This week we are looking at what some people regard as the heart of the home: the kitchen. Have a look at your kitchen and see if you can immediately make use of some of these ideas. Put function first. There is no ideal layout or shape for a kitchen. Your lifestyle, the number, height and size of the people using the kitchen, whether any of the cooks is left-handed, whether you entertain in the kitchen, if you use the kitchen for other activities (e.g. laundry), for instance, will determine the optimal kitchen design. What has become universally accepted, however, is the concept of a work triangle. The three points of the triangle is determined by the placement of the refrigerator, stove and sink. If you place these too far apart, you waste a lot of steps while preparing a meal. If they are too close to each other you have a cramped kitchen without adequate space to work.
• Each point of the triangle should be between 4 and 9 feet apart
• The total of all three sides should be between 12 and 26 feet
• Ideally, no obstructions (cabinets, islands, etc.) should intersect any side of the work triangle
• Household traffic should not flow through the work triangle
Energy efficient appliances. Do some research and select the most energy efficient models for your kitchen. You would be contributing to a better environment and saving money all in one swoop. Under using or overloading your appliances wastes energy. Analyse your requirements and acquire appliances with the optimal capacity for your needs. Top-freezer refrigerators and chest freezers models are more energy efficient.
Never too much storage. Plan your storage around what you use and how you use them. Place frequently used items in easy reach; within 22 – 72 inches above the floor. Try to keep your countertops clutter free; use innovations such as deep drawers for pots, cookbook holders, lazy susans, pantry cabinetry, appliance garages, pull-out and tilt-out bins, and pull-out shelves. Carry overhead cabinets right to the ceiling. Don't forget aesthetics. Juxtapose your cabinetry with open shelving; use wicker or wire baskets. Or, use three walls of closed cabinetry with an open floor plan connecting into an adjacent room. The style of your cabinetry will, for a large part, determine the style of your kitchen.
Develop a lighting plan. Proper lighting improves the function and appearance of your kitchen. Overhead lighting is insufficient. You want the light in front of you, not casting shadows behind you. Supplement overhead lights with under-cabinet and other task lighting. For energy efficiency choose fluorescent fixtures and bulbs instead of incandescent; use dimmer switches and occupancy sensors. Don't forget the value of natural light. If privacy and security issues allow, ensure that window treatments allow maximum lighting.
Pay attention to horizontal surfaces. Choosing your flooring and counter-tops are critical design and functional decisions. Choose the best surface for your lifestyle and budget. Choose a surface that is easy to care for and work on. Tile flooring is popular here in Trinidad. It is durable, attractive, comes in many styles and colours and cleans easily. But, it can be a killer on your legs and back when you have to stand for long periods. Tile counter-tops can be attractive. But the grout can discolour and become unattractive. Other flooring options include laminate, hardwood, vinyl and stone. Laminate looks like wood, but is easier to maintain and is easier on the back and legs. Stone is durable and attractive and its natural look is popular today. But it is porous and requires special sealing. As flooring stone is also hard on the back and a stone counter-top but is susceptible to stains. Maintaining a good sealed finish is critical.
Backsplash equity. Your backsplash presents a serious opportunity for decorative equity. Mosaic glass tiles are a very popular and attractive option. Stainless steel finishes have also found favour in modern and transitional style kitchens. Tile remains an affordable, functional and versatile choice. The backsplash is another element that can influence the aesthetics of the space. Waste disposal. We have come a long way. Appliances such as trash compactors and waste disposal units are great devices for treating with kitchen waste. They contribute to the efficiency and health of the space. Under-cabinet trash bin pullouts keep the 'nasties' out of sight and garbage odours entombed. Range hoods help ventilate cooking odours. Choose the ones that vent to the outside if your budget allows.
Ann Moore-Spencer
Beyond Drapery Limited
Email: beyonddrapery@tstt.net.tt
Website: www.beyonddrapery.com
