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6 Things It's Easy to Forget About When Designing a Kitchen
You might be all over the latest kitchen trends, but there's more to planning your ultimate space than choosing the look
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There’s a million and one things to remember when designing a kitchen, so it’s no wonder important aspects get overlooked at the planning stage, especially when we can all get a little distracted by gorgeous units, tactile surfaces or even a flashy tap. But it’s crucial to factor in all the essentials during the initial design, to ensure you stay on top of the budget and the timings of the project.
We teamed up with the kitchen experts at Häfele to identify the common areas that can often be forgotten in favour of getting the aesthetics just right, as we can all agree that a stunning kitchen is no use if it’s impractical and makes life harder.
So, whether you’re about to start planning your kitchen, or you’re already in the first stages, ensure you’ve properly considered all these important areas thoroughly and you’ll be on your way to a winning space.
We teamed up with the kitchen experts at Häfele to identify the common areas that can often be forgotten in favour of getting the aesthetics just right, as we can all agree that a stunning kitchen is no use if it’s impractical and makes life harder.
So, whether you’re about to start planning your kitchen, or you’re already in the first stages, ensure you’ve properly considered all these important areas thoroughly and you’ll be on your way to a winning space.
Practical Storage
When it comes to planning the details, sufficient storage is often at the top of the list. However, with many different types of storage on offer, from deep drawers to pull-out larders, wide pantries to open shelves, it’s worth considering this crucial aspect in more detail and what will work for you and your space.
For example, most kitchens are designed with a combination of both drawers and units, however have you considered if you need both? Drawers offer easy access, everything is reachable, there’s less bending involved (which is ideal for multi-generational households), and you can make use of the ambient light to see inside – something a low cupboard does not offer. But then cupboards can take more weight and have a lot of space for big items, such as bread machines.
Plan your storage efficiently. If you’re incorporating a pantry cupboard or pull-out larder that’s going to be in constant use, think about where it will be located in the space. Will the open doors hinder the passageway or can you walk past easily? Is there a worktop within arm’s reach for you to place items on, rather than travelling a few steps each time? Taking time to plan your space efficiently at this stage will pay dividends.
When it comes to planning the details, sufficient storage is often at the top of the list. However, with many different types of storage on offer, from deep drawers to pull-out larders, wide pantries to open shelves, it’s worth considering this crucial aspect in more detail and what will work for you and your space.
For example, most kitchens are designed with a combination of both drawers and units, however have you considered if you need both? Drawers offer easy access, everything is reachable, there’s less bending involved (which is ideal for multi-generational households), and you can make use of the ambient light to see inside – something a low cupboard does not offer. But then cupboards can take more weight and have a lot of space for big items, such as bread machines.
Plan your storage efficiently. If you’re incorporating a pantry cupboard or pull-out larder that’s going to be in constant use, think about where it will be located in the space. Will the open doors hinder the passageway or can you walk past easily? Is there a worktop within arm’s reach for you to place items on, rather than travelling a few steps each time? Taking time to plan your space efficiently at this stage will pay dividends.
Bins
As we strive to do our best for the environment by recycling and composting, finding spaces for all these separate bins can be a challenge. Fortunately, kitchen designers have devised a number of waste solutions to ensure we dispose of our rubbish neatly and hygienically.
Built-in bins are a great space-saving, organising-savvy solution, that allows you to conceal all your waste in one neat cupboard. With different configurations available, you can have up to four separate compartments, making recycling a breeze. The drawback, however, is that these smallish compartments are likely to fill up quickly, meaning more trips to the dustbin. So, if you’re a household that generates a lot of waste, and you have plenty of kitchen floor space, large capacity freestanding bins may suit you better.
Identify the prime location for the bin. The bin needs to be close to the food preparation area, otherwise you’re likely to drop food waste as you carry it across the space. Before fitting a built-in bin, or positioning a freestanding one, ensure it sits within the working triangle of the cooker, sink and fridge layout, so it can be reached easily from each of these prime kitchen spots in just a couple of steps.
As we strive to do our best for the environment by recycling and composting, finding spaces for all these separate bins can be a challenge. Fortunately, kitchen designers have devised a number of waste solutions to ensure we dispose of our rubbish neatly and hygienically.
Built-in bins are a great space-saving, organising-savvy solution, that allows you to conceal all your waste in one neat cupboard. With different configurations available, you can have up to four separate compartments, making recycling a breeze. The drawback, however, is that these smallish compartments are likely to fill up quickly, meaning more trips to the dustbin. So, if you’re a household that generates a lot of waste, and you have plenty of kitchen floor space, large capacity freestanding bins may suit you better.
Identify the prime location for the bin. The bin needs to be close to the food preparation area, otherwise you’re likely to drop food waste as you carry it across the space. Before fitting a built-in bin, or positioning a freestanding one, ensure it sits within the working triangle of the cooker, sink and fridge layout, so it can be reached easily from each of these prime kitchen spots in just a couple of steps.
The Lighting
With open-plan kitchen-diners being the go-to layout for most new builds or home renovations, the significance of this space as the hub of the home has grown, as has the role of lighting in this room. Done well, good lighting can enhance the room’s functionality, create atmosphere, define different activity zones, and add a design statement.
To avoid any costly readjustments down the line, the key is to pick out your pendant or statement lighting during the design stages, so you know whether it will sit centrally above the kitchen island or dining table. Fitting the lighting without considering its size within the space could affect the overall aesthetic of the entire room, so it’s worth getting this important factor right.
Add plenty of plug sockets. The beginning of a kitchen design is the ideal opportunity to factor in how many plug sockets, light switches and USB chargers you’ll need and the most efficient spots to fit them. Consider adding a charging drawer with plenty of USB points concealed inside, so all devices can then be neatly stored away, without cluttering the worktop.
With open-plan kitchen-diners being the go-to layout for most new builds or home renovations, the significance of this space as the hub of the home has grown, as has the role of lighting in this room. Done well, good lighting can enhance the room’s functionality, create atmosphere, define different activity zones, and add a design statement.
To avoid any costly readjustments down the line, the key is to pick out your pendant or statement lighting during the design stages, so you know whether it will sit centrally above the kitchen island or dining table. Fitting the lighting without considering its size within the space could affect the overall aesthetic of the entire room, so it’s worth getting this important factor right.
Add plenty of plug sockets. The beginning of a kitchen design is the ideal opportunity to factor in how many plug sockets, light switches and USB chargers you’ll need and the most efficient spots to fit them. Consider adding a charging drawer with plenty of USB points concealed inside, so all devices can then be neatly stored away, without cluttering the worktop.
Flooring… Beyond the Aesthetics
Before you pick a flooring that’s the most pleasing on the eye, consider your lifestyle and how hardwearing the surface needs to be. Are you happy to constantly clean it or would you prefer a floor that won’t show up every mark? Is a tiled floor out of the question because it’s too cold underfoot, or are you considering underfloor heating?
A popular and versatile choice is either solid or engineered wood flooring, with its warm tones and robust surface that will disguise dirt. However, it can be prone to staining and denting, so may not be ideal for master chef-style cooking spaces. Alternatively, stone, ceramic or porcelain tiles are extremely hardwearing and easy to maintain, while underfloor heating will ensure they are always toasty, although this option could significantly eat into your budget.
Laying the floor first. If you choose a flooring that needs to be nailed, grouted or glued to a subfloor, such as some tiles, wood, laminate or LVTs (luxury vinyl tiles), then installing the flooring before you fit the cabinets will ensure an even surface throughout and limit the amount of cutting needed.
Before you pick a flooring that’s the most pleasing on the eye, consider your lifestyle and how hardwearing the surface needs to be. Are you happy to constantly clean it or would you prefer a floor that won’t show up every mark? Is a tiled floor out of the question because it’s too cold underfoot, or are you considering underfloor heating?
A popular and versatile choice is either solid or engineered wood flooring, with its warm tones and robust surface that will disguise dirt. However, it can be prone to staining and denting, so may not be ideal for master chef-style cooking spaces. Alternatively, stone, ceramic or porcelain tiles are extremely hardwearing and easy to maintain, while underfloor heating will ensure they are always toasty, although this option could significantly eat into your budget.
Laying the floor first. If you choose a flooring that needs to be nailed, grouted or glued to a subfloor, such as some tiles, wood, laminate or LVTs (luxury vinyl tiles), then installing the flooring before you fit the cabinets will ensure an even surface throughout and limit the amount of cutting needed.
Worktop Space
When it comes to planning the kitchen design, a lot of people misjudge the amount of worktop space they’ll need and don’t factor enough in. Ideally you should plan to have a good, workable space in the areas you most need it, such as near the sink, hob and fridge. You should also allow for a generous food prep spot, ideally where two people can work side by side.
Many small appliances, such as toasters, kettles and mixers, are housed on the worktop too, so you should plan where these are going to sit and if you’ll be left with enough workable surface around them.
Maximise the worktop space by reducing clutter. If you like to keep cooking oils and condiments out on display for ease, consider fitting an open shelf just above the worktop, so you free up the surface for food prep. A wall-fitted hanging rack for utensils will also eliminate the need for any storage canisters on the worktop.
When it comes to planning the kitchen design, a lot of people misjudge the amount of worktop space they’ll need and don’t factor enough in. Ideally you should plan to have a good, workable space in the areas you most need it, such as near the sink, hob and fridge. You should also allow for a generous food prep spot, ideally where two people can work side by side.
Many small appliances, such as toasters, kettles and mixers, are housed on the worktop too, so you should plan where these are going to sit and if you’ll be left with enough workable surface around them.
Maximise the worktop space by reducing clutter. If you like to keep cooking oils and condiments out on display for ease, consider fitting an open shelf just above the worktop, so you free up the surface for food prep. A wall-fitted hanging rack for utensils will also eliminate the need for any storage canisters on the worktop.
Your Budget
Sticking to your budget can be one of the biggest challenges with home renovations, as surprises can crop up during the process. However, if you
set aside 10 per cent of your budget for unexpected costs, you’ll be able to tackle these issues easily.
It’s also important to identify where you can save money, and where it’s worthwhile splashing out. For example, opting for innovative, reliable appliances that you won’t have to replace for many years, will be a worthwhile investment. Then you can claw back on not-so-important items such as the sink, the tap, or even the worktops, as these can be updated down the line at a relatively low cost.
Seek advice from the professionals. Before you do anything, go and speak to a professional kitchen designer and ask for advice on your proposed design. They will discuss the feasibility of your ideas against your budget, and then you can start looking into the details.
More: Click here to discover Häfele’s Ultimate Kitchen Planning Guide that’s packed with expert tips and advice on all-things kitchens. Plus, to connect with local Häfele Studio Partners, follow this link to find a studio near you.
Your turn: What tips and advice can you offer fellow Houzzers embarking on a kitchen renovation?
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Sticking to your budget can be one of the biggest challenges with home renovations, as surprises can crop up during the process. However, if you
set aside 10 per cent of your budget for unexpected costs, you’ll be able to tackle these issues easily.
It’s also important to identify where you can save money, and where it’s worthwhile splashing out. For example, opting for innovative, reliable appliances that you won’t have to replace for many years, will be a worthwhile investment. Then you can claw back on not-so-important items such as the sink, the tap, or even the worktops, as these can be updated down the line at a relatively low cost.
Seek advice from the professionals. Before you do anything, go and speak to a professional kitchen designer and ask for advice on your proposed design. They will discuss the feasibility of your ideas against your budget, and then you can start looking into the details.
More: Click here to discover Häfele’s Ultimate Kitchen Planning Guide that’s packed with expert tips and advice on all-things kitchens. Plus, to connect with local Häfele Studio Partners, follow this link to find a studio near you.
Your turn: What tips and advice can you offer fellow Houzzers embarking on a kitchen renovation?
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
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Because the location wasn't thought through properly, our pull-out larder does not work well. about to replace with drawers which will be accessible.
annegale32
Avoid pull out larders - mines only 3 months old and the door is bowed from pulling the weight of full larder. Had to remove heavier items to a bottom drawer elsewhere. Not easy for arthritic hands either. Looking to replace with individual drawers.