Kitchen warmth
Many of us spend a large portion of our time in the kitchen – either by choice or necessity. The design and arrangement of this space can make the time spent prepping and cooking pleasurable rather than a painful chore.
UNSEEN TRIANGLE This design concept connects the three most important elements of the kitchen – refrigerator, stove and sink – through invisible lines in the shape of a triangle.
Optimising this triangular workspace leads to maximum efficiency, and minimum wastage and fatigue. The paths connecting these three points should be clear and clutter free, so that the kitchen is easy to navigate and your workflow remains smooth.
IDEAL LIGHTING Is there anything as depressing (and dangerous) as working in a poorly lit kitchen? If you have the advantage of natural light, embrace it. Do away with heavy grills and curtains, and open the windows to bring in as much sunlight as possible during the day.
At night, you need bright well placed illumination. Whether you’re chopping vegetables, reading a recipe or checking the food on the stove, it’s crucial for your workspace to be adequately lit. Ideally, lights should be fitted directly above every work surface and the stove, to avoid inconvenient shadows and blind spots.
PRACTICAL PLACE Thoughtful storage is a key step to creating a truly functional kitchen. If you have to stand on tiptoe to reach the coffee maker every morning or stumble on products past their expiry date only when you dig around in forgotten cabinets, your storage strategy needs an overhaul!
Limit the depth of your storage spaces to curb hoarding and place the frequently used items on shelves that are easy to access. Doors should open in such a way that they don’t collide with one another and countertops should be left clear for food preparation.
CHILL OUT SPACE The kitchen is usually the heart (and stomach) of a household. If you have a large space, why not create an opportunity for the family to hang out with whoever is cooking – be it mom, dad or grandma.
In case the space available is limited, a couple of bar stools are a good option. On the other hand, if you have the luxury of space, consider adding an island with stools or chairs – it’ll be the perfect place to chill out or enjoy a hot meal. But make sure the seating is well away from your work triangle.