Hard kitchen design requires a focused approach for any project. Every kitchen needs to be tailored to the specific needs of its owner, and must take into consideration the physical layout of the kitchen. It is important to create a design that is practical and comfortable to use; a great storage plan will also help make the kitchen more organized and efficient. The first step in creating a functional hard kitchen design is to establish a good floor plan. Working out the size of the kitchen and the layout of its corners and walls will allow plenty of preparation & storage space. A U-shape, G-shape, and L-shape kitchen designs have been tested and proven efficient for many households. Professional kitchen designers may also suggest additional design elements such as a peninsula or island. Theses elements can be much needed expansion space for food preparation purposes as well as storage. For those with limited space, custom made kitchen furniture in modular or semi-custom styles might be a much better option to maximize functionality. A hard kitchen design should provide plenty of storage, and each appliance should have its own dedicated storage space. Cabinets can provide the perfect surface for spices, jars, and dishware, while drawers, shelves, traps and hooks can be wisely placed to offer easy access to utensils, pans, and gadgets. Independence drawers are a popular design solution for safely storing heavy objects such as pots and kitchen appliances. Adding a touch of style and warmth to a hard kitchen design is easy with the addition of materials such as granite, wood, marble, and ceramic. Wallpapers, wood panels, and inserts can help personalize the kitchen space. Medium or large tiles mounted on the walls or floors can also add character and a decorative flavor to the overall design. Finally, accurate placement of lighting fixtures and strategically placed water proof finishes will make the space not just functional but practical as well.PRIMARY_Hard Kitchen Design: Creating a Functional Layout
Creating an open kitchen design is quickly becoming the most sought after way of sprucing up the heart of the home. An open kitchen combines both the countertop and appliance space with the living/dining area, making it easier to connect with others while preparing meals, and creating a much warmer and inviting atmosphere. It also changes the way meals are prepared and consumed, as an open kitchen invites people to stay longer and linger over their food. For starters, open kitchen designs allow for more light and air to pass in between the living room, dining area and the cooking and preparation zone. This can also help create a sense of openness within a smaller kitchen area; by transforming the walls into living furniture, or removing them completely, you can open up the kitchen, and make it much brighter and bigger than it actually is. A bigger window with a wider sill can also help create more natural light, and adding halogen lighting can help set just the right ambiance for cooking and relaxing. An open kitchen design allows homeowners to arrange their kitchen area to their liking. This way, they can experiment with a different types of counters, shelves, and other design elements. By adding pendant lights and several smaller kitchen appliances, the open kitchen can become the perfect place for styled dining and relaxed living. Plus, it can also further light up small appliances and shelves, providing a fully functional kitchen for meal preparation every day of the week. The open kitchen design concept works perfectly for those who love to entertain. With the transition of the kitchen and living/dining area, it becomes much simpler to mingle with guests while food is being prepared, or to keep an eye on dinner while conversation is still going strong in the next room. An island is a fantastic way to bring the two areas together, and it allows for a much more interactive cooking experience – perfect for those who just love to entertain. PRIMARY_Open Kitchen Design Ideas and Layouts