Archicentre's Design Tips for Kitchens


Plan benchtops in close proximity of cooktop and sink

Today's kitchen is the centrepiece of the home. No longer hidden from visitors, it smoothly integrates into living areas.

The kitchen also has more responsibility, fulfilling a myriad of purposes, from entertainment to office work - complimenting our busy lives.

Below are some designing tips when planning your kitchen

  •  Design the kitchen in unison with the living and meals area. The kitchen should face a large window that helps monitor outside activity and draws good, natural lighting.

  • For investment value, a minimalist look is functional and also timeless. Many kitchens are designed with the integrated look that conceals everything behind cabinets. Archicentre architects are up-to-date with all the latest trends and styles.

  •  Minimise traffic. For safety and design purposes, the kitchen should never be used as a corridor into another room. Ask an Archicentre architect on the best place to locate the kitchen.

  •  For functional brilliance, remember two factors when planning kitchen spaces:
    1. Preparing and cooking: Provide bench space beside cooktop and sink. The refrigerator, cooktop and sink should fit within a compact triangle.
    2. Cleaning and storing: Place drawers near the sink for easy storage.

  •  Ensure bright, shadowless light reaches all work stations. Archicentre architects may suggest using dimmable lights to change the atmosphere at meal sittings

  •  Keep bench heights at a maximum of 920 mm. Anything shorter or taller depends on the height of the person. Allow the Archicentre architect to select a suitable height for you.

  •  Select cabinetry based on the size and amount of individual kitchenware. Don't underestimate storage space. If you like to use large cook pots, a larger sink may be needed.

  •  Exhaust the range hood to the exterior to control cooking smells.
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Archicentre's tips on kitchen finishes

  •  According to Archicentre architects, the quality of finishes separate a great kitchen from a mediocre one. Granite bench tops are still popular, but there are now many alternatives such as reconstituted quartz. These new materials are stronger, have a heat and scratch resistant surface and are also non-porous, which means red wine does not stain.  

  •  For a stylish, contemporary look, round off your bench tops. It can also prevent injuries to young children.

  •  All-natural linoleum works magic in a kitchen. It has nice warmth underfoot and it cushions dropped items, leaving few breakables.

  •  Gas cook tops and ranges are efficient and heat up really fast. They also allow more control over the flames to cook delicate sauces.


Plan storage near sink and dishwasher for easy access

 

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