Does your kitchen reflect the way you live? For the space to work successfully, take time to consider the design elements that best suit your lifestyle.
Everyone is different. How you live in your kitchen will not be the same as the next person’s. And that is why creating a kitchen that works specifically for you is so important. From the family who needs a multi-zoned space to the couple who prefer to socialise rather than cook, there are considerations when it comes to designing the perfect space.
The busy family kitchen
Consider where the busy traffic routes could collide and try to spread out the task areas so that lots of people can be active at the same time.
Open plan layouts work best but create zones by assigning a cupboard for the breakfast routine or define a drinks’ station or homework zone and a quiet spot for the family pet to curl up in.
Give over space for larger appliances and where possible double up, be that with a second sink, a pan filler tap over the hob, double ovens or an extra dishwasher in the utility area.
Busy kitchens see a lot of activity so go for durable surfaces like engineered quartz or granite and wipe clean finishes.
The entertainer’s kitchen
If space allows plan for an ‘on-show’ part of the kitchen and a ‘behind the scenes’ area where the messy food prep can be done. This might take the form of the kitchen island as the entertaining hub while the food prep is done at the far end of the space.
Avoid installing a sink in a central island, guests don’t want to sit looking at washing up.
If you entertain a lot, try to factor in space for two dishwashers, a wine cooler and a double oven. Include plenty of storage to keep worktops clear.
Make the most of the room’s ceiling height by storing party-sized dishes on top of cabinetry.
Layer in ambient lighting to switch up the mood of the kitchen from functional to social.
Consider a spill out area for guests either through doors into the garden or into a sitting or dining area.
The pro-cook kitchen
Create a layout where food stuffs and cooking equipment are easy to access. This might be a walk-in pantry or open shelving.
Reserve part of your worksurface for pastry making by incorporating a cool marble worktop section.
Consider an elongated kitchen island to maximise your prep space or include a freestanding potboard or butcher’s block.
Deep drawers are useful for storing large saucepans and pieces of kitchen kit, though quality pans can also be hung from wall hooks as part-easy access and part-display.
The low-cook kitchen
Freestanding furniture can give a kitchen a more ‘unkitchen’ look.
Retain the room’s architectural details to add interest and try to avoid too many wall cabinets.
Layer in personal décor with lamps, rugs, paintings to take the emphasis away from the functional aspects of the kitchen. Display collectibles on open shelves.
Install integrated appliances and concealed storage such as a discreet cooker hood, where possible.
