Kitchens are one of the two most useful rooms in a house, the other being the bathroom. They house useful systems like a plumbing system, washing area, cooking area, storage compartments and similar essentials needed to cook, clean and house occupants. As such, their design should allow easy flow of traffic while making use of every available space.
Unplanned layout
A user-friendly layout is critical because accessibility reduces the risk of accidents and increases efficiency of chores. Think about it. If you can't get to the stove or the refrigerator easily, you'd bump into people busy with other work. There wouldn't be an undisturbed seating area or convenient access to doorways.
The layout of a kitchen should center around primary and secondary tasks. Primary tasks include the washing area, cutting/cooking area and sites for cooking appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, blenders etc. Secondary work like taking out the trash, and countertops for groceries should be the second part of the layout. Other important points such as whether it will have in-kitchen seating, a telephone, computer etc should also be noted.
Insufficient countertop space
Too few kitchens have ample countertop space so users end up cramped at their workstations. One would assume that a countertop running the length of workstations is a good way to make space. However, if it obstructs traffic flow then it's a moot point.
The best way to allocate countertop space is to decide how many cooking appliances will be used, and how large the prepping, cooking and washing areas will be. A central location for appliances is a great space saver.
Insufficient storage space
Lack of storage space is not only frustrating but expensive too. Not being able to store foodstuff safely means inviting pests to ransack it and render it unusable. There'll also be a lot less space to work with if food has to be placed on countertops.
Poor lighting
Soft, subtle lighting has no place in a kitchen. You're working with knives and appliances and if you can't see well, expect unnecessary accidents to happen. Ideally, there should be two types of lighting, general for overall illumination, and task lighting for workstations. Accent lighting may or may not be installed. If it is, it'll be used to highlight certain objects.
Sufficient natural light is a good way to save electricity but if the kitchen is located away from sunlight then artificial lights should be turned on any time of the day if necessary.
Poor wiring
Modern kitchens use a lot of electrical appliances and it's vital that wiring is sound. Shorts and outages should not occur because of poor wiring. Kitchens also generate a lot of heat and humidity which can tamper with sensitive appliances. Spending more on proper wiring is, therefore, essential if needless accidents are to be avoided.
Poor ventilation
Not only do you eliminate stale odors with ventilation but you keep out smoke, heat and humidity. Unlike other rooms, kitchens usually need man-made ventilation in addition to natural systems. Rangehoods keep airborne particulates at bay and facilitate the exit of odor, heat and moisture. They aren't expensive despite the many features provided.
Lack of large backsplashes
Backsplashes behind the sink and stove protect the walls from chipping, staining and breaking down. Tile is a good option. It's cheap, easy to clean and can match all styles of d©cor. Metal is another choice which is more expensive but great for modern kitchen styles.
Unplanned layout
A user-friendly layout is critical because accessibility reduces the risk of accidents and increases efficiency of chores. Think about it. If you can't get to the stove or the refrigerator easily, you'd bump into people busy with other work. There wouldn't be an undisturbed seating area or convenient access to doorways.
The layout of a kitchen should center around primary and secondary tasks. Primary tasks include the washing area, cutting/cooking area and sites for cooking appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, blenders etc. Secondary work like taking out the trash, and countertops for groceries should be the second part of the layout. Other important points such as whether it will have in-kitchen seating, a telephone, computer etc should also be noted.
Insufficient countertop space
Too few kitchens have ample countertop space so users end up cramped at their workstations. One would assume that a countertop running the length of workstations is a good way to make space. However, if it obstructs traffic flow then it's a moot point.
The best way to allocate countertop space is to decide how many cooking appliances will be used, and how large the prepping, cooking and washing areas will be. A central location for appliances is a great space saver.
Insufficient storage space
Lack of storage space is not only frustrating but expensive too. Not being able to store foodstuff safely means inviting pests to ransack it and render it unusable. There'll also be a lot less space to work with if food has to be placed on countertops.
Poor lighting
Soft, subtle lighting has no place in a kitchen. You're working with knives and appliances and if you can't see well, expect unnecessary accidents to happen. Ideally, there should be two types of lighting, general for overall illumination, and task lighting for workstations. Accent lighting may or may not be installed. If it is, it'll be used to highlight certain objects.
Sufficient natural light is a good way to save electricity but if the kitchen is located away from sunlight then artificial lights should be turned on any time of the day if necessary.
Poor wiring
Modern kitchens use a lot of electrical appliances and it's vital that wiring is sound. Shorts and outages should not occur because of poor wiring. Kitchens also generate a lot of heat and humidity which can tamper with sensitive appliances. Spending more on proper wiring is, therefore, essential if needless accidents are to be avoided.
Poor ventilation
Not only do you eliminate stale odors with ventilation but you keep out smoke, heat and humidity. Unlike other rooms, kitchens usually need man-made ventilation in addition to natural systems. Rangehoods keep airborne particulates at bay and facilitate the exit of odor, heat and moisture. They aren't expensive despite the many features provided.
Lack of large backsplashes
Backsplashes behind the sink and stove protect the walls from chipping, staining and breaking down. Tile is a good option. It's cheap, easy to clean and can match all styles of d©cor. Metal is another choice which is more expensive but great for modern kitchen styles.
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