We all learn from the previous blog that the past year has been all about renovating, innovation, and people's creativity. In this blog, I will show you some tips that you should know before remodeling your kitchen.
Your kitchen is where most of the household activities take place. From cooking, eating, entertaining guests, down to the cleaning of your kitchen area. This is why it is important to plan every detail on hand before remodeling it -- just to make sure that it will be functional, comfortable, and attractive.
We are already aware that the kitchen is generally the most expensive and challenging area to build or remodel. We all want to get the right pieces and components right away. The first thing that you need to consider is to make sure that your kitchen design layout works on your daily needs. Aside from the kitchen layout, you also need to be smart when it comes to selecting appliances, beautiful finishes that will create a safe and accessible space.
Kitchen space planning.
Space planning is one of the most difficult parts that you need to consider when it comes to remodeling or building your kitchen. This is the part where you create a layout and figuring out the logistics of where things will go. Planning a new kitchen can be too overwhelming. If you are into remodeling your kitchen, you need to think that there are limitations such as considering the square footage of the room and your existing plumbing. Putting plumbing into consideration is very important because it is not a cost-effective option to relocate your plumbing. To begin with your design, you need to take the exact measurements of the available floor spaces.
Doorways and walkways
Any entry that leads to the kitchen must be at least 32 inches wide and the swing doors must not interfere with appliances, cabinets, or other doors. In a small kitchen, opt for a hang sliding door so it moves sideways to avoid gaps. The passage through the kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide (or more if you are building an open kitchen). In the work area, the aisle for one chef must be at least 42 inches wide and the aisle for multiple chefs must be at least 48 inches.
Consider the concept of the work triangle.
The working triangle is an important design concept that minimizes the walking distance between the sink, refrigerator, and primary cooking surface and improves the functionality of the kitchen. For comfort and safety, the sum of the three ways does not exceed 26 feet, and each stretch of the triangle should be between 4 and 9 feet even in a small kitchen floor plan. If more than one person cooks at the same time, plan each chef's triangle. This triangle can share one leg, but they must not intersect each other. Also, make sure that the main traffic routes do not pass through the triangle.
Sink and dishwasher
The side of any sink should have at least 24 inches on one side and at least 18 inches of resting area on the other side. In a small kitchen design, this can be achieved by rolling the cart off the kitchen counter. If your kitchen has a second sink, leave at least 3 inches of countertops on one side and 18 inches of countertops on the other side. Install the closest edge of the dishwasher 36 inches from the closest edge of the sink, preferably the main prep sink. Also, allow at least 21 inches between the dishwasher and adjacent appliances, cabinets, or other obstructions.
Counters and seating
The designer recommends that the kitchen include at least 158 inches of usable countertops. This is considered any space, including islands, with a depth of at least 24 inches and a clearance of at least 15 inches above it. It is recommended to place at least a 24-inch wide table next to the sink for preparation. Plan a countertop of at least 15 inches on the handle side of the refrigerator or either side of the left and right refrigerator. Leave at least 12 inches of countertop on one side of the cooktop and 15 inches on the other side. For kitchen designs with island appliances, you should also extend the countertop at least 9 inches beyond the burner. For a freestanding oven, include a 15-inch countertop on both sides. When these areas of the countertop overlap, take the larger of the two guides and add 12 inches.
When a countertop or island is used as a seating area, it is more comfortable for each diner to have a 28 to 30 inches wide space. It also designs 18 inches of knee space for the 30-inch high counter, 15 inches for the 36-inch counter, and 12 inches for the 42-inch counter. Leave a 36-inch gap behind the chair or stool, from the edge of the counter/table to the wall or obstacle. If there is a corridor behind the restaurant, leave 44 to 60 inches of space in the kitchen layout to provide comfortable passage.