PLANNING A KITCHEN:

PLANNING A KITCHEN:
jrprojectsadmin
JENNY’S TIPS ON : PLANNING A KITCHEN:
  • The three most important points are:
    • Measure
    • Measure
    • Measure
  • Know and understand how you will be using the space, e.g., where you will be prepping, cooking, entertaining and cleaning up… and remember the garbage disposal!
  • The ‘Golden Triangle’ – the three most importantly used facilities in your kitchen are the stove, the food source (refrigerator) and the water source (sink or prep bowl). These 3 points should be within a few steps of each other, preferably in a triangular shape, which makes for efficient movement around the kitchen
  • When planning the layout of your kitchen, ensure that you allow space for the doors of appliances to open, etc., for example, the dishwasher, that, when open, it doesn’t block the flow through the kitchen, etc..
  • Lighting – when working in a kitchen, you are working with sharp and hot objects… it is essential that you can see each of the areas where you are working. Overhead lights should be positioned so that you do not cast a shadow over your workspace. If possible, over-counter lights (that is, under the upper cupboards) should be installed to light the counter space. A light in the extractor over the stove is useful to see the contents of your pots. Lights over the island are useful when working there, as well as adding ambience when entertaining.
  • Power points – ensure that there are sufficient power points for all smaller appliances as well as the large ones… the last thing you want are unsightly extensions running along the countertops. If you can afford it, install ‘pop-up’ power points that are hidden in the countertops…. you simply pop them up when needed. All power sockets now come in a selection of plug options, including USB points, to cater for all appliances and gadgets, so think about your needs before choosing.
  • Storage – try to replace cupboard shelves in lower units with drawer units, if possible…. the contents are far easier to access. Gone are the days of getting down on your hands and knees to search in the dark corners of a low cupboard to find a blender, or other appliance. Modern drawer track designs have come a long way, and are capable of holding a large load, including heavy pots, and complete dinner sets. Also, if you often use your smaller appliances, like a mixer, try and store these out of sight, but within easy reach, such as on the counter in a storage unit with a roll-up door (you can even have a power point hidden in the wall there).
  • Colour scheme – beware of trend colours and finishes – this is an expensive outlay … and even if you have a ‘colourful’ personality, take care when selecting a colour or finish for your kitchen units. There is such a thing as ‘too much of a good thing’. It is wiser to opt for something tasteful, muted and calming. Even a shiny, bright white kitchen can overwhelm after a while. If you want a splash of colour, perhaps consider a colour on the island only, or a tasteful colour on the bottom units, with a satin white (or even off-white) on the uppers… and you can always bring a splash of colour into a kitchen with a beautiful artwork or an attractive Roman blind, something that won’t cost the earth to change if you get tired of it. I have seen a TV renovation programme where an entire kitchen was redone in an emerald green, and I wanted to scream at the screen…. Yikes! Talk to those people after a year and see how they feel….
  • Open shelving – there is currently a big trend towards this, but I am personally not much of a fan. Firstly, you have to be a neat-freak to keep the items on those shelves clean and tidy all the time. Secondly, in an a space where there is going to be heat and steam, do you really want your kitchenware exposed to that, only for dust to stick right to it again? Sounds unhygienic to me..?! My advice? Opt for upper cupboards with glass fronts. You can still display your pretty things, but they’re shielded from the grime.
  • Backsplash – Again, let’s start on what’s on trend right now… those bold patterned tiles. Yes, they’re beautiful, but in a couple of years, they’ll look and feel dated and tired. They’re fantastic and right for a house in Tuscany or Mexico, maybe…. Subway tiles have been having their moment in the sun for quite a while now, and, personally, I’ve never been a major fan… I quite like the ones that look like they’re handmade and a little wonky.. but the plain white tile with the dark grout..? I feel it’s too much of a good thing, again….. And tiles are expensive (and messy) to replace. Personally, I truly like the real marble or granite backsplash, but I would do it with a matching (as opposed to contrasting) colour grout, so the pattern is more subtle. Looks so classy….
  • Countertops – go for the best you can afford. If you can only afford the basic Melamine-covered chipboard, then that’s fine, but remember that it’s chipboard and, if it gets wet, it swells. So you need to ensure that everywhere – and I mean everywhere – that there is a joint in the countertop, the sealant has to be applied to perfection, especially around the sinks and taps. The moment the seal is broken and water gets through, the counter is ruined, and mould sets in and, well, then, you may as well throw it out…. Try and go for a quartz top like Caesarstone if you can afford it, or, even better, granite. They last forever and are much more hygienic. They are also a big selling point, should you ever put your house on the market.
  • Upper unit heights – wherever possible, take your upper units all the way to the ceiling. Firstly, this simply looks classy, and, secondly, there is no space for dust to settle. If, for example, you have a vaulted ceiling or an old Victorian house with super-high ceilings, and it is simply impossible to do this, then take the units as high as practically possible, and finish them off with a beautiful trim around the upper edge. Again, classy.
  • Keep clutter off the countertops and stashed away in drawers/cupboards (see ‘Storage’ above).