Kitchen Design Ideas

Kitchen Craft

As discussed earlier the first step in kitchen remodeling consists of choosing the right shape for your kitchen. However while you remodel your kitchen you will always have a basic structure available, but we can make it look different as well as make maximum use of the available space by a proper kitchen layout. In this part of the kitchen remodeling series we are going to talk about the basic shapes, designs and layouts of modern kitchens.

Depending on the following factors you should chose your kitchen style and shape.

1. If you have a nuclear family where the kitchen is used only during meals and is generally managed by a single person, then we should go for the conventional L and U shaped or single or double open galley kitchens. However a larger family with many members will require a kitchen which provides multiple workstations, larger storage facilities, more walking and moving space. Therefore it is imminent to think of a different kitchen shape. For the above purpose we can pull the cook top from the wall and place it in the center of the kitchen like a island, this will enable more number of people to stand around it and work at the same time.
   
   
2. It’s also important to look at the geometry and position of your house. This will give you a better idea as to where you can accommodate the kitchen at its best. Either choose an unused corner or place the kitchen at that side of the house which receives a lot of fresh air and sunlight. This will provide good ventilation an also make the kitchen airy and bright. Read our tips on changing your kitchen using colors and lights.
   
   
3. Try to keep the sink, the cooking area and the refrigerator as close as possible. They together form the work triangle. It is advisable to keep the sides of this triangle 3 to 4 feet long. In doing so, you will minimize the walking distance and thus save a lot of energy doing up and down the kitchen. See our other article on kitchen sink design.
   
   
4. Place your kitchen appliances systematically. For example – try to keep the refrigerator between the kitchen entrance and the main cooking hob. It you love to eat lots of fresh vegetables, organize a high refrigerator which will stock your daily supply of vegetables and fruits efficiently. Keep your oven in a wooden stand instead of blocking the work top and make adjoining air tight cabinets to store your delicious baked items? It is a good idea to place the mixer, peeler and grinder near the sink so that you can clean off the area properly after work.
   
   
5. Store all the heavy cooking utensils like the pressure cookers, heavy pots and pans in the cabinets below the counter top. You can also keep the other electrical appliances here. The space above the counter top can have either closed or open cabinets where you can keep your china, dishes and bowls of everyday use. Kitchen storage solution is an essential part of the layout process and pay extra attention to it!
   
   

Please refer to our Kitchen Remodeling Firms section to find a great contractor near you.

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