Principles of Kitchen Design
- Surfaces should be easy to clean with as few joins as possible. This minimises bacteria breeding areas.
- The room should be well lit so work can be carried out safely.
- Storage areas for utensils and food should be adequate and easily reached.
- Food preparation areas are needed beside the stove and the sink; if possible there should also be bench space beside the refrigerator.
- Adequate ventilation and exhaust is a must.
- Space for table and chairs or stools.
- Choose a livable colour scheme - too many bright colours can be overpowering.
- Floor surfaces should be kind to your legs.
A successful kitchen design responds to the user's lifestyle, the needs of all the family members, material and style preferences, spacial constraints and the budget.
Taking all this into consideration design your own kitchen, taking the following things into considerations: -
- the shape or floor plan
- positioning of doors (allow room for them to open & shut)
- windows
- aspect i.e. which way the windows face - north, south, east or west
- benches
- cupboards (both floor level & overhead)
- light fittings
- power points
- placement of appliances
- the work triangle
- colour scheme
- types of materials used for surfaces - walls, benches, cupboards & floors
- any furniture
Click here to download the Kitchen Appliance Checklist