Open Plan Kitchen Dining Room
Interior designer and TV presenter Julia Kendell explains how to plan a kitchen that's perfect for your space and lifestyle.
Find The Right Place
Be prepared to look creatively at the floor-plan of your property. You may be able to create the space you want, without extending, by knocking through to a seldom-used study or dining room, or by stealing room from adjacent built-in cupboards or a utility area. You could also look at the possibility of relocating the kitchen to another area of the house. Whatever you decide, always have the room design drawn up before starting building work and consider the plans carefully. Even a simple thing like changing the position of a doorway can make the difference between a successful layout, or a compromised design.
What About Open-Plan?
Open-plan kitchens offer the opportunity to be connected to family and guests while preparing a meal. Relaxed and informal, this arrangement appears to tick all the boxes for modern living but there are a few issues to consider before any walls come down. It's always wise to be realistic about how tidy you are. Are you comfortable with your guests watching as you prepare the supper? Cooking smells can be off-putting and highly efficient ventilation is essential to minimising odours spreading to other areas. Noise can also be problematic. While it's practical to be able to keep a close eye on young children as they play, a separate playroom with glass doors has big advantages when a favourite video is being watched for the umpteenth time.
A Working Layout
Check your proposed layout carefully to be sure that there's sufficient space for everything to be used efficiently and comfortably. Run through how it would work preparing some of your favourite meals. Is everything to hand? An island where family and friends can perch is at the top of most wish-lists but a large floorspace is essential to make these work well. Plan for 1100-1200mm of clear space between the edge of the worktops and the island unit, so there is plenty of room to move around between the two. Ideally, the dishwasher should be sited next to the sink and with cutlery and crockery storage within easy reach. Tableware should be kept close to the dining table to make setting the table as quick and easy as possible. Be wary of having a hob on an island if there are small children in the house, as it's a safety risk carrying pans of hot liquid from the island across to the sink.
Worktops And Appliances
Appliances are a big investment and it's worth taking time to do your research to check running costs, decibel ratings, and to avoid paying for functions that you won't ever use. Investigate retailers and manufacturers that have showrooms where you can book a visit to be shown the appliances first-hand. Worktops vary enormously in practicality and price. Whittle down the options by your budget, whether you want a dark or pale colour, gloss or matt finish, and your practical requirements. Granite is still one of the most popular choices. The colour range of composite worktops make them a great choice for contemporary kitchens. Marble is stunning but porous and not ideal as a surface in a busy area where staining is a risk. Consider using it as a splashback, or on an island. Timber surfaces need regular maintenance to keep them in good condition.
Style And Decoration
Ultimately the floor needs to be practical and durable but it can also form an important decorative element of the room. Timber brings a natural look that's soft and warm underfoot – engineered boards are very practical. Ceramic and porcelain floor tiles will last many years, can bring pattern to the scheme and are great when combine with underfloor heating for warmth. Stone tiles are naturally warmer and come in interesting colours but may need regular sealing. Bring colour into the room on the walls, or with a glass splashback. A bold shade can work well as there are other neutral elements in a kitchen that will balance the overall effect. Add texture with seating, fabrics and wall finishes to create a cosy feel. Choose large pieces such as an over-sized clock, or mirror for extra interest.
Catch The Trends
Modern classic, painted units with pared-back detail and simple styling lead the field. Shades of grey and off-white are key paint colours. Hi-gloss black and white kitchens are back in vogue. Teaming coloured units with wood is great for larger rooms where the combination can be used to break the uniformity of a long run of cabinets. In smaller kitchens, wall units are being replaced with open shelving to open up the space and produce an uncluttered look. Mirrored plinths produce a floating effect and make the floorspace seem bigger.
- Words: Julia Kendell
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Source: https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/decorate/kitchen/news/a107/how-to-plan-the-perfect-kitchen/
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