A kitchen isn’t just a place where food is prepared for eating. Its true function is to be the center of family life, not solely where food is cooked and dishes are washed in a centrally located space, but also where everyone gets together to socialize in many cases.
Kitchens have many secondary functions that include dining, entertaining, homework assistance, and storage space for food, among many others. As such, this article will explore how to create kitchens that incorporate all of these uses while designing an efficient work area with storage and consideration for the needs of both small children and elderly family members.
How to Create a Kitchen Layout
Creating a layout for a kitchen is not too difficult, but it does require careful consideration. The first step to creating your ideal kitchen layout is deciding which room will accommodate it – and you need to determine what your kitchen will be used for and who it will use it in order to fulfill this step.
Of course, if there are only one or two adults who will be doing simple cooking, a small breakfast area that has a stool and beverage center with hot plates may be sufficient. However, if you plan to use your kitchen as a workspace for the whole family – and children are part of said family – you will need to consider how the space is laid out and whether the materials incorporated are hardwearing.
Choosing Materials
A kitchen needs to be durable and practical, yet it might also need to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whatever the case, there are three main types of materials that you can use for a kitchen: wood, tile, and painted metal.
Even though wood is a classic material for the kitchen, tile is often more practical because it can be used in high-traffic areas where accidents are more likely. For some inspiration in this area, it’s worth looking at sites like Legacy Countertops to get ideas on materials and design for a hardwearing kitchen that both functions and looks the part.
Flooring
From a durability standpoint, tiles are better than wooden floors or painted metal because they last longer with wear and tear. Plus, tile is also easier to clean since it’s less porous than wood.
However, tiles can be more expensive than other flooring materials and may need protection to maintain their best look and functionality.
Conversely, painted metal appliances and wall cans can be a practical alternative to tile, but they can scratch, dent, or break easily because they are not as durable as tile. Additionally, painted metal may get stained by spills, which means they should be cleaned regularly to prevent marks from becoming more permanent.
Generally speaking, if you cannot afford a tile floor or a painted-metal kitchen, you may want to opt for textured wood that is breathable and easy to clean instead. This is the safer, budget-friendly option that still possesses a high level of practicality and functionality while also offering versatility in terms of style and aesthetic.
Colors
Dark colors make a room feel smaller, while light colors make the room feel larger. Therefore, if you want to create a space that is spacious and feels more open, you should use light colors.
Overall, the best light color for a kitchen is white or off-white shades because it makes it easier to spot dirt and spills. Solid colors also have a more modern look and are easier to clean. Still, lighter colors do show stains and marks far more, so you’ll need to keep on top of regular cleaning to keep your kitchen looking spick and span.
