Today, designer kitchens are the norm rather than the exception. Designer needn't necessarily mean only aesthetics, but could include functionality too. Such kitchens are ergonomic and well-planned, observes Mala Ashok.
Do some of you recall those cold, dark, small kitchens, perhaps in your grandmother's or great grandmothers' homes? Fortunately these are kitchens of the past, when cooking spaces were not given too much importance.
The good news is that now when we look at a kitchen, we look at it as one of the most important rooms in the home. Husband and wife are equal partners, and the man often spends as much time in the kitchen as his wife does. The children are encouraged to lend a helping hand.
The better news is that designer kitchens are the norm rather than the exception. When we say 'designer', we mean not just aesthetics but rather functionality. Designer kitchens are necessarily ergonomic.
Today's well-planned kitchens are designed or should be with more than one cook in mind. If you are buying a new flat, insist on having a say in the design of the kitchen and incorporate ergonomic designs right at beginning.
Counter height
One important aspect that is often neglected is the height of the counters. It is necessary that the countertop is suitable for anyone who uses the kitchen. You may need different counter heights but this is a great design idea since any cook - yes husband or wife - can work without needing to bend unnecessarily or stand on their tiptoes!
You cannot cook without the items you have stored; thus storage is important in any kitchen design. To be most effective, storage should be designed such that heavy items can be stored between hip and shoulder height in order to avoid over-stretching.
Medium weight items should be below the heaviest items, while the lightest items afford the most flexibility - they can be placed in the below the knees or above eye level.
When you are thinking of storage, think of access. Consider pull-down shelving n high cabinets and 'lazy Susans.' Lazy Susans are circular or 'half moon' rotating shelves installed within a cabinet to enable access to hard-to-reach areas.
Make sure that your cooking appliance matches your needs. The spanking new four-burner with oven range, may look nice in your neighbour's flat, but will you really use it?
You may be the type who is most comfortable with two or three burners and a microwave. If so, this is what you should invest in. Microwave ovens should be at a height that is most convenient to you. If possible, a microwave oven should not be on your counter top. If you have the luxury of creating a space for it in the building stage, make sure you avail of this opportunity.
A well-planned kitchen will be a place you love and where you can love what you are doing.
Do some of you recall those cold, dark, small kitchens, perhaps in your grandmother's or great grandmothers' homes? Fortunately these are kitchens of the past, when cooking spaces were not given too much importance.
The good news is that now when we look at a kitchen, we look at it as one of the most important rooms in the home. Husband and wife are equal partners, and the man often spends as much time in the kitchen as his wife does. The children are encouraged to lend a helping hand.
The better news is that designer kitchens are the norm rather than the exception. When we say 'designer', we mean not just aesthetics but rather functionality. Designer kitchens are necessarily ergonomic.
Today's well-planned kitchens are designed or should be with more than one cook in mind. If you are buying a new flat, insist on having a say in the design of the kitchen and incorporate ergonomic designs right at beginning.
Counter height
One important aspect that is often neglected is the height of the counters. It is necessary that the countertop is suitable for anyone who uses the kitchen. You may need different counter heights but this is a great design idea since any cook - yes husband or wife - can work without needing to bend unnecessarily or stand on their tiptoes!
You cannot cook without the items you have stored; thus storage is important in any kitchen design. To be most effective, storage should be designed such that heavy items can be stored between hip and shoulder height in order to avoid over-stretching.
Medium weight items should be below the heaviest items, while the lightest items afford the most flexibility - they can be placed in the below the knees or above eye level.
When you are thinking of storage, think of access. Consider pull-down shelving n high cabinets and 'lazy Susans.' Lazy Susans are circular or 'half moon' rotating shelves installed within a cabinet to enable access to hard-to-reach areas.
Make sure that your cooking appliance matches your needs. The spanking new four-burner with oven range, may look nice in your neighbour's flat, but will you really use it?
You may be the type who is most comfortable with two or three burners and a microwave. If so, this is what you should invest in. Microwave ovens should be at a height that is most convenient to you. If possible, a microwave oven should not be on your counter top. If you have the luxury of creating a space for it in the building stage, make sure you avail of this opportunity.
A well-planned kitchen will be a place you love and where you can love what you are doing.