Changing your kitchen’s layout is a major renovation project that can take plenty of time and set you back a few thousand dollars. However, you’ll be rewarded with a brand new, updated kitchen that can truly serve as the heart of your home.
In planning the new layout, you need to work closely with an Atlanta kitchen remodeling expert. But it would be best to do your own research and learn about the do’s and don’ts so you can have a kitchen that closely reflects your preferences.
Here are a few pointers to consider.
1. Plan for efficient traffic
The kitchen will always be a high-traffic area so you must plan for an unobstructed and easy flow of movement around the room. Stop the kitchen from turning into a depository for all kinds of clutter, like mail, coats, keys, and mobile gadgets. If possible, add a shelf or catchall tray by the entrance where everyone can leave these items before working in the kitchen or checking out what’s cooking.
Consider the kitchen work triangle rule, which allows a clear path from the food preparation area to the cleaning area to the storage area. If you want an open kitchen-dining room layout, you can also apply the work triangle rule for easy movement from the kitchen to the dining table and back.
Keep in mind, however, that you don’t have to stick to the hard rules of the work triangle, especially when you have a large kitchen. You can be flexible and customize your own “work triangle” as long as you always plan for an unhampered and convenient flow of movement.
2. Pay close attention to the kitchen island
A kitchen island has become a must in a modern kitchen. It’s here where you’ll do much of your meal preparation and where the family can gather for a quick meal or chit chat. The kitchen island also makes a good storage area, especially for items that usually clutter your countertop.
With this in mind, it’s important to plan your kitchen island carefully. Make sure there’s enough space between it and other essential parts of the kitchen, such as the refrigerator, the stove, and the sink. It should be far enough to allow you to fully open cabinet doors without obstructions, but close enough to important appliances for efficient movement.
3. Plan the sink’s placement first
Everyone will agree that you spend more time in the sink than any other part of the kitchen. This is why you should place the sink first in designing your kitchen. An ideal location would be the island so you can face your family or have a view of the room while working. Placing the sink where you can get a view out of a window is also a good idea, as it can help make doing kitchen chores a more pleasant experience.
4. Place the stove on an exterior wall
If your space allows, place the stove on an exterior wall instead of an interior wall for easier ventilation. If you place it on an interior wall, you will likely be spending more to install a proper ventilation system. For the same reason, avoid placing the cooktop on the island. Furthermore, a ceiling mounted ventilation hood over the island is generally unsightly. While you can opt for an exhaust system behind the cooktop, it does not work as efficiently as an overhead exhaust system.
For more tips and ideas on your new kitchen layout, consult your kitchen remodeling expert.
Sources:
7 Kitchen Layout Ideas that Work, RoomSketcher.com
The Complete Guide to Kitchen Layouts, Grundig.com
