Kitchen is not a place where one just whips up dishes to feed the family. It is where memories are created!
A kitchen needs to be practical, suited to the needs of the people using it and also stylish so that cooking becomes an enjoyable experience and not a laborious chore.
Planning the perfect kitchen layout is one of the most important factors in achieving a beautiful and high functional kitchen. Irrespective of the size of the kitchen, a well-designed layout will help you get the most of your space.
Ergonomics, appliances, and cabinetry are the factors which play a crucial role in providing you the joyous experience of being in the kitchen.
Here, we share a few simple steps which would help you in planning the Kitchen Layout which meets your expectations –
- Identify the elements
The first question you need to answer before starting is the utilitarian aspect of kitchen. Once you know how you would be using the space, you would be able to list the elements essential to your kitchen design. Is the place only for cooking, or also for entertaining? Would the kitchen also double up as a family zone?
The next step would require you to look at the features of the existing space, architectural quirks if any, and freestanding essentials like cabinets, drawers etc.
This would help you in deciding which elements you want to retain or modify based on your new design requirements.
- Choose the layout best suited to your requirements
There are several kinds of kitchen layouts, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. There is no single layout which fits all. The layout you choose should perfectly fit your lifestyle, preferences, style and taste.
It should be designed keeping in mind the concept of working triangle.
- Design ideas based on your style
The kitchen design isn’t only a reflection of your style, it should also be most well suited in terms of practicality.
The style choice, whether be it modern, contemporary or rustic greatly impacts the layout planning.
A contemporary kitchen perfectly suits simple spaces whereas a traditional kitchen is apt for a traditional home, country home or a farmhouse. A modern kitchen focuses on retaining a minimalist look by incorporating fitted storage and built-in appliances.
Also, you should consider whether the kitchen should merge with the style of the rest of your home or contrast it. Aesthetics plays a key role in finalising the style and design.
- Cabinets – building material
Once you have decided on the style and look of the kitchen, you can move on to the next step in designing the kitchen, which is, selecting the units – cabinets and cabinet doors.
There are various materials available in the market like hardwood, plywood, particle board, fiber board etc. You would need to assess your budget before choosing the material best suited to your kitchen. But apart from budget, you should also consider the quality of these materials. While hardwood is hard-wearing, it is fairly expensive. Plywood is slightly cheaper and long lasting. Wood veneer on the other hand is inexpensive but tends to peel off.
The quality of the material has a direct impact on the sturdiness of the cabinets.
- Cabinets – Finish and Colour Scheme
The choice of finish again depends on the style you are going for. You can opt for cabinets with high-gloss, matt or mid-sheen.
High-gloss units perfectly blend in a contemporary or modern style. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more traditional scheme or a period design, it would be a safer bet to go with a matt or a mild-sheen finish.
You can also look at adding texture to the cabinetry by choosing grainy wood finishes. This would help in bringing interesting elements and features.
Colour plays a crucial role in the overall look and feel of the kitchen. White seems to be the most popular colour for kitchen cabinets, with grey, cream, off-white and shades of brown closely following.
The choice of colour for the cabinets would impact the rest of the kitchen décor, be it the tiles, flooring or the worktop.
The amount of light flowing in the kitchen plays an important role in deciding the colour. If your kitchen gets ample natural light, you can go for darker units. On the other hand, if daylight is lacking, then choosing lighter colours would enhance the aesthetic appeal.
Cabinetry colour should ideally reflect the colours used in the rest of your home. The cohesiveness enhances the aesthetic appeal and adds to the overall flow.
Special TIP – The colour and finish look different under showroom lights and the lights in your home. If possible, always check the materials under our kitchen lights so as to avoid shock and disappointment in the future.
- Worktops
The worktop sees the most action and becomes the most used part of the kitchen. Choosing the best worktop is the most important decision you would take when it comes to designing the kitchen. And you wouldn’t want to end up with one which succumbs under pressure!
Apart from utility, a pleasing worktop would instantly add glitz and glamour to your kitchen.
There is a wide variety available in the market for one to choose from. Wood, laminate, natural stone like marble or granite, and synthesized composites are most popular. However, recent trends reveal that stainless steel, concrete-look quartz and even glass are gaining popularity.
Your style, preference and budget are the factors which would guide you in choosing the best material for the work area.
- Floor tiles and Wall tiles
Wall tiles and floor tilling should be practical, hard-wearing and appealing at the same time.
Having ceramic or porcelain tiles around the work is a wise decision as they can easily cleaned to take care of splashes and spills. Wood is not preferred as it tends to spoil due to the high moisture levels. Laminate is a better option if you are looking for a wood finish. It is budget friendly and easy to maintain as well.
Vinyl, resin, and concrete are other wall flooring options which are durable, resistant, easy to clean and maintain.
- Lights
A kitchen lighting scheme should take care of all lighting needs – ambient, task and accent. Each lighting serves a specific purpose and cannot fill in for the other. Kitchen lighting is not just about utility, it is also about aesthetics.
You can use ceiling lights, wall lights, under-unit lights or even light the cabinet doors or interiors.
- Storage
Storage becomes one of the biggest challenges when it comes to planning the ideal kitchen. There are always enough and a greater number of spoons, forks and jars to be stored.
Both the location and size of shelves should be customised according to the products. A spice rack should be closer to cooking area whereas crockery needs a deeper drawer and need not be near the work area.
Floor cabinets require a lot of bending and getting down on knees for taking items from the storage.
- Add the little touches
Window dressings like shutters or blinds are practical and add a personalised touch to the kitchen area. They are available in a wide range of colours, designs and materials.
You can also add pots or place family photographs or drawings made by children on the window sills, thereby lending a personal touch to the space.
A kitchen is your personal space and integral to your family’s health and well-being. It requires a keen eye to detailing to get the perfect outcome.
In case you need assistance in designing your dream kitchen, reach out to us and our team will offer you the best possible suggestions.
