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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Kitchen Design’s Influence on Our Memories

In most homes, the kitchen is the heart and hearth of the household. It is where meals are lovingly prepared and memories, both sweet and savory and usually the first we attain, are developed. Wouldn’t it make sense for the kitchen design to be as useful and conducive for our needs?

Of course we want the kitchen design to lend itself to those happy memories in our children and grandchildren. Whether you are trying to compete with your peers by creating the most modern kitchen possible or if you are interested only in the warmth and function a rustic country kitchen with fresh biscuits in the oven can provide, it is a powerful impression and one not easily forgotten.

Though the look of the kitchen is indeed very important, it is not as important as the functionality it imparts to the user. After all, the kitchen is a work room, so it should be designed with the need to work in mind. Think of your kitchen as a factory. If the work does not flow smoothly from beginning to end, progress is going to be impeded and those sweet memories will be tainted by the anger and frustration of not being able to accomplish your goals.

When people look back at their early kitchen memories, it is almost never the wallpaper or the color of the tiles they remember. It is the smells and sounds and tastes of the kitchen, the feel of working bread dough in their hands or dropping cookie dough onto a pan that they remember.

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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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