It’s All About Space and Storage: Things to Consider When Choosing Your Kitchen Layout and Design

For many people, kitchen layout and design are the most exciting parts of building or remodelling the kitchen. Considering how much time we spend in them, this is not surprising. Because it’s such an important space, planning the kitchen is worth the time and research it takes to ensure that it functions comfortably and efficiently. Keep these ten design considerations in mind as you plan your kitchen.

Cabinet Height

Whether you are 7′-0″ or 4′-5″ the cabinets need to fit you. Base cabinets are 36″ standard height, but most manufacturers can modify the height if necessary to make it comfortable for you when you are in the kitchen working. Wall cabinets also come in various heights, so make sure that you can reach the shelves. Even if you go with a standard height you can lower or raise the placement of the cabinets to accommodate your height.

Storage

The biggest reason people remodel their kitchens is for more storage. As you are designing your kitchen, ask yourself what you need to store. Do you need access to your five mixers? How much food storage do you need? Do you want a special place for Grandma’s china? If you can make a list of exactly how much you want to store and why, when you are designing your space you can make sure that nothing is left out.

Function

Just because your new kitchen is pretty doesn’t mean that it functions well. Make sure it works for your family’s lifestyle. If you entertain a lot, space for everyone to help, or having the kitchen open to an adjacent room, would be ideal. If your family eats in the kitchen, make sure there is a place for them to sit and stay. Also, keep things you use on a regular basis close at hand. If you have to go to the pantry every day for your cereal bowl, you won’t be happy. See how you use your space now, and make notes of where things could be better.

Style

You probably have an idea of what you want your new kitchen to look like, but not everyone does. The style of your cabinets can make a big impact. If you want to have a more contemporary look, try slab or shaker style doors. If you want a more traditional look, raised panel doors will achieve it. Colour also plays a key part here. Darker colours can feel more modern, while a painted white kitchen can be more country. Keep in mind that you want something that won’t feel outdated in five years.

Hardware

Cabinet hardware is jewellery for the cabinetry. It can be big and shiny, or simple and understated. It can also help you say your cabinetry is modern or traditional. Cabinet hardware is not a requirement. Just think about who will be using the kitchen on a regular basis and what works best for them. Also, if you are going to live in this house far into your golden years, make sure you pick something that will work for aging hands. Handles or pulls are better than knobs.

Renovate your kitchen with Masterpiece Cabinetry. In addition to kitchens in new homes, we also conduct kitchen makeovers in Melbourne, turning the dull chipped and hideously unfashionable into the sleek, functional and enviable.