subject: Kitchen Design Ideas: Using Space Efficiently [print this page] Kitchen Design Ideas: Using Space Efficiently
It is a universal fact that the kitchen is the heart of any home. Every woman dreams of a kitchen that beautifully interprets her values and attitudes towards life. They may be cool and sophisticated, or warm and homely, way out and arty, or just busy and happy. In most homes the kitchen is not only where food is prepared, but also where it is eaten at least on informal occasions. For this purpose dining facilities and even entertainment, such as a TV screen or music are incorporated. Some women, who work from home, even have office space and a computer in the kitchen, and many children, especially the younger ones, opt to do their homework at the kitchen table, where Mom is handy to help if necessary.Some people like their utility areas for muddy boots, laundry and washing up in a separate room or an alcove while others like everything right there at hand in the same room.So before you even begin to design, you need to decide exactly what kind of a room it is that you want. Before you think of the dcor and atmosphere you want to create, decide on the practicalities first. Dcor and atmosphere are extremely flexible, but if your stove is in the wrong place, that is an expensive change to make, and a big disruption.When you are working with size and space, don't be deluded into thinking that a spacious' kitchen is necessarily one with large, open floor space. Floor space in a kitchen is wasted space. It is purely aesthetic. By all means enjoy open space, if plenty is available, but if your kitchen is small, incorporate as much space as possible into open working areas with just enough floor room to move around comfortably. To do this, you could consider islands or L-shaped or T-shaped countertops that jut out into the room. Worktops also create the illusion of space, they make ideal covers for most kitchen appliances below waist height, and they can make really interesting alcoves and areas in your kitchen. Don't create such a maze' of countertops that you have to work out a route to get to the different areas. Think of ease of access with every cupboard or counter you install. Try to have tall cupboards against the walls, to give more openness to the centre of the room. Tall appliances and cupboards jutting into the room or on islands can very easily make even a big room pokey. The disadvantage of L-shaped and T-shaped counter topped cupboards is that horrid, awkward corner cupboard that results! However, today all sorts of solutions are available for these. Kitchen specialists have revolving shelving that fit inside corner cupboards, and a swing of the circular shelf brings everything within instant reach. Also available are ingeniously designed swing and fold out racks that are wonderfully efficient and available for both left hand and right hand opening cupboards. Just get accurate measurements before your cupboards are built, so you can be sure they will fit.Modern kitchen cabinet design ideas aim to make the most out of the limited space that many kitchens have. We got some great space saving ideas from this kitchens melbourne designer.
