Kitchen

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ALL ABOUT THE KITCHEN

The kitchen feels like it’s the heart of the home, and the kitchen represents sustenance and nurturing. It’s a challenge when designing a kitchen because you have to create the perfect balance of function and aesthetics. A kitchen has many more functions and purposes than the living room or the bedroom, and it is not exclusively utilized for cooking but eating, conversations, and more.

The design of the kitchen starts with its most important function, which is cooking and preparing food. Then, you can concentrate on assembling it to look appealing. Most of the space gets taken up by the primary elements required for the kitchen to be functional, like the cabinets, counters, and appliances. A well-designed kitchen will make the cooking and preparing process easier and faster, yet it’ll be an attractive place for family and companions to hang out.

An idea of the “kitchen work triangle” was formulated in the 1950s, which was that the three main functions of a kitchen, cooking, preparing, and storage, should be arranged so that they don’t interfere with each other. Yet, they are accessible easily from the place of each other. A natural arrangement would be a triangle with the stove, the sink, and the refrigerator at a vertex. This way, it’s easy to reach any of these places.

Many kitchens for interior design are characterized by the kitchen cabinets, sink, stove, and refrigerator arrangement. Some types of kitchens would be:

• A straight-line kitchen does not conform with the work triangle idea, but it’s the best possible arrangement with the small space. All three things, the sink, the stove, and the refrigerator, are in a straight line.
• The double-file kitchen: This is the classical work kitchen and makes good use of the space using cabinets and the sink on one side and the stove and refrigerator on the opposite side.
• The L-kitchen: Here, the work triangle is preserved as cabinets occupy two adjacent walls. The sink is on one side, and the refrigerator can be beside the stove on the next wall. The third wall can also be used for another countertop.
• The U-kitchen: The cabinets are along three walls making a U-shape. The sink would typically be at the base of the U. This design is usually used in a working kitchen.
• A G-kitchen: This is like a U-kitchen with an extra sink, often double basins. The G-kitchen can support two work triangles and provides additional workspace.
• The block kitchen: This is a more recent development in kitchen interior design with the sink or stove or both in the center of the room with space on all four sides to walk and move. This style is usually for open kitchens are designed. The countertop in the middle can also be used as a surface to sit down and have meals.

FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENTS

Even with all the technological advancements, the basics have remained the same. A kitchen always has water for cooking and cleaning, a stove or any heat source for cooking, a surface for preparing food, space for storage, and recently refrigeration. These are the elements that every kitchen must have. Things that will make the room more luxurious will be additional space for lounging, working, and other activities. These activities can also mean extra appliances other than the essentials like a microwave, a mixer, or a toaster.

REFRIGERATION, BECAUSE WE LOVE ICE-CREAM

A kitchen needs a refrigerator or a freezer based on the owner’s needs, and it’ll also depend on the size of the family and whether you often cook or eat out frequently.

A lot of this must be kept in mind while purchasing a refrigerator. A good refrigerator will last you a good 15-20 years. Keep in mind that old refrigerators will consume more electricity. Most people don’t know that you’re supposed to vacuum refrigerator coils to keep them clear of debris.

Regarding the size of refrigerators, they range between 15 cubic square feet and 30 cubic square feet. The fridge size will depend on how many people will use it. On average, you’ll want at least five cubic square feet per person. Bigger is not always better because the extra space could be wasted if the design isn’t practical.

While measuring for a new refrigerator, it’s most beneficial to take many measurements. Measure top to base, then left to the right, and front to back. Measure two times, especially in old homes, as one side might be the same as the opposite. Make sure that the refrigerator doors can open 90 degrees or more. Also, there should be about 2-inches of space on the hinge side(s). If not, the refrigerator will need to be pulled out about 2 inches to make up for this.

By buying luxury appliances, especially when it comes to refrigerators, you do get what you pay for when purchasing high-end variants. But, this will depend on the budget you have. More expensive refrigerators will have extra features like instant hot and cold water, which also have better service and last longer.

Panel-ready refrigerators have been gaining popularity in recent years. A panel-ready refrigerator will have panels attached to them to blend seamlessly with the cabinet. This style allows the technology to disappear while letting the design take center stage. It is all about the aesthetic. Many refrigerator models have this option, so it’s totally up to you.

Try shopping in May and over any holiday weekend to get the best deals. Memorial Day tends to be huge, and many stores will have discounts for veterans and active service members.

LET THAT SINK IN

It relies on your choice if you want one or two sinks. Many cooks will want one for preparation and one for washing pots and pans. There should be one extra-deep basin with a high spout and a built-in soap dispenser.

The types of sinks that have come up nowadays are too many to cover in this book. Sinks are constructed of stainless steel, stone granite, metal cast iron, and concrete.

The classic kitchen sink is stainless steel that fits well with modern interiors. You have secret compartment sinks that are very handy in managing clutter and organizing smaller items. Double bowl sinks have a dish drainer on one side, which helps wash multiple items and reduce water consumption.

Kitchen sink items can be used to make your life easier. Drainers, racks, and strainers that fit the basin make washing multiple things faster and easier. They can also be stowed when not used to keep a clean look.

Some not-so-common kitchen sinks are long party sinks and the island’s corner; A long party sink is used for busy kitchens, parties, and entertaining; It has movable faucets and different equipment for cooking and washing, and serving needs. It’ll have a chopping board, racks, strainers, and even an ice tub to chill your drinks. An island’s corner sink is an ingenious idea to save space and is a focal point for the eye. This method uses a block kitchen design. This design uses the sink in one of the corners of the countertop in the middle of the room.

HEAT SOURCES, BECAUSE WE LOVE HOT FOOD

Unless you can live on cold pizza your whole life, you need to have something in the kitchen to warm things and cook food. Some essential appliances would be an oven, a stovetop, a microwave, and broilers.

A convection oven is better than a regular oven because it has a fan and exhaust system, so the food cooks more evenly and quickly. Most convection ovens will have a familiar setting, and you can use this depending on what you are cooking. You can use the convection setting when roasting, baking pies and pastries, or many cookies. Convection ovens usually save energy because they take less time to cook food.

A stovetop can be gas or electrically powered, and it can be freestanding or built-in hobs. Built-in hobs quickly replace freestanding ones because they are sleek and give a seamless look. If you want to do heavy cooking, some brands have double ring burners with a high flame.

A microwave is excellent for meal prep and fitting cooking into busy schedules. But, finding a proper place for the microwave in the kitchen is essential. Keeping it on the countertop will take up unnecessary space. Microwaves can be set in the cabinetry for a built-in look, and you can install them as a drawer or mount them over the range. You can add a trim kit around the microwave or hide it behind a cabinet door.

Broilers may not be the most versatile of kitchen equipment, but they excel in their specific role in the kitchen. It employs a dry-heat cooking method and is mainly used for cooking poultry, meats, and fish and reheating and finishing dishes.

KEEP THE WEIRD SMELLS OUT WITH VENTILATION

Ventilation equipment is used in the kitchen mainly to prevent smoke and heat damage to the surrounding areas. Steam from cooking condenses on walls and windows and causes a build-up. Mechanical ventilation from a range hood or vent removes steamy air through ducts and eliminates these problems.

You can choose slim hoods that hide under over-stove cabinets and slide out for use for a neat and sleek design. The hood or canopy of the vent should be as big as the cooktop to adequately capture all air and steam.

Browse the internet and compare different models and their features. Consumer Reports is an excellent source of unbiased information and recommendations. The fan plays an important role, and a powerful unit will keep the air fresher. Centrifugal fans move more air than axial fans. See how the filters are installed. The fans should be uncomplicated to remove and sterilize.

Inspect the cfm (cubic feet per minute) when buying a vent. Room and stove size determine the required rate of air removed, measured in cubic feet per minute. The general recommendation is a minimum of 40 cfm for every linear foot of a range. Usually, an average size range requires air removal at 120 cfm when using an overhead range vent hood.

Downdraft ventilation units utilize one or more fans, pulling air through a filter into the ductwork. These units are best for island cooktops where hood installation may be awkward or impossible. They need a minimum of 150 cfm; The placement of the stove is also a factor. The wall units need up to 400 cfm, and an island cooktop needs 600 cfm.

These systems quickly gather dirt and grime, and regular cleaning is necessary. You can check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions—clean external surfaces with warm water and detergent. If the blades are accessible, wipe them frequently with the same solution or regularly have professional maintenance.

LET’S TALK ABOUT SURFACES

Surfaces will be used to prepare food and to keep items before serving. One thing that should be kept in mind is that all chefs won’t be equally tall, so having surfaces with different heights will help accommodate everyone. Some specialized tasks, such as rolling dough, will require a lower counter than cooking on the stovetop. Also, consider making a dedicated spot for placing your cookbook while prepping and cooking.

CHOOSING A COUNTERTOP MATERIAL

Many materials can be used to make a countertop in a kitchen. Let us see some examples in order of how much maintenance they need, with quartz requiring the lowest care and white marble needing to be sealed regularly:

• Quartz composite solid surfaces
• Speckled granite
• Solid granite
• Stainless steel
• Soapstone
• Concrete
• White marble

Using stones such as marble might make the countertop look good, but such materials are porous and thus react to oil and wine. Granite is a top choice for most homeowners and has been used for eons now; in many parts of the world, granite costs more or less the same as quartz. But, again, quartz will need lesser maintenance than granite because it is waterproof and easy to clean. A solid wood countertop might be the way to go if you want an authentic touch.

Quartz is an engineered material with 93% quartz and other minerals bound by resin. Quartz is available in more colors than granite and is resistant to scratching and staining. Unlike natural stone, engineered quartz does not require yearly sealing. A downside might be that they are expensive and can be very heavy. Similar technology is being used to make so-called glass countertops which consist of recycled glass blended with resin and shaped into countertop slabs. Consumers who want to be cutting edge will usually choose quartz or glass.

A moderately-priced choice for countertop material is solid-surface material, and this choice is a manufactured blend of acrylic particles and resin. This countertop was once regarded as a premium surface material; it is still an excellent choice for mid-range kitchens. This countertop top is obtainable in many colors, and damage can be easily sanded out.

Ceramic tile is considerably less expensive than natural stone or quartz, is easy to clean, and is durable. Recent innovations offer many designs that look like wood, leather, or cork, with more design options than any other material.

Stainless steel is an excellent choice to give your kitchen a more industrial look. Stainless steel is heat-resistant and durable and can be constructed to your specifications. Steel is the easiest of all materials to clean. This material will also add real estate value to your house as stainless steel countertops are regarded as “premium.” However, two cons are that they are noisy and are not a cutting surface.

Soapstone is another new material in the world of interior design. This top can be ideal for many kitchens because it is highly stain-proof and bacteria-resistant. Soapstone is non-porous and is available in grey tones, from light to dark. This material also doesn’t require yearly sealing, and regular application of mineral oil will help with scratches and deepen the stone’s color over time.

A thick concrete countertop can be a focal point in the kitchen, and it also mixes well with other materials such as glass and tiles to create a unique decor style. It is also an energy-efficient material, capturing heat in the summer and releasing it when the temperature cools down.

When we talk of marble, it is the evergreen darling of the design world. It is extremely aesthetically pleasing and provides a premium feel even if it is so commonly used. Its neutral colors blend effortlessly with any shades so that you can match it up with orange, red, or blue cabinets.

Expending more on some items and less money on others will ultimately be the homeowner’s choice. They might want to buy an expensive La Cornue stove, but this purchase will require them to compromise on other things like the countertop material choice. They might have to go $1800 stone composite slab instead of an $18000 white marble one. Sourcing things such as stainless steel counters, carts, and other accessories from whole kitchen supply companies is a good idea. Your budget and the lead time will help you eliminate some possibilities.

IT’S NOT MY TURN TO TAKE OUT THE TRASH

Where food is made, trash is made. Kitchens produce a variety of garbage like packaging, food scraps, and fresh produce wastage. Improper waste management will lead to a messy and smelly kitchen. A sound trash system will extend outside your kitchen with assorted disposal containers like a trash can, recycle bin, and compost center.

It would help if you considered your kitchen layout to implement the perfect trash system. See where your preparation, cooking, and cleaning zones are and decide on the best place for your bin. It shouldn’t be too near the fresh food but near the exit to make it easy to take out the trash.

CAMOUFLAGE YOUR APPLIANCES

Kitchens are laden with appliances. You cannot do without things like a refrigerator, stovetops, or ovens. But all these big appliances take up much space, and your kitchen looks like a mini electronics showroom. It all relies on how considerably space you have to use. And nobody loves a cluttered look over a minimalist design. To get this minimalist design, you can put panels over big double-door refrigerators that match the adjacent cabinetry. That takes care of the most significant piece of equipment in the kitchen. Apart from this, the cabinets can be designed to have pullout shelves and drawers made especially for mixers, blenders, and juicers. Designate areas where you will keep certain appliances, like the coffeemaker.

Custom cabinetry is not the only way to get a panel-ready unit and can be sourced for pre-made cabinetry for a standard-size appliance. Another option is to retrofit or DIY a panel. Except for the range and espresso machine, most appliances can be hidden from sight. In more additional detail, we will discuss how to plan and design cabinetry later.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE DISHCLOTHS

You need to plan where many smaller items will be stored so that everything has a place and everything is in its place. Functional items like dishcloths and pot-holders can be stored in cabinetry featuring touch larches and recessed pulls. If you are heading for a sleek vibe, you can have fancy cabinetry; otherwise, don’t forget to place hooks and rods near the stove and sink for hanging dish towels.

SOFTEN HARD SURFACES WITH TEXTILES

When buying big, expensive appliances that take up most of your budget, it’s wise to go for neutral colors. You can put little touches like colorful fabrics to liven things up in some places. Don’t go overboard with pieces of flashy cloth all over the kitchen. Less is more. And keep in mind that fabrics can pick up cooking smells, so use washable cotton.

THE BACKSPLASH

Backsplash refers to the kitchen wall material. It is primarily used behind the stove to protect the wall from splashes and to get dirty. It uses materials that are very easy to clean. A backsplash covers a good portion of the kitchen wall and can make an excellent focal point. Traditionally backsplashes were made of tile, but as interior design has evolved to include open shelves and even no upper shelves, backsplashes and tile designs have also changed.

A glazed terracotta tile checkered backsplash energizes the space, while a hand-painted tropical wallpaper will give the kitchen a “summer” feel. The wallpaper must be covered in a thin glass pane to make cleaning easier. A not-so-typical backsplash idea is placing the stovetop in front of a big window so that window becomes the backsplash. The black glossy chevron tile all over the kitchen wall will make for a punchy look.

You don’t require to put all your concentration into finding stunning pieces of stone for the countertop. Backsplashes can be ideal places to show craftsmanship and artisanry. Heck, you can even have a vast painted mirror behind your stove.

INTEGRATING DISPLAY IDEAS

Something striking on display in the kitchen can also be a great focal point. Showcasing a collection of Limoges porcelain or china dishware in glass cabinets with LED lighting on several walls can give the viewer something to focus on. If you have a high-ceilinged kitchen, having a second tier of cabinets with glass fronts is excellent for displaying items. These items can be only decorative things or put infrequently used kitchenware.

PLANNING AND DESIGNING CABINETRY

Cabinetry can be one of the most, if not the essential, elements of your kitchen’s style. Cabinets bring everything together and play a significant role in the room’s aesthetic. Today, above anything else, there’s a rising movement towards minimalism and simplicity.

One thing that will make the whole design to the next level is matching elements from other rooms in the house, like repeating a molding detail from the living room in the crown molding or panel design. Having all stainless steel appliances in a more traditional home will make a statement, but design wooden cabinet fronts that match the adjacent room’s decorations, giving the whole house a more balanced feel.

Oakwood cabinetry is making a comeback into the kitchen and bathroom marketplace. In the 1970s, this was the cabinet of choice. Now homeowners seek a connection to their past, and a renewed attention to vintage elements is rising. Oakwood has a very pleasing and neutral color and texture; It can be united with any other color for the countertop; Manufacturers are crafting various door styles, like recessed panels and flat slabs.

You can’t go wrong with white and minimalistic; This trend will not go away soon; White symbolizes cleanliness and efficiency. Even if your kitchen is the most used room in the house with all kinds of crazy appliances, it’s still possible to have a clean and minimalist look. You just need to get creative.

CHOOSING QUALITY CABINET MATERIAL

When buying cabinets, it’s essential to look at the thickness and case materials. See the build quality and strength of the joints. The best quality cabinets will have ¾-inch thick wood and dovetail joints. Don’t just look on the outside and judge the quality of the cabinet. It’s usually inside that cheaper wood like poplar is used, and the outside is a more expensive veneered variety. Manufacturers will make the drawers fronts with solid wood frames and edges, but you need to look if the panels inside have good plywood and structural integrity.

SHOULD THE CABINET DOOR BE GLASS

The reason for having opaque cabinet doors is simple. They’ll hide the mess you make inside them. And it’s okay; you don’t have to be a clean freak inside the cabinets. Glass doors will be functional when you display pretty dishware and make it easy for guests to know where stuff is without opening every cabinet. You can have a glass and opaque mix to show off and hide things.

YOU KEEP STUFF INSIDE THEM, NOT OUTSIDE

The interior of a cabinet is just as important as the exterior, not just because it needs to look nice, but it needs to fulfill its function, which is to store things. Think about what possessions you have or plan to keep in them. How much and what kind of cookware do you have? Sort it into genres with much space for each. You’ll have silverware, china, linens, and whatnot. Make a list of all the big and oversized stuff and decide on a place and shelf for that—account for all utensils you have, like pot lids, baking trays, and roasting pans.

There are innumerable ingenious ways to design the shelves of your cabinets. You can google DIY ideas to create cabinets and have thousands of results. Classic rollouts can be retrofitted, making the empty cabinets way more convenient. Rollouts can be fitted at ankle level to store cutting boards and baking pans. You can make a custom spice rack and include it in the drawers to keep all your spices. All this is good, but don’t forget to allow space for miscellaneous items to keep all of your weird bits and bobs.

WHY DO I SEE THE WALL

An uninterrupted and seamless design will be the most appealing, and to achieve this, you can’t leave space between cabinets and walls. If you are on a budget, the installer can fit these gaps with a filler strip that matches the material of the cabinets around it, but this doesn’t give off a premium vibe. To get the most refined finish, give the cabinets an extended stile or a vertical flange that will be functional and good-looking.

OLD IS GOLD

What if you just wanted to revamp the old existing cabinetry? Well, you can do that by refinishing, repainting, or lacquering. This method is beneficial if money is a concern, and you can still achieve an entirely different look without replacing the frame structure. Changing doors will also make a huge difference.

THE WORK TRIANGLE

We went over this briefly earlier. Kitchens arrive in various forms and sizes, but there is a system that most follow that makes working and cooking easier. As we saw earlier, the standard layouts are:

• The single-wall kitchen.
• The U-shaped kitchen.
• The L-shaped kitchen.
• The island or peninsula design.
• The G-shaped kitchen.
• The Block island

Sometimes there’s additional space, such as a butler’s pantry or a larder. It doesn’t matter how the countertop is shaped or big; the work triangle can be incorporated easily.

The premise of the work triangle is that the cook should be able to move freely and quickly between the sink, the refrigerator, and the stovetop or oven in less than four or five steps. The triangle is an excellent guideline, but a professional chef might want a custom design that does not adhere to this setting, and that’s their preference.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

Universal design means that the kitchen should be designed to be functional and accessible to most people regardless of age, size, or ability. These are all the points that you need to keep in mind while designing a thoughtful universal kitchen:

• Have a contrast between flooring and cabinets and choose simple countertops so that it is easy on the eyes and the body for the visually impaired.
• Have ample lighting. Natural lighting is the best, but if that is not sufficient, then having overhead dimmable lighting is a must.
• Use pullout and pull-down storage. These drawers will make it easy to see what’s inside them for people with all abilities.
• Convert some cabinets to open shelving. Not all things should be kept in closed opaque cabinets; the most-used items should be kept on open glass shelves so that a new person can easily spot them.
• Opt for a single-lever faucet. It’s a better option for people with arthritis as it can be managed with an open or closed fist. Touch and voice-activated faucets are even better.
• Install cabinet hardware. I don’t think the clean look will get disturbed if you add some handles on the cabinets. Choose a large pull when buying knobs.
• Eliminate flooring hazards. Kitchens are high-traffic areas, and you cannot afford anyone tripping on an uneven floor. Avoid rugs and other trip hazards. A slip-resistant porcelain tile can be an excellent option for the floor.
• Have different heights for the countertop. This method will allow people of different sizes and abilities to have a place to work.
• Upgrade to induction. Induction-type cooktops are considerably user-friendly for most people. This method is also a good idea if you have kids, as the cooktop heats up only when it comes in contact with a pot.
• Opt for a side-by-side refrigerator instead of two compartments, one on top of the other. This method makes it more accessible to people of all different abilities.
• Have enough clearance for mobility devices. The NKBA recommends 42-48 inches width for the work aisle. Peninsulas and islands might make the kitchen more congested.
• Include recess areas for seated users with wheelchairs. Lowering other appliances such as the microwave can also be a big help.
• Raise the dishwasher at least 6-9 inches off the ground for better ergonomics and visibility. This method will reduce bending and straining.
• Easily reachable light switches should be mounted on the front of cabinets for overhead or under-cabinet lighting.
• A grease-free fire extinguisher should be mounted in an easy-to-reach place.

SOME DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

There are some things that you should consider while designing an award-winning kitchen. Don’t look at the kitchen as a separate entity, but one with the whole house. This method is especially true for open plans. You should extend and integrate the interior design of the entire home in the kitchen. The elements used in other rooms should reflect in the kitchen and vice versa. Every plane is related, and nothing is on its own. The walls should speak with the flooring, and the flooring should blend in with the backsplash. A well-designed kitchen will be a calm and comforting place to cook and enjoy other activities with your family, not an overwhelming collage of materials and colors.

KITCHEN ELEVATION

You must remember what your kitchen will look like in an elevation. An “elevation” is a drawing showing the kitchen’s front or side. Be attentive to how each wall looks and align the upper and lower cabinets vertically, creating a column. You can alternate upper cabinets with open shelving and solid panels with glass doors.

ACCESSORIZE

Neutral is good but not that fun. Accessories bring a splash of color and liven things up. Put up artwork if there is space. A single fancy colorful fruit bowl on a vast white marble countertop will look gorgeous. Keep changing these tiny little things like sculptural bowls, trays, and containers. There is no shortage of ideas on how to accessorize your kitchen on the internet. Please don’t overdo it. Less is always more with accessories.

DIMENSIONS OF A REGULAR KITCHEN

Let us look at some dimensions of a traditional kitchen.

• Standard counter height: 36 inches
• Counter height for baking: 30 inches
• Standard counter depth: 24 to 25 inches
• Standard backsplash height: 4 to 6 inches
• Measurement of a high counter: 42 to 48 inches
• Depth of a tall counter overhang (to accommodate stools): 12 inches
• Distance between the three vertexes on the work triangle: no more than 4-5 steps

Regarding counter depth, if you have many appliances, you can go for 30 inches. A full-height backsplash from the countertop to the cabinet’s underside is recommended. The stool height should be such that there is a space of 12 inches between the seat and the bottom of the counter.

THE BIG QUESTIONS

These are the questions that will determine how you go about planning the interior design of the kitchen. You need all of the answers before you proceed.

• Who will be using the space?
• Who other than the family members will be using the area?
• Will two people be cooking at the same time?
• Do religious practices impact the placement of appliances, storage, or design?
• Does the kitchen need to be modified for special needs, such as a wheelchair?
• Which meals will be had here?
• What other activities will happen here?
• Will the homeowner have pets in the kitchen?
• What degree of maintenance is the homeowner prepared to handle?
• Does the homeowner want curtains or shades?
• Will caterers use this space?
• Does the owner host a lot of events or parties?
• Does the kitchen require a separate pantry?
• What kind of food is usually prepared, and will it require extra ventilation?
• Do they need specialized storage for any appliances or food items?
• How often do they recycle or compost?
• Do they need food disposal in the sink?

Asking the proper questions will produce all the difference. Take into account all of the answers before you get started.