Home Improvement|Interior Design|Home Decorating

Kitchens – Designed for Functionality and Fun Historically, frontier kitchens were austere affairs with relatively sparse lighting and cabinet space. Appliances were limited to a large fireplace that served in duality as central heating and cooking. In manor houses and mansions of the wealthy, the kitchen was relegated as a station for service rather than a gathering place for meals. Thankfully, contemporary kitchens are designed for functionality as well as fun. Designer Kitchen or Useful Kitchen? Designer kitchens look wonderful. But, getting down to the daily nitty-gritty of baking, frying, steaming and refrigerating, an attractive kitchen has eye appeal, not appetite appeal. When designing today’s kitchen, determine how much use it will get. If pot pies and TV dinners are the only use for the kitchen, it can be designed for eye appeal to the max. If it’s to be a gathering place for family evening meals, it will need to be serviceable, easy to maintain and ergonomic. Don’t overdo the appliance gadgetry either. Many kitchen designs take up space with appliance gadgetry that would be better served as open space or as a kitchen library. Cooks Adore Kitchens All cooks adore kitchens. But, most professionals prefer simplicity rather than complexity. That which saves the cook time is also the cook’s best ally in the most attractive presentations of meals. Most professional chefs prefer easy access to pots, pans, utensils, stove, oven, sink, cutting board and refrigerator. This is the key to kitchen design. A kitchen should be designed no less gracefully than a choreographed ballet. The simplicity of moving from stove to refrigerator should be significant. Saving extra steps from the supply cupboard to the preparation area makes the job easier. Consider Maintenance and Clean-up When designing a kitchen, surfaces should be hygienic and easy to clean. This means avoiding food surfaces that will absorb food odors or other moisture that can be transferred during preparation to foods and preventing contamination. Keep in mind also that different types of foods require different types of preparation surfaces. Doughs and candy require a cold surface like marble, while bread doughs prefer a preparation surface that remains room temperature. Cooking is an art. Maintaining a clean kitchen is too. Therefore, it’s expedient to choose appliances with surfaces that can be easily cleaned and flooring that retains an attractive appearance with daily use. A Fluid Design Can Be A Pretty Design If the kitchen area is to be “Eat In”, placement of cabinetry and dining set is important. The design for “Eat In” kitchens should be roomy and comfortable. Place the dining set near a window if possible. This gives an airy feel to the room. Lighting is also an important part of kitchen design. Cooking areas should always be well lighted, with the dining area less so. Creating a pleasing dining area means choosing comfortable furniture with lots of “elbow room”. If possible, allow for a small nearby area of the kitchen where a “side board” can double as a quick “buffet table” as well as for serving meals. The kitchen should have a fluid design in order to achieve maximum comfort and functionality. Kitchen Accessories For “Eat In” kitchens, the accessories often set the mood for dining in. Choose curtains, napery and tableware that is attractive, yet inviting to the senses in colors that make the meal a stellar event.

Continue Reading