Kitchen
Small Kitchen Idea: Trade Countertop Space for Storage In any kitchen design, there has to be some consideration of when to prioritise storage space and when to prioritise counter space. In a truly compact kitchen, it can be a smart choice to give up extra counter space for more full-height cabinets. I could do this for a cupboard wall if I leave working counter space in my island.
Small Kitchen Idea: Consider Counter-Depth Upper-Uppers Rather than using typical 12- to 15-inch upper cabinets alone, consider using these at eye level with a row of counter-depth upper cabinets above, as shown here. This makes your higher cabinets flush with a pantry or fridge cabinet for a tidy look and provides a bit more storage space for less-used or larger items, such as wide mixing bowls or seasonal goods.
Small Kitchen Idea: Positioning your range on an island or peninsula, rather than against a wall, doesn’t necessarily free up space in itself. However, it does mean you can use a central hood fan, which leaves your cabinet wall without a large obstacle in the way of your storage cabinets. This setup leaves the centre of the room still relatively open so as not to block conversation and sight lines, and allows for uninterrupted upper cabinets on your main walls for plenty of storage.
Small Kitchen Idea: An island is a great place to include storage, but sometimes items can just get lost in the back of such a deep, low cabinet. Consider using cabinets that open from both sides instead, or back-to-back shallow cabinets, so each side can store pieces within easier reach, preventing any items from getting buried.
A White Kitchen Can Lack Warmth Kitchens are in the limelight more than ever — and often open to other living areas. While all-white is common, clinical coldness can creep in. What to do: Kitchenware has moved beyond functional to become something worthy of display. Appliances come in a rainbow of colors and styles, and cookware is designed to be seen. Could leave a stack of pretty dishes out on display or set a bowl filled with fruits or veggies on the counter, for example. Or pop colour with a backsplash and chairs, as shown here. And think of other ways.
Island Perhaps no design feature in recent memory has changed kitchen design more than the island. Indeed, it’s hard to deny the benefit of a kitchen island. It adds extra countertop surface and storage and creates a spot for conversation, homework and meals. It can be a location for a cooktop, a dishwasher or a prep sink, and it often provides that crucial touch point that completes an efficient work triangle.
Hardworking Sink Designers often recommend giving extra consideration to elements that you interact with the most. In a kitchen, that can be a lot of things, but the kitchen sink is one area that always sees a lot of action. So it makes sense to put a little more effort into designing the sink area and choosing components. These days, many sink manufacturers offer designs called workstations, which feature add-ons such as cutting boards, strainers and prep bowls. “I always recommend a sink with gadgets. “For example, the sink in this project is a single, large undermount sink, but it has a colander, cutting board and drying rack that sit inside on a small lip and provide so much function. It’s a game changer.”
“When budget allows, we always, always recommend drawers or pullout shelves on the lower cabinet level,” a designer says. “There is nothing worse than having to get on your hands and knees to see what is shoved to the back on your bottom shelves. Drawers make it so much easier to access and a more efficient use of space.”
Interesting possible use of 'island': a stove top and extractor are flat and clean, so don't obstruct sight lines to living area. If I put a slightly raised section closest to the living area, it will hide the black stove top (I really must solve the problem of hiding drying dishes - which is the way I live - from the rest of the room, while still trying to keep an unobstructed flow between the kitchen and living room. Get advice on this.)
Install Cabinet Lighting The importance of good lighting cannot be stressed enough, and in kitchens especially the lighting is often insufficient, coming just from ceiling fixtures in the centre of the room. Add lighting under, above and even inside the cabinets to make the room feel much brighter and bigger, as the dark shadows around the cabinets would otherwise visually shrink the space. For a quick fix, add plug-in LED strip fixtures or battery-powered tap lights under the cabinets for extra brightness.
Rethink the Double Sink Large double sinks have their uses, but if you’re willing to compromise and choose a single sink (or even a one-and-a-half sink with a slim second bowl), it can open up better storage options and more unbroken counter space. This applies especially to stock cabinet lines, which include a limited number of size options.
In a small kitchen, storage space is at a premium. So make 'high' upper cupboards the same depth as under-counter cupboards, while leaving 'low' upper cupboards at the standard, shorter, depth. The deep uppers are well above the countertop, so the view is not blocked when cooking, and the standard-depth 'low' upper cupboards can hold smaller items for quick access.
Another way to lighten an island visually is to simply match its faces to the flooring material so the two blend together. Letting wood or laminate wrap around the island is unexpected but warm and inviting without being heavy. If you have leftover flooring after a renovation (most often there would be enough for at least one face of the island), consider using it to wrap an island.
Consider putting mirrors on the island: it appears to float away rather than stand out. They help lighten the look of the whole room by making the bulky cabinets appear to vanish and the floor to run on forever (though these somehow also manage to look old-fashioned - can I combat this somehow?)
Consider a slab backsplash instead of tiles. An engineered material like Corian or Caesarstone looks beautiful facing forward, especially in a more modern setting.
Copper hood, pendant lights and handles look lovely. Would break the plain white look I think I prefer, but is an option to look at.
Look at these beautiful cupboards! No handles to break the expanse of white (other than the ovens, which I might place under the island). It shows that a wall of unbroken white is possible - and if required, could continue into the dining/lounge area. Would be even better if I could put a white cupboard door to cover the oven (since I'll use it so infrequently).
Applicance Finshes: Black Choose when you love the drama of black and white. Black and white is a classic colour scheme for a reason — this combination is vivid and dramatic, all without any trendy colours that might clash when viewed a few years down the road. Black appliances paired with white cabinetry achieve this look with just enough black to be bold but not overbearing. Warning: Your appliances should be spread out enough so that the look isn’t too heavy or lopsided. In a compact kitchen without much cabinetry, this look is extra risky, so beware.
Appliances Finish: Stainless Steel Consider when your home is ultramodern. Crisp metallic finishes are often associated with modern and even futuristic spaces, and for a glossy minimalist kitchen. If choose it, select all your other metals (faucet, handles, furniture) to be close to your appliance finish to keep the whole design as sleek as possible. Note: Polished metal finishes look brighter but will show fingerprints more. If you want that polished shine, just be prepared for a little more upkeep to maintain that spotless brilliance.
Functionality is key to the island’s predominance. Everyone who has enough space in their kitchen wants an island. It provides more countertop and storage space, and at the same time it can incorporate features like a sink and a stove. The extra space is especially helpful if you cook a lot. Plus, aesthetically, a flat cooktop (and perhaps oven underneath) has the least interrupted view across the island. However: An island with a sink, especially, allows for plenty of working space: We stand at the sink approximately 90% of the time we spend in the kitchen, so having plenty of room on both sides of the sink is a real advantage. The island has almost become a ‘dishwashing island,’ as we stand by the sink more than by the stove. When the sink is located in the island, you can wash dishes and still be facing family, friends and guests. But for me, it may not work, as I leave my dishes out to dry, so if possible, I'd like that hidden (or obscured) somehow.
The kitchen now often accommodates an armchair or a sofa, because it needs to be a room people enjoy spending time in. The kitchen has become the plaza of the house, and many visitors never even go beyond it. It's an interesting idea, this - makes an argument for including not just the dining table in the kitchen (though an island probably precludes this), but also part of the lounge!
I like: - the white cupboards wall - white appliances!! - with L-shape kitchen, can put dining room into the same space (but sacrifice an island)
Go for a Galley Island Layout Chefs typically prefer a galley kitchen layout, which features two parallel runs of cabinet, for safety and ease of use. This is something you can adapt to use with an island too. A galley island layout allows you to stand at the island but turn with the spin of a heel to reach the workspace behind. In a well-executed design, this allows safe and easy access to all work surfaces, cabinets and appliances during cooking. But beyond a clearance of about 1 200mm, most users would have to pivot and THEN STEP to reach the countertop opposite. This creates a disconnect between the two spaces and can make the kitchen feel laborious to use.
Kitchen Islands Can Be SMALL! Islands can vary in size and shape, but the minimum recommended size of a fixed kitchen island is about 1 m x 1 m. Although small, these dimensions still allow for a practical working island, including the option of integrated appliances. An island of this size would require a minimal clearance zone of 800 mm). This is the smallest possible distance for safe and unobstructed passage. A clearance zone of this distance would be suitable for one person working in the kitchen but not, ideally, for two, as the space would feel cramped and could be hazardous.
Double Cutlery For years I specified a single-layer cutlery holder for my clients. Now, I include a two-tiered insert to double their amount of cutlery storage.
Pantry Pullouts Pullout cabinets should be only 9, 12 or 15 inches wide, in my opinion. Why? By virtue of the pullout’s design, every time you need a can of soup, you experience the full weight of everything that’s stored there. A wider pantry pullout is simply too heavy.
Flush Countertop Not all countertops overhang the doors by a half-inch. Some clients prefer their counters flush with the doors and drawers for a modern, streamlined appearance.
Make a Bathroom appear bigger: Go Airy With White on White One of the easiest ways to give your room a spacious look is to use lots of white — white tile, white paint, a white vanity and so on. This noncolor-color naturally recedes, making the space look bigger. It also reflects any available light, rather than absorbing it.
Single-Wall Kitchen: Plan an Efficient Design With any kitchen, careful planning is important, but it’s even more so when space is limited, as it is in this layout. Typically (but not always), a single-wall kitchen includes a fridge on the far end of the kitchen run. This would have the sink next to it, with counter space on either side, and your dishwasher and storage beneath. The oven and cooktop are usually located on the far side of this. Again, there should be counter space on either side of the range to allow you to safely place food after cooking. More storage space would be provided beneath. Alternatively, as long as they don’t block the light source, you could have tall cabinets bookending the kitchen. This would usually include an oven in tall housing on one side and a fridge-freezer on the other.
Can have stove top on the island - it looks flat.
Clean island - even the sink is against the wall. Note the built-in ladder to get to the top cupboards.
Appliance garage doesn't have to be all at counter level - can stack appliances on shelves and bring out when they're required. The door pulls down to conceal these items for an uncluttered view from the living room.
Smart moves: - Use a counter-depth panel-front refrigerator to keep it from jutting into the traffic path. - Extend the cabinetry to the ceiling to maximise storage. - A cabinet with retractable doors can conceal the washer and dryer.
Don’t Overlook the Door Use the insides of the doors in kitchen or bathroom cupboards: it maximises the space and is practical for storing items you use frequently. Even a simple hook can be used to hang small everyday items. “The area on the back of a door is almost always overlooked as a way to claim vertical space. An over-the-door shoe hanger, for example, can actually be used to store much more than just shoes. Ask a cabinetmaker to cut pantry shelves shallower and then using the extra space at the front to hang easy-to-access spice racks on the doors. This will also avoid you having to empty your cupboard to access items at the back of the shelves.
Best Low-Maintenance Kitchen Materials - Backsplashes 1. CERAMIC and PORCELAIN: Like their flooring counterparts, ceramic and porcelain tile backsplashes are virtually maintenance-free. Most options feature a protective glaze that resists stains and doesn’t require any sealing (there are exceptions, of course). These two nonporous materials excel at water resistance, too. 2. GLASS:Though glass backsplashes are more likely to show grease and food splatters than ceramic and natural stone, they’re super easy to wipe down thanks to a smooth surface finish. You can also ditch grout lines altogether with solid-glass sheets.
Best Low-Maintenance Kitchen Materials - Paint SATIN Paint for Walls and Cabinets: In a vacuum, the answer is high-gloss and semigloss paints. But when it comes to painting walls and cabinets, glossy paints can look too shiny and reflect too much light. Therefore, satin paints might be your best bet for easy upkeep and design integrity. They’re not as loud as high-gloss paints, are less porous than flat paints and are still very durable over time. Just be sure to hire a talented painter — satin paints can show brush and roller marks more easily than other types of paint. SEMIGLOSS Paint for Trims and Baseboards: Semigloss paint handles moisture, stains and bumps and bruises exceptionally well, so it’s an obvious choice for kitchens. Wall trims and baseboards are common applications for semigloss paint. You don’t have to worry about sacrificing aesthetics for maintenance.
Best Low-Maintenance Kitchen Materials - Countertops Quartz: This engineered product is one tough cookie. It isn’t foolproof, but it’s about as resistant to scratches and stains as countertops get. You only need a soft cloth and warm water for post-meal cleanup. If you have dried-on stains, quartz will hold up well to common cleaning products like Windex, Clorox and Lysol. The things to avoid? Corrosive chemicals and setting hot pans directly on its surface.
Best Low-Maintenance Kitchen Materials - Cabinets Flat-panel doors. Even if you’re not a fan of modern design, it’s worth considering flat-panel doors if your top priority is easy upkeep. The less door detail, the less dust and dirt. Flat panel doors are also easier to wipe down because their surface doesn’t have recesses or raised grooves.
Best Low-Maintenance Kitchen Materials - Floors VINYL: Whether it’s planks or traditional sheets, vinyl is well-equipped to handle your kitchen’s worst. Unlike laminate and hardwood, vinyl can handle moisture with relative ease. Its PVC veneer and backing protect against spills and leaks. It’s tough to scratch and stain, and like tile, vinyl cleanup is quick and easy. Water and a mop will remedy the majority of messes. No grout lines is a huge perk, too. TILES (ceramic and porcelain). Kitchens are both wet zones and high-traffic areas, so proper flooring material is key. Ceramic and porcelain tile have moisture resistance that is superior to natural stone or wood (especially porcelain, which absorbs less than 0.5% of moisture when wet). They’re also highly resistant to scratching and staining. Unlike natural stone, you don’t have to seal ceramic and porcelain tile. They also don’t require special cleaners and can handle almost any type of sanitising agent.
This is an interesting way of having the dining room 'in' the kitchen, without it being actually IN the kitchen (obviously I don't like this seat, but may or may not have to get a seat with such a low seat back. If I get transparent chairs, I could have seat cushions, with back see-through).
Can still have SOME cupboards hanging from roof and have it appear open plan (though I think these may hang too low).
Containers for Leftovers Over time, it’s easy to amass random food storage containers. I recommend paring down and investing in a set that nests nicely and takes up less space in your cabinet. The containers will look good and be easier to keep organised. To maintain your tidy kitchen, become more selective about what food containers you keep.
Pullout Organisers for All Your Cabinets To make full use of your cabinet real estate, I recommend sliding drawers and pullout organisers. These can give you full view of and easy access to the contents of your cabinets. Otherwise, items can become lost or forgotten and possibly expire before you rediscover them. Plus, look at how this wall is designed - perhaps I can learn from it.
Pullout Organizers for Under the Sink I like to keep my floors clear of objects, including trash cans and recycling bins. When we remodeled our small kitchen, I tried very hard to fit a pullout trash cabinet into the design. But ultimately, I couldn’t justify the space that a dedicated trash drawer would have taken away from the storage I needed. Instead, I installed a pullout trash can (similar to the one shown in this photo) underneath the sink. It has dual compartments that allow me to keep both trash and recycling concealed neatly behind cabinet doors. I also recommend that clients get a small trash bin that can be hung on the interior side of the cabinet door. This type of bin works well in the kitchen for food scraps (this can be virtually eliminated by installing a garbage disposal unit - don't forget to buy!). The lid helps keep odours from food waste from permeating the entire cabinet. I also have one in each of my bathrooms so I don’t have to have anything on the floor. It is especially nice in my small guest bathroom, which can’t hold many items without looking cluttered. Plus, a clear floor is easier to sweep and vacuum.
Drawer Dividers When storing cookware, you often must stack pots within pots, pans within pans and lids over lids. Things can get messy fast! A drawer divider that separates the lids from the pots and pans makes drawer contents look more orderly and can also help you find matching tops and bottoms faster.
Clear Bins or Trays for Corralling Food Use clear bins or trays (e.g. lazy susans) in the fridge and cupboards to keep similar products in one place, e.g. pantry items like oils, vinegars and sauces. These organising tools separate pantry items into categories and also prevent cabinets from getting soiled by sticky bottles.
Maximise Vertical Wall Space In a small kitchen, every bit of space counts, and walls offer valuable storage real estate. Solution: “Take your cupboards right up to the ceiling, maximising storage potential in a compact kitchen. Tip: If your wall cabinets are positioned over a cooktop, minimum clearance rules apply. The minimum requirements can vary for electric and gas cooktops, and range from 2 to 3 feet.
Have Enough Space Between the Sink and the Stove The area between the sink and the stove is the main food preparation area, so although there are no set guidelines, you’ll want a decent expanse of countertop space there. Allow enough space between the three points of the triangle, so you’re not walking yards between them every time you use your kitchen.Solution: When planning your kitchen, make sure the layout meets the practical day-to-day needs of the kitchen user.
Don't Forget About Function! When planning your remodel, make sure you put your kitchen’s busiest areas — the sink, stove and fridge — in practical locations that are relevant to one another while allowing enough space for people to use and access them comfortably. When choosing cabinetry, make sure the doors won’t block your workflow when they’re open. The last thing you want is your fridge and cupboard doors banging into each other every time you open them! Solution: Plan your kitchen layout as far in advance as possible, and choose your appliances before you start looking at cabinetry. “This will allow you to fit your units around your appliances, rather than the other way around, giving you a seamless look that’s both smart and space-efficient.” Tip: Think about how many people live in your home and will be using the kitchen at one time. If it’s going to get crowded, you may have crammed too many elements into the kitchen layout and may want to consider scaling back.
Proper Lighting Placement If you don’t put the right light fixtures over your countertops, you will end up prepping, cooking and cleaning up in the shadows. “Another common lighting mistake is prioritising aesthetics over functionality. Pretty pendants are beautiful, but if they don’t shine enough light over your work surfaces, they will not be practical. Solution: position lighting slightly in front of you rather than directly overhead or behind you. Installing downlights, pendant lights and sconces on separate circuits makes it easier to control your lighting levels and atmosphere. And don’t forget to choose bulbs that emit sufficient light, so you can see what you’re doing when you’re chopping and cooking.
Maximising U-Shaped Kitchen: Max Out One Wall If you want to load your U-shaped kitchen with storage but don’t want wall cabinets on all three sides, this design offers an alternative. Leave one of the longest walls free and fill the one opposite with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. On the third, narrowest wall in this design, a half-and-half approach comfortably bridges the gap between the two cabinetry layouts. The result? A kitchen with tons of storage that still feels spacious.
Mirrors can visually double the size of a kitchen. If your narrow galley kitchen is giving you cabin fever, beef up its sense of space by installing a mirror along one wall. Suddenly, those long, lean dimensions fill out — and you’ve got a handy backsplash.
Build around your water heater. Hot water heaters are generally bulky, awkward and never where you’d like them to be. But don’t let yours thwart you. Use it as the starting point for a super-practical custom utility cabinet, with little nooks for everything you need to stash in it. Try laying out all that needs to be stored and design the shelving around it, rather than vice versa, to max the space.
My aesthetic dream! Hide everything. Go uber-minimal, with everything concealed behind closed doors and drawers. This all-white, clutter-free kitchen may not be for everyone, but it certainly packs in the storage without crowding the space.
Make your oven do double duty. In a dinky kitchen, your choice of oven could have a significant impact on saving space. Where there’s no room for a microwave and an oven, consider a combination microwave oven with grill that will do everything — something like the model shown in this rustic-industrial kitchen. If the kitchen’s about to be built, go for an integrated model to give more of a streamlined effect. If you’re adapting an existing kitchen, and pulling out the oven to make more cabinet space, you could mount a non-built-in model on a wall shelf.
A combination of the Wall Kitchen I like, with no handles - and more counter space and storage on the far wall.
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