Complete Story
06/04/2020
7 Important Elements To A Functional Kitchen Design
Whether you have a large, dream kitchen with all the amenities or a smaller sized kitchen you love, your space isn’t efficient until it's functional. You can have the latest, greatest kitchen innovations, but without a functional kitchen design, it’s meaningless when it comes to cooking and preparing food.
While your kitchen holds various purposes, it’s important to design appropriately for the happiness of your home. If you’re looking to make your kitchen a more functional space, we have the answers you’re looking for.
While some kitchens need minor adjustments to become functional, others need a complete overhaul. Contact a kitchen remodeling contractor today for up to four quotes from local pros in your area.
- The Kitchen Work Triangle
One of the most important elements of a functional kitchen is the work triangle. You may have heard of this term before, but may have yet to design your kitchen around it. It's the concept that the person cooking and preparing the meal has three major points of contact: the refrigerator, sink and stove. The work triangle connects all points of contact with an invisible line. This helps to create the most efficient workflow in your kitchen.
If your kitchen doesn’t already include this layout, you might want to consider it if you’re designing a remodel. However, you can also incorporate these elements into the design you already have. Keep the path clear and free of clutter between these items, consider including a kitchen island in the space to help create the triangle if needed.
- Pay Attention To Lighting
Functional kitchen design must include proper lighting. For home cooks, this means bright, illuminating light over the countertops, stove and any other surfaces they’ll be preparing food. Undercabinet lighting is a popular choice for creating functional kitchen design. The average cost of undercabinet lighting is between $233 and $315.
- Seating & Placement
You’ve probably heard the saying “too many cooks in the kitchen.” That can be applied to functional kitchen design elements! While the kitchen is the heart of the home, where many gather, too many people in the space can block important functions. If people tend to gather in the kitchen to enjoy watching the process or just carry a conversation, strategically place seating away from your kitchen triangle and work area. That way, you can ensure no one gets in your way as you prepare the meal. Countertop and stool seating tends to work well together; just make sure it’s on the opposite side or end from where you're working.
- Properly Functioning Appliances
A functioning kitchen means that all appliances are in great shape. If something isn’t working properly, that can make your kitchen less efficient. A repair could be a great investment and improve the effacement of your functional kitchen design. It’s also more cost effective than completely replacing the appliance. The average cost to repair an appliance is $173, with most homeowners spending between $140 and $191.
- Keep Prep Surfaces Clear
You could have the best kitchen design possible, but if your countertops, cabinets and preparation areas are cluttered, all your hard work is for nothing. Create a kitchen organization system that works for you and your family. Get rid of items that are old or do not belong in the room. Depending on how cluttered your kitchen is, a reorganization project could take as little as a few hours to complete.
- Integrate New Kitchen Technologies
More than ever, there are tools available to assist you in designing a functional kitchen. Undercabinet mobile device holders can keep recipes on your phone and tablet off the counter and away from the cooking, so you can easily see the next steps without creating more clutter.
- Mount Your Microwave
One of the biggest space-saving opportunities you have is to mount your microwave. This appliance easily takes up the most space in your kitchen countertop. Most homeowners opt to have it mounted above the stove. However, current trends show that a custom shelf in a kitchen island will do the trick to keep it out of the way but nearby when needed.
Kitchen Remodeling Costs
Even with a few tips and tricks, some kitchens simply are not designed in a functional way. A kitchen remodel can be the answer to creating a better space. Work with a designer who will know the best way to customize your kitchen for your needs. Choose the latest appliances and innovations to include in your functional kitchen design.
Conclusion
Creating a functional kitchen is important for anyone that cooks at home. It can change the way you feel about your kitchen, not to mention make it a more enjoyable place to be. Utilize a few of these tips to incorporate functional kitchen design.
