Over the years, the kitchen is becoming more versatile with its uses. Other than food preparation, people host in their kitchens, have family time there and the kids can study and play in the kitchen. Customizing it to fit all these roles is vital.
We can promise you one thing – nothing will make your life more unbearable like an unpleasant kitchen, especially if you spend significant time in it!
The struggle of maintaining a functional kitchen is perpetual, and sometimes it’s simply an impossible task. We’re always trying out new layouts, appliances, or storage options. Even though this effort is a bid to get the kitchen more convenient and functional, it often ends up with one or more shortcoming.
So how do you make your kitchen user-friendly without frustrating your emotions or your budget? Here are a few kitchen design tips and hacks to help achieve a simpler kitchen;
1. Store Everything Away
For starters, it’s essential to work on how the kitchen looks in general. A cluttered space is often overwhelming and challenging to work in. Therefore, invest in kitchen cabinets to store everything away when they’re not in use.
In addition, learn to store in relation to use, that is, arrange and store everything close to where they are used. For instance, your pots and pans should be shelved or hang close to the stove. The dinnerware is arranged next to the dining table or the dishwasher. Such arrangements help in identifying clutter and simplify storage priorities.
According to most ultrasonic pest repeller reviews, proper storage also helps curb pest infestation.
2. Let There Be Light
Making a user-friendly kitchen means you factor in every aspect of the room, and that includes the lighting. If you’re going to get things done with speed and efficiency, you need to work in a well-lit space. In addition, proper lighting significantly reduces kitchen accidents.
Invest in decent light fixtures that also add flair to your space. Be creative with your lightings, such as under cabinet lighting or fluorescents. If you have windows in your kitchen, draw back the shades to allow more natural light.
3. Wall Storage
If you’re working in smaller spaces, it’s advisable to make the most out of the available storage. In this case, vertical storage is a win. You can choose your design and sizes to suit preference, and you can go for shelving, wall pockets, holders or hooks. You can also consider installing a magnetic panel for your pots and pans.
While still at wall storage, you can consider installing pocket door systems for your kitchen gadgets such as the fridge and washing machines. This way, they won’t take up much space in the room as compared to most kitchen designs.
4. Wash Up
It may seem unlikely, but practising to wash up often does make your kitchen more user-friendly. In most homes, this process takes longer than actual meal preparations, making this a dreary, tiring task.
Install updated kitchen faucets for easier cleaning. In addition, it wouldn’t hurt to invest in clean-lined hobs, such as the ceramic or induction ones – they’re easy to clean up. Clean up your work surfaces and store away everything after you’re done using them.
5. Direct Traffic and Ergonomics
You can’t define it as a user-friendly kitchen if it’s not safe for your kids. For instance, settle for a layout that ensures your kids don’t get close to stove tops or hazardous kitchen accessories such as water kettles or sharp utensils.
In addition, ideal kitchen ideas take into account how you use the kitchen. For instance, get your working surfaces in the right height to ensure you don’t slouch or strain while meal prepping or doing dishes. On the other hand, your stovetop should be low enough to ensure you can look down while cooking, but not too long that you have to bend over.
However, don’t neglect your work surfaces in the process. Remember, they give you points for style and décor. There are different materials to choose from, such as ceramics, wood, marble, stainless steel granite, composite stone or laminate options. Work surfaces will come with varying thickness and edge designs. Thin surfaces are normally mounted on subframe structures to make them stable.
Conclusion
All in all, the definition of a user-friendly kitchen can vary. It depends on the owner and preference, but these are the basics. Create a focus on storage and cleanliness and watch your kitchen transform into a haven.
What are some of the kitchen ideas you wouldn’t manage without? Comment below, we would love to hear from you.
About the Author
Archie was a builder for more than 40 years. Mainly after his retirement the enthusiastic electrical works in garden and writes for a blog homemakerguide.com to keep himself occupied. His many years of experience can get you the right tool reviews whether it is a drill, welding machine or so. An impressive fact to note about him is that almost everything in his house is a representation of his skills made by his hands.