Planning, remodeling and
designing a kitchen includes taking a few decisions
that will help you to get a better deal where you can
be comfortable while cooking in the future.
Here are the things that you must decide
beforehand:
You may choose from fitted kitchens that
occupy less space and have more storage space or a
freestanding kitchen that can be moved easily and taken to any
place with you.
Lifestyle of the family - A single person
that cooks rarely will prefer a minimalist's kitchen while a
kitchen for a large family that is used quite often throughout
the day needs a lot of storage space, groceries, cutlery and
crockery and all the kitchen tools, equipments and appliances
along with the sitting area for the family dinner gatherings.
Seating area - A small kitchen may
accommodate a small breakfast table while a big kitchen may
have the dinner table set to cater to the whole family. You
may also use a part of your dining/living room as the kitchen
to make more space for the seating arrangement.
Placing of refrigerator - Fridge should never
be placed near the cooking hob as the appliances may not work
properly. The ideal placement of refrigerator is between the
entrance of the kitchen and the cooking area where all the
members of the house can easily access it.
Kitchen Shapes - Efficient kitchen is one
that allows easy movement and enough space for sink; counter
for food preparation, cutting and chopping; and cooking area.
The most popular shapes are galley kitchens, two-way galley
kitchens, L-shaped kitchens and U-shaped kitchens.
Galley kitchens are the ones where all
working areas are next to each other, have less storage space
and require lot of movement.
Two-way galley kitchens provides for storage
space below the worktop, cupboards are placed on the opposite
wall for easy access to minimize walking movements, is more
compact and must have enough between the two galleys to avoid
bumping.
L-shaped kitchens provide more workspace and
storage area, walking distance is minimized and corners of the
kitchen can serve as the dining area.
U-shaped kitchens have the most workspace and
storage area, has less floor area and are not for
claustrophobics. In case, your kitchen seems too small, you
may use one of the legs as a breakfast bar or provide for an
island counter instead.
Decide on the kitchen layout, starting with
the placement of sink, preparation area and hob, the placement
of fridge and the service points for water, electricity and
gas.
Ventilation points and daylight should be
kept in mind too.
