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Everyone talks about kitchens that look absolutely fab, but what’s the point of a stunning design if you can’t use this room properly for what you need? Functionality is an important consideration when planning a kitchen because you want to ensure the design is aligned with your lifestyle. No matter their style, all kitchens can function well if you take the right approach.
But that’s precisely the most difficult part – figuring out the proper way to make a kitchen functional. Most of what you think about a kitchen’s functionality no longer makes sense today, so it’s time to leave those old-school rules behind and learn tried and true practices that will help you get the most from your kitchen design.
Always Prioritise Function Over Beauty
While you should not settle for a kitchen that looks boring and doesn’t inspire you to unleash your inner chef, it doesn’t make any sense to get too caught up in the aesthetics and leave practicality at the end.
The best kitchen designs incorporate both great aesthetics and functionality, but when it comes to prioritising, function obviously wins because it provides efficiency. After all, no matter how luxurious your cooking space may look, it won’t matter if it doesn’t meet your needs, right? So, begin by asking yourself: “How can I plan the kitchen to ensure it meets my needs?”
Everyone has a different lifestyle, so what may work for someone else may not necessarily work for you. For example, if you are a gourmet chef, your kitchen will look a lot different than that of someone who doesn’t really cook that much at home. Therefore, your job is to tailor this culinary space to your own lifestyle.
Ditch the Kitchen Triangle
In the kitchen planning rulebook, the kitchen triangle likely comes first. Simply put, this concept refers to organising the kitchen layout around the sink, refrigerator, and stove to ensure traffic flow in the area. However, we are here to tell you it is time to stray from this rule.
Modern kitchens have become multi-purpose spaces, so the triangle concept is no longer as mandatory as it once was. Sure, you can take it into account if you want, but keep in mind that it isn’t the only option you have.
In modern kitchen design, homeowners often create different work zones, like a baking zone designated near the oven or a food prep zone where you keep all the utensils necessary to cook your favourite meals.
Zoning is much more versatile than the kitchen triangle, which worked better for smaller kitchens that were once in style. Now that most people have bigger kitchens, with huge islands and open concept, the kitchen triangle rule can get broken easily.
Make the Most of the Storage Space
To achieve a functional kitchen, it is also essential to focus on storage. Having too much storage isn’t efficient, as it leads to unused spaces, so you need to find the right balance. You can consider several storage solutions, including upper and lower cabinets, organisers, and pull-out drawers. Paying attention to this aspect will help you have a clutter-free kitchen and enhance the functionality of the cooking space.
When it comes to storage, cabinetry choice is crucial, so you need to carefully weigh your options and make a decision based on your needs. While open shelving has been a trend for a while, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the right option for everyone. You can instead opt for upper cabinets, which maximise the kitchen’s storage capacity.
Also, when it comes to lower cabinets, it’s worth noting that they have different designs and features: while some have doors and shelves, others have drawers. The latter is often a better option for functionality, revealing all contents when you pull it out. But of course, some homeowners wouldn’t give up the look of a door, and the good news is that there is a workaround for it, as you can install tray-like pullout drawers in the cabinet.
Take the time to really figure out what you want, and once you do, make sure to get your kitchen units from a reputable London supplier. That way, you will succeed in achieving a functional – and stunning – cooking space.
Pay Attention to Lighting
Kitchen lighting is essential for function as well as style, so you need to make it a priority. In fact, good lighting can improve practicality in the cooking space, enabling multiple uses for it. For example, installing ample lighting can turn the kitchen into a home office and homework station.
It’s worth remembering that kitchens aren’t just for cooking anymore – they can also be used to do different tasks, so you need to make the right choices regarding lighting to maximise its functionality. For example, you can put pendants over the island, install cans in the ceiling, or add over the sink or under cabinet lighting. Light fixtures provide functionality and help you create a specific style in the cooking space, making them an essential consideration in the design.
Design for Comfort
Kitchen ergonomics play a crucial role in the functionality of the space, helping maximise comfort and reducing strain and unnecessary movement. Some of the most important considerations here are to maintain the right counter depth and height and organise appliances so you can easily reach them.
Design features such as pull-out shelves and drawers can play a role in ensuring functionality and comfort. Other practical features you can consider for a more user-friendly kitchen are: a pot filler placed near the stove, a pull-out organiser which you can use for cookie sheets and cutting boards, and pull-out trash.
The Bottom Line
Beauty isn’t everything in a kitchen – since you use this space a lot, you need it to work properly. But the truth is that it’s easy to overlook important details that lead to an unsatisfying outcome. This is why you should remember the rules discussed above when embarking on your kitchen remodelling adventure.
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