Modern kitchens have changed.
They were once always at the back of the house but they are certainly not in the background now. The kitchen is the hub of the home and the focus of family activity or lifestyle entertaining. They are now stylish, open, well lit ‘living’ rooms -when space permits, but even smaller ones are now one of the focal points of the home.
Today’s kitchens need to function well in a variety of ways, they need to be not only well equipped, well ‘dressed’ and well lit but also properly laid out for all their primary functions.
Obviously the kitchen style and look is vital but getting the right layout is now more important than ever.
A good kitchen layout is complex but subjective, as what works for one person’s lifestyle can be a disaster for another’s.
Here are 5 basic principles to a achieve a good layout:
-Accurately measure the area for the kitchen in detail, showing precise positions of; doors, windows, electric points, plumbing, drains and other services.
-Demarcate the kitchen into 4 areas: 1] Storage. 2] Food Preparation. 3] Cooking . 4] Cleaning.
-Plan the functional layout, keeping the 3 main working areas of Prep- Cook – Clean (known as the ‘Activity Triangle’) in mind at all times.
-List all the appliances you have or intend to use in the kitchen. Make sure you provide the real space required according to their dimensions and services required.
-Keep these in mind and then design your kitchen in a style that suits your taste.
The following are the 4 basic types of layout generally used:
‘Galley’ or ‘Corridor’
This layout is for narrow, restricted areas where there are two facing rows or work tops. One row primarily for storage and preparation and the other for cooking and cleaning. Make sure the minimum circulation space between the two rows is 1200mm.
‘L-shaped’
This layout, with rows at right angles to each other in a L shape, is ideal for corner kitchen areas. It maximizes wall space versus circulation space.
‘U-shaped’
This layout is the best choice for small kitchens, providing convenient access to all areas and maximizing the use of space. It can also be used for open plan kitchens as part of a larger living space.
Island’
This layout is ideal for larger areas where the cooking element can be installed in its own separate unit in the centre of the main kitchen area, with l shaped rows along the walls for preparation, cleaning and main storage. This layout is also ideal for open plan kitchens when combined with living/family/entertaining space.
These are the most common ways to layout a kitchen and if you follow these principles you can design one that really works for you - and your family and guests.
Designing a new kitchen that’s right for you is great fun and if planned properly will provide a fresh, stylish space that should remain functional and popular for years.
Now all you have to do is enjoy selecting the colours and finishes and choosing the appliances and kitchen accessories to create your own kitchen style and really bring it to life!
J. Davies is an interior designer working in the UK on restaurant and kitchen design projects.
To find out more about great ideas for your kitchen go to;
www.kitchendesires.com
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Home Improvement Articles Via RSS!
