Kitchen design is of the utmost importance and should be well planned according to space restrictions, storage needs and even a trivial (and generally overlooked) detail such as the number of guests you have on a regular basis. Well-planned kitchen layout, design and decoration go a long way to not only make your kitchen a favorite hangout area of your home but also boost your mood while cooking.
First decide the layout of the kitchen
When designing a kitchen, you must first decide on the layout of the kitchen. The arrangement of appliances, sink or basin, cooking area and worktop should be painless and easy to move. Here are some of the basic layouts you can consider depending on your space:
1. U-shaped layout: It is very common and allows free movement between the two parallel legs. It is well suited to small and large kitchens alike. For a large space, you can also introduce a dining island. It is suitable for homes where two or three people need to cook at the same time.
2. L-shaped layout: This is good for small kitchens. It also provides enough space to move around. An island works well with this layout if you have a medium-sized space. With this layout you have to consider the need for proper storage as there are only two walls to stretch your cabinets, with the sink area creating a ceiling.
3. Single line kitchen: This is the most basic design with a single platform for your cooking range, sink or basin and fridge – all in one line. It is good for kitchens that are narrow and long. Good for more than two people to work together. However, it creates problems with storage.
4. Corridor layout: “Crowded look” is the main problem with this design. However the storage is good and also the free flow between the cooking area, the basin and the fridge. One parallel leg can be used exclusively for a worktop and cooking area while the other can accommodate the sink and the refrigerator. Good for kitchens with small space.
5. The layout of the double L: This is a high-end version of the L-shaped kitchen layout. Instead of introducing an island, you can hold a smaller L shape at the open end of a larger L. The smaller L can be used for the cooking range and worktop area while the larger L can accommodate the sink, microwave and refrigerator. Movement is free and this design provides flexible storage as well. However, it only suits large spaced kitchens.
Plan for storage
After designing the layout, you should focus on storage. The floor and wall cabinet layout will follow the basic layout of your kitchen. For floor cabinets you can choose for drawers or a shelf style to suit your needs. Glass, plastic or wood can be used for designing cabinet doors. Glass doors work well for wall cabinets as they let you see the storage instantly without having to climb up and dig. The interior shelving inside the cabinets depends on what you want to store. For example, if it is large utensils… you can divide the cabinet in half horizontally, but if it is a cup and saucer or just some small plates, you can have two to three shelves. The drawers work well for miscellaneous items such as spoons, knives, kitchen napkins and other kitchen tools.
Plan the dining space
The layout of the place and the design of the cabinet, you should focus on the dining space. In case you chose an island, it serves the purpose. Alternatively you can go for a folding dining set or provide an extension that can be folded on one of the edges of your kitchen. For small spaces, go for mobile islands. For larger kitchens you have the luxury of either including a multi-functional island or a full dining table set.
Land design
Once the three basic layouts above are in place, you can decide on the floor design. This includes tiling and floor lamination (if required). You can choose tiles according to the general decoration of the house or simply innovate a whole new look. Tile can also be added to the backsplash and sink areas.
Help with design
Once you are clear about all aspects, you can design your kitchen with the help of online models such as those available in Microsoft Visio. There are other applications available as well that help you design a kitchen layout. You can also consult an interior designer to design a kitchen or take some help from a local hardware store to get a final draft.
What are your thoughts on kitchen design?
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