What's the most important thing a kitchen should have?

8 years ago

Continuing our series on important features, it only makes sense for kitchens to come next! As arguably the most popular room in the home, there are certain critical things a kitchen should have.

Whether that be space, a good quality oven or a decent worktop, we want to know what you think is the most important thing a kitchen should have?

The Pantry · More Info

Featured Answer

teenytinyhouse

8 years ago

Lots of counter space, and lots of storage so it stays that way!

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Comments (60)

lixpoxson
8 years ago
something of the person this is to clinical
philip mills
8 years ago
Other than the normal cooker,fridge I need a kitchen that has plenty of space to prepare food, cook food and good lighting. Other than that depends on the size of the kitchen but you need plenty of storage for pans to tins. Our kitchen is the hub of our house so it's got to accommodate all the family including the dog who is always about when foods on the go
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Diane Langdon
8 years ago
Accessible storage
bruket
8 years ago
Lots of space and natural light and of course all the other things you need to be able to cook.
lousayers
8 years ago
Organised storage and plenty of worktop space
jemjazzy
8 years ago
clutter free counter tops, storage, light
Lesley Rood
8 years ago
Storage
Soha Dj
8 years ago
Be easy to clean
jamesanddeirdre
8 years ago
Lots of natural light.
carolynbanks7
8 years ago
Plenty of storage so that what counter space there is has no clutter.
Koel Das
8 years ago
Lot of natural light and little to no bending
lozzah
8 years ago
A kitchen needs action, if you don't cook a kitchen is a waste of space. I am not the best cook, I work full time, so does my partner and we have a dog but we cook seperate or together, try something new each week, mostly from the internet, trial and error it's not always easy but fun trying.....I am a whizz at gluten free ginger biscuits now!
breda44
8 years ago
For me it has to be " A kitchen table; A pantry & Access to Laundry closet with high ceiling clothes dryer.
minnie101
8 years ago
A good cook is the first thing that springs to mind! The oven has to be good, plenty of worktop space (preferably one you can stick a hot pan on), good lighting, storage and preferably 2 fridges for entertaining. Also a table and chairs or island are a bonus as everyone tends to congregate in a kitchen when you have people over! I also feel a kitchen should be homely and welcoming so none of this literally hide everything in cupboards ( although I do for all other rooms!). The worktop needn't be cluttered but I do at least want a toaster, kettle and utensils out!
PRO
Symes Interiors
8 years ago
Plenty of storage and electrical sockets plus a very good worktop!
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Deuren
8 years ago
Well planned features are a must, definitely agree with everyone on lots of storage. Pan drawers and larder cupboards are our favourite and its only sense of style and purpose. Its the 1 room that has to really be all things to all people so plan, plan and plan some more!
Zoe Brodie
8 years ago
Question regarding kitchen design why leave a gap above wall units & the ceiling which useless to man or beast? It collects dust and goodness knows what else & due to gap size almost impossible to clean. The Americans have nailed it, units either go the the ceiling or if the units are not tall enough the gap is boxed in. I just don't understand why even high end design leave this gap. Ok rant over. Storage and counter space are key.
Grand Designs (UK) Ltd Bridgwater
7 years ago
Quite simply a design that the user loves and will love to love for years to come! We all know that the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and a kitchen that you love spending time in and works for you tops everything off. We're all individuals, so be individual with your space and really make it yours - that's the most important thing a kitchen should have .... you!
Claire M
7 years ago
Loads of counter tops (ideally lots on an island), a nice view with lots of light...
nokomishaddock
7 years ago
Water
Sarah Stanley
7 years ago
An instant boiling water tap. I never want to be without one ever again. We have a Grohe one and it delivers 3 litres of boiling water instantly.
numberwoman
7 years ago
An American-style fridge, with ice maker and filtered water.
ian_maggs
7 years ago
Here in France I see very few designer kitchens or even modern equipment, but fantastic food is produced. So a good cook is number one, and storage a distant second.
Kundai Jimu
7 years ago
a good quality oven and stove would be my top priority
Lynn Robbo
7 years ago
Table and chairs X
lindalovie55
7 years ago
A work station with a seat where I can prepare meals
bagpuss2
7 years ago
A table with chairs for friends to sit round- the kitchen diner has to be the heart of the home
Gerry Rust
7 years ago
I'm with minnie101 and Ian_maggs, the quality of the chef is far more important than the quality of the kitchen! I've known good cooks create wonderful meals in the most trying of circumstances, I've also known people with state of the art kitchens that couldn't boil an egg... :D
Joanne Healy
7 years ago
A big table all the way. And enough worktops for prep.
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Coppice Guild
7 years ago
Without sounding too corny: LOVE!

If you give the designer a good brief and they can design accordingly you should end up with a great kitchen and LOVE being in it.

If you enjoy cooking, a well designed kitchen will inspire you to cook even more and the food you make will be filled with LOVE

If you are happy in your kitchen family and friends will want to be there with you and your kitchen will be full of LOVE

When I see this for real I remember why I LOVE my job as a designer so much!
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Brayer Design
7 years ago
We love a good kitchen island and the odd secret storage cupboard/pantry!

Esher Grey Shaker Kitchen · More Info

Esher Grey Shaker Kitchen · More Info
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Caroline Bate Interior Design
7 years ago

Photo credit: Brayer Design based in Surrey

Look at this ingenious design inside a base cupboard called a "mixer lift" this is a fabulous space solution for small kitchens, also saves you lifting heavy objects from low cupboards and double whammy it saves your worktop above xwww.houzz.co.uk/pro/brayerdesign/brayer-design
ianthy
7 years ago
storage, worktops and a big cooker
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Maltwood
7 years ago
Very stylish!
Aby
7 years ago
Enough storage so that the worktop can be left clear
Aylin Halil-Abdullah
7 years ago
All about the storage and worktop space. I see so many kitchens littered with unused appliances that consume but storage and worktop space.
Jessica Magri
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Definitely sufficient worktop space: make sure it's easy to clean too and doesn't stain easily!
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Surreal Designs Kitchen Studio
7 years ago
A place for everything!
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Salvation Furniture
7 years ago
Alongside all the practical elements, such as good storage and sufficient worktops, we'd like to throw a characterful dining table into the mix. It's hard not to agree that the dining table (even before the living room sofa) is the heart of the home (and kitchen). From the start of the day when we sit to eat breakfast, through to a lunchtime cuppa and the evening meal, it's the place where we gather and share each day's ups & downs. If only tables could talk! We're advocate for tables that have a relaxed and inviting look to them. For us, reclaimed wood, with all its natural warmth and character, is the perfect material for kitchen table tops!
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Vicki Phillips
7 years ago
For me it's firstly ergonomics, fine having lots of work space but for me it is about ease of access and use of energy when I am in the kitchen. I have a baking corner where all my baking items are stored , worktop below and mixer stored in the adjacent cupboard(although loved the nifty gadget to lift the heavy appliances) and the cooker , baking tins and fridge within a stride away. So before thinking of where to store items I look at how I use them. Sink, kettle and drinks making things together.

Secondly would be the kitchen table but not one that stops clear access to all parts of the kitchen. For that reason not a fan of islands as seem to walk around them!
Toni Holmes
7 years ago
Lighting is important!
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Modess Bespoke Furniture
7 years ago
Work top space, lots of storage and soft close hinges.......... oh, and one of these....its basically a cool tool that allows you to erm...... take the corn off the cob!!! its really handy, i used to do it manually, piece by piece.....
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G&S Specialist Timber
7 years ago
Well thought out storage placement, a good, reliable, long-lasting countertop and lots of light!
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Shabby Store
7 years ago
A stunning breakfast bar with stools!!
June Hampton
7 years ago
As much storage and as much work surface you can fit in.
E D
7 years ago
A woman.
E D
7 years ago
Only joking...
kjmcghie08
7 years ago
a great cook!
Tellewrig
7 years ago
A thermomix!! It combines so many appliances into one and only takes as much worktop space as an A4 sheet of paper! Saves on worktop space, cupboard space (only storing 1 appliance instead 6!) and is economical to run as well.
bagpuss2
7 years ago
And a comfy chair in a corner for a guest to sit and have a blether while you cook

What's the most important thing a kitchen should have?

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