When it comes to designing, or remodeling your kitchen, bigger is not always better. In a society that prides itself on larger than life portion sizes, that may be hard to believe. But when it comes to your hub, an efficient plan trumps it’s larger counter part. So what do you need to know in order to make smart decisions and feel confident about you choices? Here are my tips for designing the best kitchen.
1) It’s all about geometry
Always work within the bermuda triangle, otherwise you’ll get lost! Wait,… what? Ok, not really, but you will get tired and worn out. The triangle was concieved to help cooks perform more efficiently. When everything is tight and easily accesible you expend less energy. Real science y’all! SO design your kitchen accordingly!
2) Open shelving
Did she just say what I think she said? Yes, I know, your teeth just clinched, your butt tightened and your head is already bobbing into the “NOOOOO” position. What most homeowners don’t realize is that 20% of their kitchen items are used 80% of the time. So what does that mean? That means you are utilizing the same things, over and over and over again…and most often, more than twice a week. How much easier would your life be if all you had to do is grab them off the shelf, and then place them back on the shelf after they were cleaned? Ummm, ooo, ooo I know! EASY!!
3) Flooring
What type of cook are you? A microwave connoisseur? An every day, Rachel savant? Or an expert Ramsey gastronome? When designing your kitchen, the materials you choose under your feet should not go unnoticed. Sure, most homeowners choose their floors merely on whether or not it coordinates with the rest of thier Kitchen finishes. However, if you tend to spend hours on end in your kitchen, choose materials that are going to be forgiving on your knees!
4) Cooking the Books
In my experience, even the microwave connoisseur (who swears they can’t cook), owns The joy of cooking. And for the more adventurous wannabes, Mastering the art of French cooking. Don’t we all dream of being Julia Childs? Although I haven’t been able to pull it off, I have a copy of Beef Bourguignon in my cupboard that is going to win awards!…….As soon as I actually attempt to cook it. So whether you have four books or hundreds, always plan for storage of your books. Every houshold has them, and you don’t want it to be an after thought.
5) Kitchen Island
Even if your kitchen is small on size, always plan for an island, or penisula where possible. Kitchens tend to house a lot of people at one time, especially during gatherings or holidays. Even though this isn’t a Justin Beiber concert, the more you can distribute the tribe, the better. They are also great to set up buffets or prepare meals, desserts and or crafts on. Islands and penisulas are kitchen utility workhorses, that get you away from the perimeter of the room (where you are staring at a wall; BO-ring!) and into the actual space, where you can enjoy conversation and the activities.
6) Let there be light!
Six years ago the family and I journeyed to Memphis Tennessee, to visit with the king. OK, we weren’t actually visiting WITH him per say, it was more like visiting his home, Graceland. But let me tell you, there were folks in our tour that were not only with him, but having conversations with him!…..OK,moving on. The one thing that has stood out until this day, the lack of lighting. How on earth did y’all cook and prepare meals in these archaic dungeons? Better yet, how on earth did you manage to make it to the 80’s with all ten fingers?
When it comes to designing your new kitchen, lighting is THE most important ingredient. Things to consider: Natural light, recessed light, under counter light/under shelf light, over cabinet light and toe kick lighting. Now whether you decide to do all of them or not, at least choose three of those options. Recessed lighting gives you the overall general lighting necessary to SEE. Under cabinet and under shelf lighting prevents shadowing from the recessed cans, and provides you with important (no fingers were harmed during this remodel) task lighting. Over cabinet and toe-kick lighting are spectacular for entertaining and create a dreamy mood in your kitchen. Not to mention, they are wonderful nightlights to come home to.
What are some challenges you have faced, or are currently up against with your kitchen design?
Heres a few more posts I recommend that may help you with your kitchen:
How to create dining space in your kitchen
6 known facts to help you out in the kitchen
5 things to update your dining table
How to build a lighting plan
Best ways to get organized
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images: Better homes and gardens, the kitchen, Design Sponge, DS, peta flop, sacramento street
It is a challenge to figure this all out but one can pull together a lovely kitchen on a minimal budget using all of your great ideas.
So totally agree, Amanda! My favorite kitchen ever was a small kitchen. I could reach everything, and I just loved it! Makes me want to have a yard sale and get rid of half of my things!
Have a great week.
Teresa
xoxo
My honey wants to tile our kitchen floor and as I’m the one doing all the work in the kitchen, I’d really like to find something more forgiving, as you said. Any suggestions? I don’t have a huge budget, but maybe you could talk about some of the options. Thanks — I love all the ideas and considerations you discuss in your blog. Very helpful!
Hi!
I enjoy reading your blog with its colorful visuals and down-to-earth design talk. For Anne SATX whose husband wants to install a “forgiving” tile floor, she might want to consider our Alterna luxury vinyl tile collections. Alterna looks like ceramic tile, but is softer underfoot and easier to clean. We just launched a new Alterna collection that looks like real stone!
Kim with Armstrong Flooring