When you consider your kitchen design, ask yourself, “Does this layout work?” It’s easy to get so caught up in the aesthetics and finishes that you lose sight of the room’s functionality. The goal is to put the right items in the right place to make the space more enjoyable to live with and easier to use.
Rearranging the layout of your kitchen is not as simple as it seems. There are several factors to consider: the size of your kitchen, the traffic flow, the appliances, the location of the sink, where you’re going to place your workstation, etc. If you get it wrong, it can cause a lot of inconveniences and create a lot of problems in the future.
The most important thing to consider when planning your kitchen layout is “How will people move through your kitchen?”
Without a good layout, people will have to take a circuitous route when moving through your kitchen, and it will be a lot harder to keep track of what’s going on. If someone is in the middle of cooking and can’t find the ingredients they need, it can ruin the whole day. So, if you don’t pay close attention to how people move through the space, it can cause a lot of ills.
Here are some kitchen layout mistakes that you should avoid.
Not Considering a Good Kitchen Workflow
It’s essential to understand how your kitchen’s flow and traffic pattern will work. The flow through your kitchen can be controlled by the placement of the refrigerator, the sink, and the stove. The function of the room will determine where the appliances should go.
Good kitchen workflow refers to using the space between the refrigerator, sink, and stove to move around the kitchen quickly. You want to make sure that the flow is ergonomic, logical, and efficient.
Failing to Allow Enough Circulation Space
We’ve all been in a kitchen where the circulation is too tight. You bump into the countertops, stub your toe on the table leg, or trip over the dog. If you don’t have enough space to move around, it’s probably because you haven’t allowed enough room to walk in your kitchen.
Being able to walk through a room without feeling cramped is an excellent gauge to help you determine if your kitchen layout has enough circulation space.
Most people try to design their kitchens with a 90-cm walking radius. If you can walk around in a space, it will probably be okay. However, if you’re bumping into things all the time, you need to redesign your kitchen’s layout.
Failing to Measure the Appliances
Appliances have to be placed in a specific location to work properly. The refrigerator, for example, should be located in an area with a comfortable temperature.
If your refrigerator is near the stove, you must take the heat into account when you’re planning your kitchen layout. The oven will cause the temperature in this part of the room to rise, so you’ll need to figure out if you can keep the refrigerator in this area or not.
When planning your kitchen layout, the appliances need to be measured to understand how much space you’ll need to allow for them. Measuring the appliances will help you see if you have enough room for them, where the ducts need to be placed, and how much space you’ll need to keep them from the walls.
Conclusion
A lot of bad layout decisions can be avoided during the planning process if you take your time to think about the flow of the space and how you can take advantage of it.
For most people, it’s a good idea to take the time to plan out your new kitchen before you start the renovation. You’ll be able to see all of your options and make informed decisions about your kitchen layout. When your plan is laid out and you have a good idea of how the space will work, you’ll be able to visualise how everything will fit in the room.
Looking to do a full kitchen renovation in Mandurah? It’s best to consult the professionals. Azztek Kitchen provides a complete kitchen renovation package that includes kitchen design, appliances, accessories, trades, and locally made cabinetry. Book a consultation with us!
