It is time to renovate! The old kitchen is impossible to clean, drawers are falling apart, food expires before you can find it, and the last time you had a party the guests refused to hang out there.
The kitchen (shown in the photo) is grouped into functional zones and the equipment for each stored within it to minimize traffic. Time is a consideration when organizing your kitchen; the speed and ease with which you can put away your food and retrieve it when preparing meals for you or a large family dinner.
The work triangle within a kitchen is comprised of a source of refrigeration, a source of water and a source of heat. Ideally the length of each side totals a maximum distance of 6.4 m (21 ft). This kitchen is about 5.2 m (17 ft).
Lighting is important and there are many options to light the space depending on the task or mood.
Preparation area in most kitchens is sadly lacking, add a few countertop appliances and the little you have is eaten up. The preparation area allows for two cooks to work and also interact with those seated at the breakfast bar while keeping them out of the work area and traffic flow. After meal clean up is simple as the area beside the sink and dishwasher is adjacent to the eating bar or the dining table.
Vertical storage is important to maximize the space. Put infrequently used house wares up high, food and dishes used everyday within arms reach. Below the counter, use drawers and pull-outs to make access easier and visible when open instead of crawling on the floor to see the back of cabinets.
Note the place for a wok or large bowls; a pull-out shelf under the microwave makes it safer to load the refrigerator or the microwave (see photo). Large volume items like pantries and refrigerator are grouped to unify space. Behind the doors of what appears to be more pantries hides a desk with retractable doors. It is the perfect place for a family computer: monitoring young internet surfers, menu planning and tracking family finances.
The careful selection of finishes used today will give years of use and provide lasting beauty. However scrimping on the quality of materials comprising your kitchen to meet budget is a mistake. My recommendation is to get the very best hardware you can afford, for instance drawer glides or door hinges rated for more weight than required will ensure long lasting, trouble-free operation.
Avoid extremely trendy items and details. We have all seen relatively new kitchens looked dated and tired. If resale is a concern, ensure your concept leans toward a timeless, appropriate look for your home.
Everyone wants to have a kitchen that looks great, imagine having one that looks great and works better!
By Daine B. Halley
Editorial from November-December, 2005 Renovations. Contact dealer directly for current price information.
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