The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house, and while it is the place our food is prepared and cooked, it is designed to be a room where the family congregates together and discusses their lives. Obviously, it depends on the size of the area that you have, but it might be a good idea to have an open plan area where you can prepare, cook and relax. This is why it is very important to be aware of the different kitchen layouts that are available to you, and that you choose the right one. The kitchen is the heart of any family and it’s where we go to eat, to relax, to watch some television, and for the kids to do their homework. It can also be a place where mom and dad can enjoy a glass of wine or two, and just relax.
It’s important to keep things organised and this awesome bar leaner, for example, is the perfect addition to any kitchen, because it takes up very little space but it is extremely practical. It can be placed off to the side or against the wall, so that it doesn’t interrupt with the overall flow of the kitchen area. There are a number of things that you need to consider when choosing the layout of your kitchen and the following are some of the things that you need to think about.
- Planning the kitchen layout – Most kitchens use the ‘working triangle’ because it cuts down on the distance between the three important things that are in any kitchen. I am talking about the sink, the fridge and the stove, and this is a very popular layout. However, if you want to change it up a little, then that’s entirely up to you, but make sure that you get it right because this is one of the mistakes that you want to avoid in your kitchen remodel.
- Consider the flow – When designing your layout, you need to give due consideration to the general flow within the kitchen. It’s important to keep the kids away from hotspots, and to make sure that your guests are not in your way as you try to prepare a meal for them. Many kitchen areas lead into the garden area, so make sure that there are no obstructions if your guests want to go to sit down there. Many people consider putting an island in the middle of the kitchen in order to separate the cooking area from the guests, and if you place a few bar stools alongside it, then this can provide you with the perfect answer. Consider the position of the fridge as well, so that you can properly handle food safety.
- Maximise Available Space – This is even more important if you have a kitchen with limited space and if you are unsure about the ideal layout, talk to a professional kitchen design company and see what they have to say. It is possible to hire a designer and you carry out the work yourself, which might be the best solution, as the expert can design a kitchen that suits your lifestyle. Bespoke cabinets and shelving are essential in a small kitchen and your local joiner would be happy to oblige. Consider an island if you have the space, as a central breakfast area for the family to congregate in the mornings and evenings.
- Buy the Best Appliances – If you make price the focus when looking at major appliances, you are likely to have issues after a few years, but by paying a little more, you can be sure that the equipment will stand the test of time. It is cheapest to buy kitchen appliances from the online supplier, as they do not have the huge overheads of a traditional retail store. This could save you as much as 20% on brands like Bosch and your warranty is exactly the same as in a retail store.
- Flooring – Obviously, a wet room is not ideal for timber, but luxury vinyl is waterproof and comes in stunning timber-grain finishes and it can be installed on any substrate. If you would like to view luxury vinyl, a Google search will take you to a leading supplier and with a cork backing, you have a silent walking experience.
You are only going to get one chance at this for the next 10 years, so make sure that you get it right this time. Take your time and consider all of your options before finally deciding to let the work commence, and your new kitchen will be everything you dreamed of, and more. Quality materials and a professional installation is the way to go if you want a kitchen to stand the test of time.
