The modern kitchen has evolved from a utilitarian space to a home’s social center. It’s not only meal preparation that happens in the kitchen: now it’s where we eat together, do homework with our kids, manage the household, and socialize with family and friends. However, all of these activities mean that we now spend more time cleaning up than ever before. It is also critical that your kitchen be built in such a way that chores are cleverly reduced to produce the ultimate stress-free kitchen.
Here are a few pointers to help you cope with the bustle and reasonably stress-free finish of your kitchen remodel.
1. Begin by examining the work triangle
It was in the 1920s that the work triangle was originally devised in the United States as a means of improving the efficiency of today’s kitchens. The goal of arranging these three appliances in a triangle is to minimize the time spent moving between the refrigerator, stove, and sink while cooking.
Although some may view the work triangle as antiquated, an ergonomic layout that facilitates easy travel between three focal points (the sink, the stove, and the refrigerator) is still important in the modern kitchen.
2. Placement in relation to function
It is crucial to put appliances in the areas where they will be utilized the most when planning a kitchen layout. When loading dirty dishes, having quick access to a sink or prep basin is essential.
In addition to saving time, having the dishwasher next to the cabinets housing the dishes and glasses helps eliminate the need to transfer them. The same logic applies to placing a coffee and tea station near a sink and the refrigerator. There are a lot of little things like that that may really improve the usability of a kitchen.
3. Think about the flow
Consider how many people will be using the kitchen at once, even if it is large. Always leave at least 900 millimeters (1 2/3 inches) of clearance around appliances in the kitchen, and 1200 millimeters (5 9/10 inches) where the door of an oven, dishwasher, or washing machine opens. There won’t be any bottlenecks in the kitchen thanks to this arrangement, even if all the equipment is in use at once.
4. Facilitate cleanup
It’s amazing what a difference a few minor adjustments can make when it comes to making your kitchen workspace more pleasant. Maintain a container close to your primary cooking space. Provide space for a cabinet beneath, over, or adjacent to the sink to keep cleaning supplies like dish soap handy. Put your primary trash can and recycling bin at the rear door so you can quickly get rid of rubbish when it’s time.
5. Everything in its place, and everything in its place
Clutter is a documented stress trigger as well as an eyesore and a nuisance to clean. Making sure there’s adequate space to put things is crucial for a stress-free kitchen. If there’s room, install a kitchen island that also serves as a hidden storage place.
There is no need to sacrifice vertical space because of a lack of floor space because overhead cabinets can extend all the way to the ceiling. Unused things are best kept in high cabinets. Don’t forget to install a pull-out ladder in your kitchen design so you can access those upper cabinets.
6. Set a budget for renovation
It’s crucial to set reasonable spending goals. Avoid falling in love with an out-of-your-price-range style or spending too much money. If you tell your kitchen designer what you can spend, they can come up with innovative solutions that won’t break the bank. If your kitchen designer is aware of the whole amount you have to spend, they will be able to provide you with alternatives as you go along.
7. Have an operational temporary kitchen
Identify a location in your home where you could install a makeshift kitchen. Make use of an area of your house that can serve as a makeshift kitchen. Place your food, paper plates, and other necessities here, as well as your microwave, toaster oven, and refrigerator.
If you do any remodeling between now and fall, you’ll have plenty of time to set up your grill outside and enjoy the weather. Many people also find it handy to print out or save online takeout menus. Plan meals ahead of time in the makeshift kitchen so that you don’t get too annoyed with the situation.
Conclusion
A well-thought-out kitchen layout creates an environment where cooking and relaxing are equally possible. If you want a stress-free cooking environment, plan your kitchen carefully from the start. It’s true that renovating your kitchen isn’t without its difficulties, but knowing what to expect can help alleviate some of the tension. To reiterate, there is no such thing as a stress-free kitchen remodel or new-home build. But if you take your time, do your research, and consult with experts like MegaTec, you may have the kitchen of your dreams with minimal hassle.
