kitchen
Bathroom and kitchen
Planning the ideal kitchen layout:
So you are either planning a new kitchen or updating what you already have. The most important aspect of any kitchen design is to create a layout that suits everyone's needs. There must be sufficient space to handle food storage, preparation, cooking and cleaning. What we mean by that is that you need a spot on your counter for placing all your ingredients so that they are easy to reach. You also need a spot to prepare your ingredients before you start cooking. Lastly, a clear section to leave used pots and pans that you intend using again but don't need to be washed, this saves you placing an item in a dirty sink to find within minutes you need it again.
Keep in mind the term "work triangle" the aim is to position the fridge, sink and cooker so that they are linked by an invisible triangle. This will ensure fluid movement for one to the other, making your kitchen a safer and more enjoyable living space.
Consider incorporating a change in level in the worktop if possible, it's not only visually pleasing; it will help reduce backache when performing a variety of tasks. Fitted kitchens are very popular however unfitted kitchens i.e. free standing units if planned properly, can create a more relaxed atmosphere and are just as efficient.
Cooking is such a popular pastime for so many people and it's important that the time spent in your kitchen preparing a meal is as pleasant as possible. Don't just pick a hob for its looks. Think about how many people you generally cater for at any given time, this should determine how many rings you need for example. Unless you cook a lot of stir fry, the fashionable wok ring can be a real nuisance because you have to remove part of the cast iron in some cases to make it more user-friendly to standard pots. Simple things, such as locating pots, pans and utensils within easy reach will ensure a stress free experience while cooking.
The storage facilities in your kitchen are vital to success of this space, fit shelves at appropriate heights to reduce wasted space and always check that you have enough room to open your oven and dishwasher doors for instance before finalising your design, this is especially important if you are buying direct a kitchen wholesaler and arranging fitting yourself. Last but not least, although not as pretty, sinks with lever taps are easier to turn on and off when your hands are covered in food or when lifting heavy pots for draining.
Kitchen Planning
When it comes to thinking about a new fitted kitchens there are quite a few points to consider carefully. The first point is to understand the differences between a 'fitted kitchen' and a 'free standing kitchen' before making the choice of which one to go for.
Free Standing Kitchen
A free standing kitchen (non-fitted kitchen) allows the owner to build their kitchen using not just obvious kitchen cupboards / accessories but allows for the inclusion of various furniture that the owner would like to see within the kitchen room.
For instance there might be particular pieces of furniture not usually associated with a kitchen that can be included; this can be done to add specific ambient themes by the owner.
A free standing kitchen also allows the owner to take the furniture with him/her if they should move.
Fitted Kitchen
A fitted kitchen is fitted to the kitchen walls and specifically designed for that specific room. A fitted kitchen will allow for smooth lines and seams between surfaces and travel room corners/shapes without separation. A well fitted kitchen can look as part of the room as the walls, offer more storage space and of course add to the value of the property as the kitchen is usually the first point of viewing by prospective new home owners.
How big is your family?
When planning for a fitted kitchen your family size matters! Obviously if you are single then room space is not a major factor, but if you are married with a family try to imagine everybody in the kitchen at once, were will they fit? Although one of the most important aspects of a fitted kitchen design buyer often think in terms of 1 or 2 people and then find they are crowded at times when the whole family suddenly decide to be in the kitchen at once.
Do you want to have family meals in the kitchen whether that's breakfast or evening meals? If so you have to think in terms of breakfast bars or dining tables depending on size, their location within the kitchen so as to allow for manoeuvrability whilst people are sitting down.
How much time spent in the kitchen?
In today's modern age people are constantly on the go and the kitchen is often the place of many families connectivity. Times spent chatting whilst cooking breakfasts or tea often can be the only times during busy lives especially within the working week families can spend quality time together. With this in mind how much time will you be spending in the kitchen? If the answer is a large part of daily living, then your kitchen needs to offer not just functional aspects but also relaxing ones too. The design of your fitted kitchen needs to incorporate certain `non-functional` but family focused aspects whether that is seating or standing space.
Who will use the kitchen?
Looking at who will spend the most time in the kitchen is an important point. If there will only be one person who spends most of the time in the kitchen the design of the fitted kitchen needs to reflect that person needs and wants. However if multiple people will use the kitchen regularly then the design and layout needs to reflect 'all the needs' and offer a smooth combination.
What aspect of a kitchen is important to you?
A well fitted kitchen always has a centre piece, this can be the cooker, washing or dining areas. When designing your kitchen pay attention to what is important to you, do you like lots of surface worktops? Does the sink need to have worktops on either side or are you suing a dishwasher which means the space around the sink can be used for other important aspects.
