zone is not in a pathway to a door.
Washing zone: Washing machine, tumble dryer, sink, dishwasher. Tip: Consider positioning the dishwasher, sink and bin in a row for easy access.
Storage zone: Fridge, pantry/food storage, cupboards and drawers for cutlery, dishes, glasses, pots and pans. Tip: Placing the cutlery and china near the dishwasher will make packing them away easier.
Dining zone: An informal eating area which could also be used as a serving area. Tip: This could be an island unit.
Different layout configurations
The Inline: An inline kitchen runs along a single wall and is common in smaller kitchens where the kitchen is integrated with the dining and sitting rooms.
Galley kitchen: Can be used in both small and large kitchens. Two parallel runs of units separated by at least 1,2 metres of floor space to allow for easy access and moving around in the kitchen. Many chefs like this layout as it allows you to locate appliances on each side a short distance apart.
The U-shaped kitchen: As with the galley kitchen, a floor area of at least 1,2 metres should separate the legs of the U.
The L-shaped kitchen: Composed of two adjoining kitchen runs. The one is usually longer than the other.
A kitchen island can be a stylish addition to these layouts but this does increase the need for space. Ideally an island should be located at least 1,2 metres away from the rest of the kitchen to allow space for circulation.
Kitchen Layout Configurations.
The work triangle
A well-designed kitchen will make allowances for a work triangle, made up of the hob, sink and refrigerator.
This is because the most common journey made in working kitchens is between these three areas and the idea is to save time and be more efficient. If you draw an imaginary line between these three points you have a triangle.
It is recommended that the total length of the triangle should not exceed seven metres. Ideally the distance between the different working points is around 1,9 metres.
Kitchen styles
Choosing the style of the kitchen is personal and will be influenced by the style of the property, budget and, most importantly, family taste and style. Here are some of the most recognised kitchen designs:
Classic: Classic kitchens have clean lines, with a mix of traditional and contemporary materials. Here you would include the popular shaker style with natural timber and painted cupboards.
Modern: Minimalist with clean lines and no mouldings. Handleless units or integrated handles. Fashionable timbers and processed materials. Integrated appliances.
Country: Open shelving, dressers. Mouldings with pelmets. Timber and natural finishes. Painted cupboards.
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