Designer Tips for a Functional and Stylish Kitchen
The kitchen truly is the heart of the home and the hub of family life. No longer just the place to prepare our meals, modern kitchens now double as dining rooms, entertaining spaces, and even home offices. As an interior designer, I am obsessed with how spaces look; however, the kitchen is one space where durability and function are paramount. Ideally, a well-designed kitchen will suit the needs of your family now and into the future. Get it right the first time and read on for my top tips for your new kitchen.
Storage
Storage is key in any space, but none so much as your kitchen. Be sure to spend time listing EVERY. SINGLE. ITEM. that you keep in your kitchen to find an adequate storage solution for each. Don’t forget to allow additional storage for items you might not own yet!
Pro Tips:
Vertical Storage Solutions: Utilise vertical storage to maximise space. Install tall cabinets that reach up to the ceiling to store rarely used items at the top.
Pull-Out Shelves: Incorporate pull-out shelves and drawers in lower cabinets to make access to items easier and more efficient. This avoids the need to dig through dark corners to find what you need.
Corner Cabinets: Utilise corner cabinets with rotating shelves or pull-out mechanisms to avoid wasted space. Lazy Susans and pull-out trays can transform these awkward spaces into useful storage.
Drawer Dividers: Invest in customisable drawer dividers to keep utensils, cutlery, and small kitchen gadgets organised. Adjustable dividers can adapt as your storage needs change.
Pantry Organisation: Design your pantry with adjustable shelves, clear containers, and labelled bins to keep everything in its place. Consider incorporating pull-out baskets for easy access to snacks and dry goods.
Appliance Cupboard: Don’t have space for a butler’s pantry? Create an appliance cupboard instead. Design this with standard, bi-fold doors or pocket doors so that appliances like toasters, coffee machines, and mixers can be hidden away when they’re not in use, keeping your countertops clear.
Hidden Storage: Use toe-kick drawers at the base of your cabinets for storing flat items like baking sheets and cutting boards. This often-overlooked space can provide additional storage without compromising design.
Clever Integrations
Imagine spending lots of money on a gorgeous new kitchen to then have the garbage bin in view, ruining the vibe? As an absolute minimum, an integrated bin under or next to your sink is a must-have. If the budget allows, consider integrating your fridge and dishwasher for a sleek and seamless look, and don’t forget about all the clever ways to hide your power points, such as in an appliance cupboard, within kitchen cabinetry, and even hidden within your benchtop. #fancy
Pro Tips:
Pop-Up Power Points: Use pop-up power points on the benchtop that can be hidden when not in use for a cleaner appearance. These outlets can be integrated into the countertop or backsplash.
Integrated Lighting: Incorporate under-cabinet and in-cabinet lighting to highlight your kitchen’s design and improve functionality. LED strip lights are a popular choice for their efficiency and versatility.
Built-In Charging Stations: Create built-in charging stations within drawers or cabinets to keep electronic devices charged and out of the way.
Pantry Pull-Outs: Use pull-out shelves and racks in your pantry to maximise storage space and keep items organised and easily accessible.
Seamless Surfaces: Opt for integrated sinks and benchtops to create a seamless, easy-to-clean surface. This design choice also adds a modern, sleek look to your kitchen.
Concealed Ventilation: Consider concealed ventilation solutions, such as downdraft vents or hidden range hoods, to maintain clean lines and an unobstructed view.
Integrated Bins: Install integrated bins for waste and recycling to keep them out of sight and easily accessible. Choose models with multiple compartments for sorting recyclables and compost.
Smart Storage Solutions: Use smart storage solutions like pull-out spice racks, vertical dividers for baking sheets, and custom drawer inserts to keep your kitchen organised and clutter-free.
Cabinetry Considerations
While there are certainly industry standards when it comes to things like the height of benchtops or spacing between the kitchen bench and island, it is definitely not a case of one size fits all, and these sizes should be tailored to suit your needs. For example, a standard benchtop height of 900mm may not suit those that are taller. 920mm or even 940mm high might be more comfortable for you if this is the case. And if you’d like traffic to still be able to flow around you as you empty the dishwasher, consider spacing your island bench a minimum of 1100mm away from other cabinetry.
Another cabinetry upgrade well worth considering is soft-close cabinetry hardware. Soft-close cabinetry refers to cabinetry drawers and doors that have been fitted with hardware that closes smoothly without slamming. If you are a parent to a teenager, soft-close cabinetry will be a game-changer for you!
Pro Tips:
Quality Hardware: Invest in high-quality soft-close hardware to ensure durability and long-lasting functionality. Look for brands known for reliability and smooth operation. My favourites are Blum, Hafele and Hettich
Customisation: Customise the soft-close mechanism to match the weight and size of the cabinets for optimal performance. Heavy drawers may require stronger mechanisms to function correctly.
Traffic Flow: Ensure there’s enough space for multiple people to move around the kitchen without congestion. For busy households, a wider space between counters can facilitate smoother traffic flow.
Appliance Placement: Consider the height and placement of built-in appliances. Wall ovens installed above bench height reduce the need to bend, while microwave drawers can be more accessible than over-the-range models.
Zoning: Create zones for different tasks (e.g., prep, cooking, cleaning) to streamline workflow and reduce clutter. For instance, place the prep zone near the refrigerator and the cooking zone near the stove.
Walkways: Provide clear walkways of at least 900mm wide in work areas, expanding to 1,100 - 1,200mm if you frequently have more than one cook in the kitchen.
Island Design: When incorporating an island, ensure there’s ample clearance (at least 42 inches) around it to allow for easy movement and appliance operation.
Seating Considerations: If your island or peninsula includes seating, allow at least 610mm of width per seat and provide 300mm of overhang for comfortable legroom.
Designing the perfect kitchen is a blend of aesthetics, functionality, and future-proofing. While it’s essential for your kitchen to look stunning, it must also stand up to the daily demands of your household and adapt to your evolving needs. By prioritising ample storage, integrating clever solutions, and customising cabinetry to your specific requirements, you can create a space that is both beautiful and highly functional. Remember, a well-thought-out kitchen design can significantly enhance your home’s livability and value. Take the time to plan and design carefully, and you’ll create a space that not only enhances your daily life but also becomes a beloved gathering place for family and friends. With the right approach, your dream kitchen can become a reality, offering joy and convenience for years to come.