Unless you are the sort of person who eats out or orders in a takeaway every evening then the kitchen is probably a room in the house that you spend a great deal of time in. If you are a keen cook and have a family to feed then you probably have a different view on what makes a perfect kitchen than a bachelor.
When you buy or sell a home the kitchen is often the room that can seal or break the deal. It can be costly to replace a kitchen, so if you have a desirable kitchen that others can visualize using, that is a great selling point.
A kitchen should be bright and functional. There needs to be enough storage space and it needs to be easy to clean.
Ideally it would have windows on two sides of the room so that it gets natural daylight for as much of the day as possible. The windows need to open to allow passage of fresh air. Additional ventilation can be added by installing an extractor fan to minimize condensation and remove steam and cooking smells. You may enjoy a tasty curry but you don’t want the smell in the rest of the house.
It will depend on the size of your family whether you need to allow space for a table and chairs or perhaps you just want a breakfast bar.
Adequate storage makes a perfect kitchen
Make sure there is enough storage space for food and cooking equipment.If you intend keeping fresh food in a cupboard then you may need ventilation to prevent mold growing. If you have space for a separate trolley on castors then that is a good choice as it is easy to move to clean.
You also need to think about the counter top space. You may have equipment that needs to be out all the time. Microwaves, breadmakers, juicers etc all take up space. Where are you going to put all these items?
When it comes to positioning your appliances you need to think about the way you use your kitchen. The way we use kitchens means that cooking areas, working areas and the sink should be conveniently positioned close together.
Many people use a kitchen designer to plan the most efficient use of space. You should consider this option if you are putting in a new kitchen from scratch.
Choosing a sink
You will use your sink everyday both for washing food and cleaning dishes. Traditionally sinks are often sited in front of a window. You need to consider any plumbing problems when choosing where to put your sink. Speak to your plumber to see what is possible.
When it comes to material what makes a perfect kitchen comes down to personal choice. From stainless steel to ceramic in various shades there are plenty of choices. A double sink can be very helpful if you are a keen cook. Stainless steel is more hard wearing than ceramic which can chip if you drop something heavy on it.
The pipes should be kept clean. You want to stop food waste and grease from going in to the pipes. the U-bend or trap will catch much waste. However if you let grease and fat go down the drain, the fat will solidify when it cools down. This can block not only your own pipes but also the pipes further down the system.
You should pour your fat into a container to cool down and then throw it in the refuse when solid. Another great idea that I saw recently is to throw some oats, breadcrumbs or bird seed in to the oil. When it solidifies you can put it out for the birds to eat.
Birds need fat especially in the winter months so this is a great way to dispose of your fat from your cooking and will stop your drains getting blocked. Substitute your molten fat for the melted suet in this recipe.
A perfect kitchen for health and safety
One of the most important considerations for a perfect kitchen is how easy it is to keep clean. It is important for health that surfaces are easy to clean and won’t harbor germs.
The work surfaces need to be water resistant. There are many materials that can be chosen depending on your budget. Top of the range choices would include marble and granite but a Formica surface is a cheaper easy to clean choice.
The flooring is another area that needs consideration. However careful you are, there will be times when food, grease or water gets spilled on the floor. If you choose wood then it needs to be kept polished or sealed so that it resists water. Laminates are only suitable if they are specially constructed for wet areas.
There are probably better choices than wood for a kitchen floor. Ceramic or granite tiles are easy to clean and attractive to look at. Vinyl flooring is another popular choice and is often warmer underfoot than tiles.
Kitchens can lift your mood
We spend a lot of time in our kitchens and that is why an ergonomic design is important. But you also want it to be a pleasant place that can lift your mood and brighten your day. Being clean and hygienic are vital but that doesn’t mean you can’t add some personal touches.
You don’t want it cluttered with ornaments, and picture frames can be difficult to keep clean, but plants are a good choice. Grow herbs in pots on your window ledge and you have double benefits. Many herbs will grow well indoors and are useful in your cooking.
