Gone are the days when the kitchen used to be a dark, dirty place tucked away in some corner of the house and visited by the cook only when he needed to prepare the food. The present day kitchen doubles up as a cooking and preparation zone and also as the entertainment hub of the house. Thus, the ideals for kitchen remodels have to also take into account the layout and design of the rest of the house.
Amongst the most emphasized ideals for kitchen remodels is getting the layout right. Your kitchen has to be adequate for not only cooking, but should also accommodate for sit-down meals, a computer station and even a study table for the kids. A reading area for that occasional flip through the magazine while the turkey is being roasted should also be included. All these, while at the same time having space for the guests to hover about while you are working at the meal.
However, the ideals for kitchen remodels are unanimous about one thing. Storage, preparation and cleanup are still the most important activities carried out in the kitchen. The counter space, storage, built-ins, rollout pantry and sinks form the crucial ingredients of the kitchen. Thus whatever be your ideals for kitchen remodels, it is vital that you get these basics right.
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Amongst the fundamental ideals for kitchen remodels is to create a work triangle with the refrigerator, sink and the hob. Nowadays with increasing dependence on the microwave, many designers also work towards creating an appliance work diamond.
Ideally there should be three to eight feet between the stove and refrigerator, three to six feet between the refrigerator and sink, and two to five feet between the stove and sink. You can change these parameters but keep in mind that the distances between these working areas should not be so large such that the cook has to run around or so close that he is almost bumping into things.
With busy lifestyles and long working hours, kitchens these days are almost spilling over with ready-to-eats and a host of labor saving devices. So the crucial ideals for kitchen remodels concern the storage space. You can create nifty storage spaces in and around the kitchen itself with overhead cabinets and if you are in dire need for space, you can enlarge the kitchen by pulling down a wall. You can always take up the space allotted for a never-created pantry, the back porch or a never-used entranceway or adding a portion.
Admittedly, kitchen remodeling is an expensive proposition, but you can increase the efficiency and comfort factor around the kitchen with skillful touches that won’t require you to pay though your nose. Some inexpensive ideals for kitchen remodels include going in for countertop textures that are easy to clean, a soothing paint on the walls and adequate lighting to make cooking strain-free.
Oft-overlooked ideals for kitchen remodels are having a door that is at least 32-36 inches wide so that you don’t get stuck with your armload of groceries. You should also have an anti-slip material for the floor.
Ideals for kitchen remodels should ensure many enjoyable hours in there.
by Manuel Kupka
