Design Your Small Kitchen Layout

When it comes to small kitchen layouts, you have to know and understand its basic principles to be able to determine the best layout possible for your house. In the kitchen, the basic and important things that you need to remember are the functionalities to be able to identify the proper layout for your kitchen.

The primary work or functions of a kitchen include the following:

1. Preparation and cooking station – The basic appliances that are found here are your oven, microwave and range. It would be wise to conserve space and use a countertop in this section.
2. Washing or cleaning up station – Sink, dishwasher and waste disposal are the ones located here. For your convenience, your trash bin and roll-out tray baskets should be inside a cabinet
3. Food storage station – Major items like refrigerator and pantry to store your stuffs are positioned here.

Ensuring that the three stations are strategically designed in a work triangle will help you with the proper traffic flow in your kitchen. The work triangle helps one to properly design or plan out your small kitchen layout. This is done by drawing an imaginary triangle for the three primary work stations. As a rule of thumb, the perimeter of the work triangle should measure less than 26 feet.

Even though you have a small kitchen space, there are different small kitchen layouts that are more apt for your needs and lifestyle. Each of the four primary layouts has its own advantages.

1. The G-Shaped Kitchen – This type of layout offers a huge amount of space with plenty of cabinet space, ideal for large families that need big storage spaces, great for multiple cooking. Also, the extra cabinet leg can be converted into a breakfast nook or a mini bar.

2. The U-Shaped Kitchen – This is the most common type of layout because of its efficient work triangle. Like the G-shaped layout, one cabinet leg can be converted into a breakfast bar.

3. The L-Shaped Kitchen – This layout provides a compact work triangle and is the most flexible of all layouts.
The Corridor/Galley Kitchen – This is very appealing and great for those who have a small kitchen space. The good thing about this kind of layout is that you can easily maneuver or reach out your appliances.

4. The Single Wall/Pullman Kitchen – This is more suitable for contemporary homes, apartments and smaller homes which give an open and airy feel.

With this information, you can start planning and choosing your small kitchen layout. Always bear in mind the work triangle concept and you will be able to remodel or find the perfect small kitchen layout that is right for you and your family.

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Achieving a Modern Kitchen Design

Kitchens that have a modern or contemporary feel are becoming a popular design option for homeowners. The kitchen is often the central meeting area within your house. It’s where you spend time cooking, socializing, entertaining and eating. You will invest more time and money in your kitchen than any other room in your home. This is why you should really consider the longevity of the design style you choose in your kitchen. Modern or contemporary kitchens create a clean, simple style that is truly timeless.

When determining the layout for your modern kitchen design aim for functional appliance placement. You want the placement of your appliances to encourage a natural movement from one appliance to the next. Obviously you want to place your sink near the dishwasher and allow ample counter space around your stove. Think about the tasks you’ll be doing most in your kitchen and plan your space accordingly.

Independent islands are a popular option in many contemporary kitchens since they allow additional seating and eating areas for guests. Islands encourage visitors to spend time with the cook while not crowding their cooking space. Some will add a sink or cook top to an island to increase the functionality. Having an island will also give you additional surface area to prepare your meals. You can never have too much counter top space in a kitchen.

Cabinets are a very visible part of any kitchen. When you are looking for a contemporary style cabinet you are probably going to consider a smooth, sleek design. Wood laminate, which is available in hundreds of colors, is a great accent for a modern style cabinet. The hardware is often going to be stainless and always will be simple and straightforward.

Everyone knows a great lighting design can change the way you see a room. When choosing lighting for a contemporary kitchen there are many choices available. Some of the more popular ones are recessed, under counter or decorative fixtures. The functionality of the lighting is just as important and the design. Proper light at the sink and counter areas are a must. If you are considering decorative fixtures for your kitchen, you must stay away from ornate designs and stick with bold, solid colors to promote the modern feel.

Accenting and accessorizing your modern kitchen is really about using less to say more. Simple accents with bold colors are a great choice. Accessories that use basic geometric shapes will work well. Keep the counters clear of small appliances and knick knacks to continue the flawless look throughout the kitchen. Window treatments need to stay minimal and simple by using only blinds or a solid straight curtain. Stay away from floral or other busy patterns in your window treatments.

If you are certain you want a modern or contemporary kitchen but are not comfortable piecing it all together, contact an experienced designer to help you. Together you can determine what will work with your day to day life and still be in style for years to come. Your are going to be spending a lot of time in your kitchen and you should enjoy every minute.

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Design Your Kitchen As Per Your Requirements

Today, we spend more and more time away from our house. Phones and Internet keep us connected and mobile in ways no one ever could have imagined. Our homes are safe places, to relax and reflect on our lives, a place to spend time with loved ones.

But, where is the heart of the home? There exists within the home a living, breathing room, where people live, and work, and congregate. The kitchen is very important. It only makes sense to spend a little extra time and money on that room. However, there is no reason you need to break the bank when considering a new design.

When thinking about how you will designing it, there are two important factors to consider. The first thing to think about is function. It is the room that probably gets the most actual usage. Also it has a number of different appliances, each with a number of different powers and plumbing needs.

The appliances must be situated in such a way as to allow the most access without interfering with the other appliances. Everything must be accessible, yet still unobtrusive. It must also be designed in a way that can grow and change as your family and needs.

The second feature to consider in your kitchen design is style. What does the style of the kitchen say about you, and your home? Are you trying to create a modern, sophisticated look, or would you rather have a warm, classic feel to your kitchen? Aside from considering how it looks, you must consider how the looks are in relation to the rest of the house. Each room of the house must create a unified theme, reflecting your personality and needs.

Once you have deeply looked at both aspects of the design, it is time to look at your options. For those looking to do a total overhaul, new appliances might be called for. These appliances can create a new look, while offering more powerful and cost conscious alternatives to the appliances already in your kitchen. One might also consider new cabinetry and flooring, to create new and better storage options while completely overhauling the look of the room and home.

For those of us on a budget, there are less obtrusive, expensive ways to change the design. Simple refurnishing of the cabinet doors and hardware may create a whole new looks for pennies on the dollar compared to more invasive redesigns.

The amount of time and thought you put into designing it today may make for a greatly increased home value down the road. In order to get the most change for your money, consult with a trained design expert. They may be able to mold your ideas into a solid and cost effective plan that fits your needs for today and tomorrow.

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