We have all heard about Kitchen Interior Design. But why is it so important? What does it even mean? You might be considering redoing your kitchen or building a new home. In any case, kitchen interior design will play a major role. Thus, you would like to know what it means, where, when, and how to get started. Learn all you need to know to get started with your project.
Topics this article will cover:
What is kitchen interior design?
Kitchen interior design is a process. You create a functional and aesthetic kitchen space to prepare and cook food. In this process, you select kitchen elements and consider the layout and ergonomics. Kitchen design projects range from simple updates to complete remodels.
Why is kitchen interior design important?
There are many reasons why kitchen interior design considerations are important. Those can range from creating a functional and aesthetic space to resale value.
Functionality:
A well-designed kitchen should be functional, easy to navigate, and efficient to use. You should optimize the layout, appliance, and storage solutions for your personal needs. Enjoy a functional kitchen in many ways.
Efficiency:
A functional kitchen allows for efficient meal preparation and cooking. You can access all the needed tools and equipment. A well-designed layout and flow reduce the time and effort required by you to prepare meals.
Safety:
You should have your safety in mind while designing your kitchen.
Prevent clutter and potential hazards. Allow for proper placement of appliances, equipment, and counter and storage space.
Ergonomics:
Cut the stain on your body during food preparation and cooking. Consider proper counter heights, lighting, and well-placed appliances in your kitchen interior design.
Storage:
A functional kitchen includes ample storage space. Organize your kitchen to have easy access to pots, pans, utensils, and food items.
Entertaining:
A functional kitchen allows you easy entertaining. Plan space for guests, good lighting, and easy flow between the kitchen and other home areas.
Quality of Life:
A functional kitchen can improve the quality of life. It makes your cooking, cleaning, and meal preparation more efficient, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Aesthetics:
A kitchen is often the focal point of a home. Your kitchen should catch your eye. The design should reflect your personal style and create a space that you enjoy spending time in.
Resale value:
A well-designed kitchen can increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell. A functional and beautiful kitchen can be a major selling point for potential buyers.
Energy Efficiency:
A good kitchen design can help in energy conservation. You can place appliances in optimal locations and choose energy-efficient options.
Comfort:
A well-designed kitchen can be more comfortable for you to work in. By choosing good lighting, ergonomic appliances and surfaces, and ample storage space. I will make food preparation, cooking, and clean-up enjoyable.
Cost savings:
A well-designed kitchen can save you money. You can reduce the need for future remodels. Optimize your storage space and select durable materials that will last for a long time.
Which occasions make you consider a kitchen design project?
There are several reasons that may have you consider a new kitchen. Those can include moving to a new home or an outdated kitchen. Or are you considering selling your property and you'd like to increase your home value? Or you may have had Lifestyle changes such as a marriage or having children. You might consider increasing the functionality and energy efficiency of your current kitchen.
When to start designing a kitchen?
There is no specific time that you should start your kitchen interior design. The starting point depends on your personal circumstances. Yet, the nature of your construction project is important. You might approach a kitchen design for a new build in a different way than a kitchen remodel.
Different Construction Types for your kitchen interior design project:
The way you approach your design depends on your construction type. Below you will learn about the different types:
1. New Home Construction
New residential construction grants you the ultimate flexibility in designing your dream kitchen. You should consider incorporating your preferred kitchen layout as early as possible. When conceptualizing your house your Architect should be familiar with your kitchen ideas. During this stage, there are no constraints on your kitchen design. Thus, you should learn about potential kitchen layouts early on. By sharing your ideas with your Architect, he can conceptualize your house according. Your Architect considers the kitchen planning depth as well as the aisle clearance. This will ensure a barrier-free workflow. You can also seek the support of a kitchen design specialist. They will help you to shape and articulate your kitchen dreams.
2. Kitchen renovation | Partial kitchen refurbishment
Many homebuyers consider a kitchen renovation or remodeling when purchasing a home. Motivations could be the desire for a modernized kitchen or the wear and tear of the existing one. You have to decide whether you want to renovate and renew the whole kitchen or a part of it. You should consider your design and functional expectations when choosing the project type. Consider your budget for the kitchen renovation as well.
Partial kitchen refurbishment:
This type of kitchen remodeling will cost you the least money.
The following can a part of a partial kitchen renovation and refurbishment project:
replace appliances and fixtures
replace or paint the kitchen front doors and hardware
install new countertops and backsplashes.
Such kitchen renovation projects enhance the existing kitchen aesthetics. On the downside, they won't add functional improvements to your kitchen.
Complete kitchen renovation | Kitchen replacement:
A full kitchen renovation is more complex, time-consuming, costly, and risky for you. But it allows you to create a kitchen tailored to your needs. This will not only improve aesthetics, but it will also increase functionality. A kitchen design specialist helps exhaust the full potential of your kitchen space. They will help you to find the best design for your needs and desires.
Starting Point for your Kitchen Interior Design -Factors to consider
With a kitchen remodel project, you will have more flexibility. You are in charge of your starting point. Yet, there are a few things to consider when deciding of when to start your project.
Timing of your remodel:
If you consider a kitchen remodel, it is best to start designing your kitchen in advance. The actual renovation shouldn't start until your plans are set. This will give you ample time to plan, research, and make decisions. You can think about design, cabinet materials, and appliances without any rush.
Budget:
Designing your kitchen can be an expensive process. It is important to have a clear budget in mind before starting. This way you can make informed decisions about the design and materials.
Availability of contractors:
With major remodeling, it is important to consider the availability of contractors. Especially if you are planning to do the remodel in a busy season. Since Covid started in 2020 it got even more difficult to find a good contractor that's available.
Personal readiness:
It's also important to consider your personal readiness for a remodel. If you are not prepared to make decisions or to see your kitchen in disarray for a period of time, it may be better to wait.
Overall, it is best to start designing your kitchen when you are ready to commit to the process. You should have the time, budget, and resources to complete it.
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How to start designing a kitchen?
Taking the first steps towards your new fitted kitchen is different for everyone. Some people seek inspiration on the web to get a sense of the desired kitchen interior design. Others prefer to start by planning and designing a rough kitchen layout. However, we created a list of steps for you to follow:
1. Analyze your kitchen
Within this step, you should take a look at your current kitchen. Further, you should consider your personal situation, wishes and needs.
1. Assess your current kitchen:
Take a close look at your current kitchen and consider what works well and what doesn't. Make a list of your likes and dislikes.
2. Determine your needs and wants:
Consider how you use your kitchen and make a list of your needs and wants for the space. This can include things like storage, counter space, and appliances.
Using a checklist can help to structure this task. With the information gathered, you can start your interior design project.
Simple Kitchen Design Checklist
Household size |Room Dimensions| Plans & Goals (Real estate - Family Planning)
Cooking behavior |Purpose of the kitchen
Budget
Project type (New construction | Renovation) | Architectural modifications
Appliances (existing | new | mounting type)
Kitchen Environment (Storage Spaces |Multi-Purpose of the Kitchen Space)
Kitchen Design (kitchen style | kitchen type)
Cabinet Types | Special Cabinets
Work conditions | Work environment
Small Appliances
Sink Type | Faucet
Waste System
Lighting and other
Countertop
Seating
2. Take room measurements
To start with your layout design, you will need to the room measurements. You can either take those in the existing kitchen or use architectural drawings of your home. When taking your own measurements, you should:
take dimensions of your kitchen space
ceiling heights
windows, and doors
existing electrical and plumbing locations
3. Start designing your layout
Once you analyzed your kitchen and gathered the measurements you can start designing. You can design your kitchen yourself or seek professional help. A professional kitchen design specialist can help to outline a suitable kitchen layout. Following simple design rules will ensure a functional kitchen interior design.
1. Research design options:
There are many ways for you to research design options. You can find kitchen ideas and inspiration. Browse online, in magazines, or in kitchen showrooms to get an idea of what styles and layouts you like. Many different kitchen brands offer you a variety of options for your project.
2. Create a mood board:
Collect images, samples, and materials that you would like to include in your kitchen. This can include paint colors, tile samples, and cabinet styles.
3. Develop a plan:
Create a rough plan of your kitchen layout. This includes the placement of appliances, storage, and counter space.
4. Consult with professionals:
Consult with a kitchen designer. They can provide expert advice on the design, materials, and cost of your project.
Kitchen brands you may like:
7 Kitchen Interior Design Rules
Simple design rules help you design a functional kitchen for any space. You should follow those to the best of your ability. Space limitations as well as your expectations and wishes can make this challenging.
1. Work triangle
The work triangle consists of the corner points cooling, cooking and cleaning. You should keep this area as narrow as possible to avoid unnecessary steps. You may consider keeping this area free of pass-through traffic for optimal workflow.
2. Kitchen - the social heart of your home
Kitchens are often used to socialize and gather. When designing such a social space, you need to be mindful of your work triangle. You want to avoid having others interrupt your workflow. By considering possible pathways used by others you can design according. You need to ensure, that you can work uninterrupted even if 2 points of your work triangle are being used.
3. Aisle clearance
Allow for enough aisle clearance when considering your kitchen. As a rule of thumb, this should be at least 36". At the same time distances over 52" cause unnecessary steps to take.
4. Consider local building codes
Be aware of local building codes as well as building regulations that may apply. You may want to seek guidance from your Architect and building management.
5. Avoid collision
Often you will find kitchen where doors open the wrong way, do not open at all or collide with others. When planning a functional kitchen, you want to avoid such errors. Drawing and considering door openings of cabinets and appliances into architectural drawings help. This way such errors can be foreseen and avoided.
6. Take workflow into account
Providing an optimal workflow, you want to avoid unnecessary walkways. Also, you should plan enough countertop space for food preparation. You may want to locate them close to the cooktop and water station. Think about your workflows, what equipment you need for tasks and your walkways. This will help you to plan efficient workflows in your kitchen interior design.
7. Kitchen landings
Provide landing areas, especially near the refrigerator and your pantries. Particularly after grocery shopping, you can use those to unpack. Such a surface is also useful near your oven, to place hot bakeware without long walks and detours.
Which kitchen design is most efficient?
There are many shapes of kitchen layouts. As L-shape, U-shape, G-shape, single or double lined, as well as with or without an island. But which of these kitchen designs is the most efficient based on the design rules above?
There is no universal answer to this question. Every space demands a different approach. The Room along with your expectations and wishes set the stage. Thus, a perfect kitchen solution considers those factors, and the kitchen design rules. The most efficient kitchen interior design is thus an individual matter.
Who designs kitchen?
You can plan your own kitchen interior design as a DIY project. An online kitchen planner can help you design your kitchen layout. As an alternative, you can draw up your kitchen in scale. You will need a pencil, a scale ruler and architectural paper.
There are many professionals that can help you with your kitchen design. They are happy to support you with your project. You can hire Architects, Interior Designers, Kitchen sales staff, or independent kitchen specialists.
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