T he beating heart OF EVERY HOME

Designing a kitchen starts with inspiration. But a modern layout must provide the basics such as adequate storage, sufficient bench space and fit all the necessary appliances, while making food preparation enjoyable and uncomplicated. A successfully executed kitchen will balance what looks good with what works well.

Beauty is subjective

How your kitchen presents visually is important. Kitchen walls heavy with cabinetry can appear uninteresting, but they can be broken-up with display shelving, wine racks or windows.

Light and bright colour schemes

Dark colours can be imposing and make a small kitchen look and feel even smaller, but this can be balanced using abundant natural light. Today, people are going for lighter shades to visually open-up a kitchen space. Whatever you decide, it has to appeal to your tastes, but you also need to consider resale value. When it comes time to sell your home, the kitchen will be scrutinised by buyers.

What catches your eye

Choose a dramatic focal point for your dream kitchen. Something that makes a bold statement such as a daring splashback, oversized rangehood, patterned tiling or striking tapware. Once you’ve chosen your attentiongrabbing showpiece complement it with other smaller quality items.

Ease of movement

Ensure your kitchen floorplan includes plenty of room between the island counter, cabinetry and sinks. Pathways should allow the occupants to move freely from station to station and permit multiple persons at one time to use the kitchen without bumping into each other. An island bench is a must-have and a great way to separate the working area of a kitchen from its social function. Also, ensure the refrigerator is accessible for everyone, but its location doesn’t interfere with those people doing the cooking.

Determine the island’s function

Think carefully about how you will use the island countertop. If you want to cook and eat on your island bench, ensure there’s enough space so the cooktop is separated from the dining space. The island can also include other features such as a sink or dishwasher.

Clever cabinetry

To ensure cabinet and appliance doors function correctly, plan space for door clearance and swing direction. You don’t won’t doors opening into each other or banging together. And don’t choose handles and knobs that stick out too far and grab the clothes and limbs of occupants walking by.

Find the right microwave height

Often overlooked, the correct height and location for a microwave will depend on personal preference, including child safety. Above the countertop level is a good height. If young children are using the appliance, a below-countertop arrangement might be more practical.

You can never have enough bench space

Adequate bench space next to appliances is important because it provides locations to place hot items coming off cooktops or out of the oven and microwave. It’s also helpful when preparing meals.

Pots/pans and utensils

Don’t get caught short with your design and forget to adequately plan for cookware storage as well as easy access to cooking oils and other everyday condiments. Include deep drawers close to the oven and cooktop, but not next to the sink or refrigerator. You might also want to consider S-hooks to hang pots and pans that can also look incredibly chic.

Be smart when storing knives

Knife blocks are practical, but they can be reached by little hands. If you’re a keen chef and have a range of sharp blades, consider hanging them from a magnetic strip. Place it over that section of countertop you typically use for food preparation. Storage this way can also look aesthetically pleasing and keep dangerous items away from curious children.

Make recycling easy

Kitchens get messy very quickly, so ensure you have designated waste and recycling locations to make rubbish removal and sorting as efficient as possible.

Everyday items in easy reach

What are you going to store in your kitchen? When building your pantry and other cabinetry you need to determine what everyday products will go where because this will determine cupboard size and location and shelf heights. If you’re going to install small appliances in the pantry or selected cupboards, don’t forget to dedicate the required space.

Power up

Sometimes it can come down to the smallest details that ruin a good kitchen design. Ensure your kitchen has plenty of electrical outlets in locations where you plan to use a coffee machine, toaster, microwave and other appliances. And every kitchen should have a charging station for today’s electronic devices.