The kitchen is at the heart of a modern home, just like it was a hundred years ago. Nothing much has changed, apart from the fact we now have access to innovative, time-saving appliances and a host of gadgets to make life easier. Instead of slaving away over a hot stove for hours, we can fill up our Instant Pot with meat and veggies and enjoy a tasty stew in about 15 minutes. How awesome is that?
At their best, a kitchen is a practical space where you and the other members of your family can prepare food, eat, entertain, or relax with a nice glass of wine. It doesn’t matter whether a kitchen is small or so large you could play soccer in there: so long as it contains everything you need, you are good to go. So, what does a practical kitchen need? Let’s find out.
Classic kitchen design is based upon a timeless work triangle. The three points of the triangle are the oven/hob, the sink for washing up, and the refrigerator. Modern kitchen design has moved away from the work triangle and most designers now work with “activity zones”.
Activity Zones in a Practical Kitchen
Activity zones are typically food storage areas, food prep zones, clean-up centers, and eating areas. The aim is to place each area in close proximity to related areas, so using the kitchen is a breeze. For example, you need your clean-up area close to the food prep area, so you can wash cooking equipment, rinse vegetables, and get rid of any food waste quickly and easily. By the same token, the food storage area should be adjacent to your food prep area, so you can retrieve items from the refrigerator and pull spices, dried goods, and cans from cupboards while you cook.
Modern Appliances
Modern appliances are a must-have for modern kitchens. Whilst our grandparents would have managed with an old-fashioned cooking range or a cold store rather than a refrigerator, most people prefer a stylish cooktop, modern oven and refrigerator, and efficient garbage disposal to take care of waste. It’s easy to shop for sleek modern appliances online, but if you want to install a new garbage disposal unit in your clean-up area, check out some reviews on Mr Garbage Disposal.
Kitchen Islands
Kitchen islands are a relatively new phenomenon. They replace the old-fashioned kitchen table that was a staple in many older kitchens. Instead of baking, preparing vegetables, and sitting down with a cup of coffee at your scrubbed pine table, you can use your kitchen island as a cooking and clean-up zone, breakfast bar, or storage area. Kitchen islands are multi-functional and a great asset.
Practical Kitchen Design
Kitchen design should always be tailored to your individual needs. For example, if baking is your passion, you will need a larger food preparation area and possibly two ovens. But, if kitchen entertaining is a priority, the eating area should be prominent and well-designed.
Take your time when planning a practical kitchen. Sketch out ideas on paper and see how they work for you before you invest in appliances and cabinetry.
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