How to Design a Functional Kitchen: Tips from Experts

Functional Kitchen

The construction ofThe most efficient arrangement that is suggested by expert designers is the principle of work triangle, which is effective positioning of the stove, sink, and refrigerator. an efficient and comfortable working kitchen depends on designing a functional kitchen. Planned kitchen will result in a kitchen that is easy to prepare meals and provide a welcoming atmosphere to the family and friends to get together. Regardless of whether it is the remodel of your existing kitchen or the construction of a completely different one, one has to consider the layout, storage, lighting and the general flow of the space.

In this case, we will dissect the most important aspects of planning out a functional kitchen, with the professional suggestions of some of the most popular interior designers, so that you can design the kitchen of your dream.Homewavey provides the number of articles for readers to get updated with the latest interior design styles for their homes

1. What Is the Ideal Kitchen Layout?

Your kitchen design is one of the most sensitive things in your kitchen that will determine its functionality. The number of popular kitchen layouts is also large, and each one of them has its merits. The kitchen is typically set up as follows:

L-Shape Layout: This design involves the use of two walls to form an L shape that offers a lot of counter space and versatility with the kitchen design.

U-Shape Layout: Suits best in a larger kitchen where the cook is enclosed in a counter area on three   sides and forms an effective cooking area.

Galley Layout: A galley layout will often be used in smaller-sized kitchens and it gives two parallel countertops making the best use of space.

Island Layout: The Island Layout combines more counter space and storage, which is ideal in the kitchen with an open floor plan.

The most efficient arrangement that is suggested by expert designers is the principle of work triangle, which is effective positioning of the stove, sink, and refrigerator.  You won’t have to spend a lot of time preparing food because you can easily move around the key cooking areas in this triangle. 

You can read more about the space arrangement ideas on interior design blogs.

2. How Do You Maximize Kitchen Storage?

The kitchen must be organized with ample storage space so that the space can be clean and convenient. In the absence of adequate storage, the countertops will be crowded resulting in a stressful experience when cooking.

Pro Tip: Sarah Richardson, a famous interior designer, points out the usefulness of custom cabinetry in creating as much storage capacity as possible. Sarah describes custom cabinets as an investment, which can make your kitchen look different. In-built shelves, drawers that can be pulled out, and special compartments will keep all in place and easily accessible. You can also read about Kitchenette Ideas To Transform Your Space into a Stylish Haven

The following are the ways to optimize kitchen storage:

Utilize Vertical Space: Tall shelves could be used to store other products that you do not use on a daily basis. This space may be used by adding shelving above counters or above the refrigerator.

Pull-Out Pantry: a pull-out pantry offers you the space to pack food in a space-efficient way. It can be placed even in the narrowest available space and loaded with items without occupying the space.

Deep Drawers: Replace the cabinets with deep drawers to store deep pots, pans and kitchen utensils. Deep drawers are easy to organize and to get.

Lazy Susans and Pull-Out Shelves: Lazy Susans and pull out shelves can be used to reach the items of the corners or deep cabinets.

You can also read about Warmth and Charm: The Ultimate Guide to Country Kitchen

3. What Are the Best Lighting Options for a Functional Kitchen?

Functional Kitchen

Lighting is also a consideration that renders a kitchen practical. You can make your meals exciting and at the same time prepare your meals with enough lighting.

Task Lighting: Direct lighting on top of the countertops, sink and stove will assist you to work effectively in the kitchen. Task lighting would be a good choice in pendant lights or under-cabinet lighting.

Ambient Lighting: There should be general, soft lighting that will provide a general light to the whole space. Recessed lighting or ceiling lights can evenly distribute the light all over the kitchen.

Accent Lighting: Accent lighting is used to bring attention to specific elements, such as a kitchen island, display shelf, or backsplash.

Pro Tip: Houzz is one of the most popular interior design websites, and it suggests that you can add many layers of light that will help make your kitchen not only useful but also pleasing to the eye.The environment is well-lit because it is well-balanced and has accent, task, and ambient lighting. 

Country kitchen designs also do add the use of small space just to make an ideal kitchenette design for their home.

4. How Can You Choose the Right Materials for Durability and Style?

The kind of materials you use to design your kitchen will influence the functionality and the appearance of your kitchen. Durability is the most critical factor since you need to be certain that your kitchen endures heavy usage and the presence of heat, moisture and stains.

Countertops: Granite, quartz and marble are the most common. Granite and quartz are tough and easy to clean up and marble is immortal in its allure. The heat and staining resistance is the criterion that needs to be considered during the choice of a material.

Cabinetry: Cabinetry is constructed either of solid wood or of high quality plywood which ensures long-lasting. Use finishes that do not get marked or scratched easily e.g. painted wood or laminate.

Flooring: It may be ceramic tiles, hard wood or high-end vinyl. Ceramic tiles are extremely hard, and do not absorb water, but the hardwood adds the warmth and flavor. Vinyl is inexpensive and maintenance free.

Backsplashes: The smooth surfaces of ceramic and stainless steel tiles make them easy to clean and add style. Glass is also easy to clean and to add style.

Pro Tip: Elle Decor advises you to take into consideration the fact that you should select the materials that will match the rest of the interior of your house. The desire to have it in the kitchen can be reached by blending textures and finishes such as mixing wood furniture with stone, that might bring the depth and variety to your kitchen.

5. How Do You Create a Comfortable and Social Space?

 A kitchen is not only a place to cook, but also a place to socialize. The vast majority of modern kitchens are open-plan, and this effect results in the integration of the kitchen with the living or dining area, which enables an individual to   communicate with the guest during the food preparation process.

Pro Tip: Emily Henderson is an interior designer and she advises to design a comfortable layout that can enable people move around. Think of an island or breakfast bar that you can sit with the family when cooking. It establishes a casual, community atmosphere in which individuals can meet.

In order to make your kitchen a social space:

Add Seating: Be it a breakfast nook or bar stools at the kitchen island, a seat will provide an opportunity to talk and transform your kitchen into a social place.

Open Shelving: Open shelves may be used to showcase the beautiful cookware or plants to ensure your guests peep in your kitchen.

You can also read about Kitchenette Ideas To Transform Your Space into a Stylish Haven

6. How Do You Incorporate Technology Into Your Kitchen?

Functional Kitchen

The modern day kitchen is more and more getting technologically integrated and hence making it much efficient and user friendly.

Smart Appliances: Smart Ref, Ovens, and dishwashers allow you to control your appliances remotely, monitor inventory or receive alerts.

Touchless Faucets: These have been developed to help save time in hand washing without necessarily handling the handle of the faucet, especially when dirty hands.

Voice-Controlled gadgets: Voice-assist devices like the Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant are built-in, meaning you would talk to turn on and off lights and music and use kitchen timers.

Pro Tip: Architectural Digest suggests that technology can be easily incorporated in order to simplify everyday activities. Consider appliances that suit your life. An example is a smart oven can be programmed to preheat as you cook other foodstuffs, which saves you time.

Conclusion: Achieving a Functional Kitchen

More than a place to cook is a functional kitchen: an organized area, where one can work and socialize well. With the appropriate layout, organization of ample storage space, investment in materials that can last long and the incorporation of new technology, you will be able to come up with a kitchen that meets your requirements and shown your taste.

Your kitchen can be the center of your home with professional help of famous designers and considerate attitude to any detail. Be patient and plan, and you will end up with a functional and beautiful space to enjoy many years to come.

References:

Sarah Richardson Design – https://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com
Architectural Digest – https://www.architecturaldigest.com
Houzz – https://www.houzz.com

Leave a Comment

Scroll to Top