KAREN HORTE interiors – Mar 2022

DESIGNING YOUR NEW KITCHEN WHAT TO CONSIDER

With spring around the corner, the urge to brighten your home can result in a redesign of one, or several, rooms. Kitchens are a frequent ‘spring update’ choice because they get the most wear and tear!

If you redo your kitchen, before dreaming about quartz countertops, tile floors and kitchen islands, make sure you’ve addressed these three things:

WHO will be using your kitchen?
HOW do you plan to use your kitchen?
WHEN do you use your kitchen?
WHAT are your kitchen needs?

Who?

The question of, “Who uses the kitchen?” informs decisions about space, counter area, and storage.

If your kitchen needs space for many helpers so you’re not bumping into one another, consider the size of your walkways. Kitchen walkways should be a minimum of 36 inches wide, but in high traffic kitchens, 42 inches is roomier.

If your kitchen features a kitchen island, or a peninsula (an island attached to the counter and cabinet structure), with seating, then a 48-inch walkway might be the best choice for you. Of course decisions are dependent on the size and layout of your kitchen!

How?

Is the kitchen a daily eating space? Then perhaps incorporating a breakfast nook would be beneficial. Do you cook daily meals from scratch? Then you will need lots of counterspace and storage. Do you feed pets in your kitchen? A sliding drawer ‘hidden bowl’ solution will keep petfood bowls out from underfoot.

When you’ve identified how you use your kitchen, divide it into ‘zones’. Here are some common zones to get you started:

Pantry: Adequate storage for foodstuffs, small kitchen appliances.
Food Prep Zone: A sink for washing and preparing food; storage for ‘prep tools’.
Cooking Zone: Stove, wall ovens, utensils, pots and pans.
Cleanup Zone: Kitchen sink, dishwasher, disposal bins.

When?

Kitchens need to be versatile, as they are used at all times of day. ‘Layer’ your kitchen lighting to meet this need. For focused lighting while working, overhead pot lights are a good choice. Task lights under cabinets illuminate workspaces by day and provide soft evening lighting at night. Pendant and chandelier lights over islands and peninsulas provide a touch of class. Install dimmers for all overhead lighting— yes, all!

What?

Is your kitchen specifically for food preparation? Does it double as an office? Is it the family gathering place?

In the past, kitchens were small, separated from the dining area to hide mess, and used only for cooking. Today, combined cooking/dining spaces have made kitchens into multipurpose rooms where people not only cook, but entertain, eat, complete homework—and even do crafts with the kids!

From small, utilitarian spaces, kitchens have evolved to feature comfortable seating and abundant storage, as well as office-style workspaces, complete with USB ports for smart devices, so people can easily and securely pay bills, update calendars, and answer email.

Make decisions that ensure you will love your kitchen for years to come!