Good kitchen design is not simply having the right things in the right places to make a meal . Good kitchen design has a way of integrating function and form into a final product that feels right for working in or just relaxing in with family and friends . While a kitchen must be tailored to each family ’ s own needs , there are some universal principles which should be followed when setting out to design a kitchen that will work for multiple purposes for years to come .
PROPER LIGHTING Most rooms in a house are going to utilize overhead lighting . Unfortunately , kitchens typically require a little bit more than that . The light should fall in front of you rather than behind you . Anyone who has ever tried to work in a space where their body is casting a shadow over their workspace understands this . Consider those areas where you may need additional lighting shining directly onto the countertops and other work areas . Consider options such as pot lights , pendants or under the cabinet lighting .
STORAGE SPACE Pots , pans , utensils , spices — you will likely be storing more things and tools in your kitchen than anywhere else in your home . Consider your work zones . Where and when do you most commonly work ? This will help prevent issues like your spice rack ending up on the opposite side of the kitchen from where you usually bake and cook .
APPLIANCES When you are designing a new kitchen , it is the ideal time to buy new appliances . That said , if it is not in your current budget or things are in good working order and you do not wish to replace them , try to keep in mind the size of newer appliances . This is so that in the future when you do purchase new appliances , they will fit without a struggle .
For instance , newer fridges are often taller and larger , and nothing is worse then buying a new fridge after having a new kitchen recently put in , only to have it not fit the space . Building in a frame around the existing fridge completes the design and can be easily modified to accommodate larger appliances down the road .
CONSIDER SAFETY Good visibility , nonslip surfaces , proper ventilation , rounded countertops , and more — everything should be considered when it comes to safety . It is essential to keep in mind that the kitchen is a unique space in the house , and safety is always paramount . For example , if you have small children , consider the dangers of having a cooktop in the island where they will sit for breakfast . Are you someone who has mobility issues ? Make sure there is enough room for a wheelchair or walker to pass through your kitchen in the future .
TRASH , RECYCLING AND COMPOST Refuse comes in all shapes and sizes . Do you want your trash and recycling bins to be out in the open , or would you rather them hidden inside a lower cabinet ? Don ’ t forget about compost as well .
Something else to consider is size . Do you have a large family who will fill a small bin in a day ? Then perhaps opting for one large bin is a better choice for you rather than having a garbage bin and a recycling bin which need to be
emptied frequently .
FLOORING There is a reason slip-resistant tile and other hard flooring are typically used in kitchens . Hardwood may look beautiful , but imagine what happens to it when you begin spilling things and wear starts to set in . After all , this is likely the floor to see the most hard use and require the most maintenance in the entire house . There are many great new products — such as luxury vinyl tile — that are ideal for the wear and tear of a kitchen , come in various styles , can look like hardwood or tile , but are much easier to live with and maintain .
EASE OF MOVEMENT People are like water ; they will take the path of least resistance . Consider how traffic might flow into and out of the kitchen from various rooms and how people may move through the space . For example , does placing a peninsula in the kitchen cut off an entrance point ? Perhaps in that instance , an island is a better option .
CONSIDER YOUR FUTURE NEEDS When setting out to design your kitchen , consider not only the situation you are currently in but also the one that you may be in later . Do you plan to have friends and family visiting on a regular basis ? Is your family going to grow ? Will you be preparing larger meals ? Considering these questions in advance will save you from costly adjustments in a few years when your situation may change .
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