Kitchen is probably the most important and complicated part of a house. Conventionally it was where the women of a house spent most of their time. Forwarding to today, it is still the place where a major part of the day is spent in Indian families. Hence it is important that proper care is advocated while creating this space. Sensible ideas should be incorporated and right from the inception of the idea, each step should be thoroughly dissected and analysed. Because one wrong step would mean you are left with a barely functional kitchen space for the rest of your time in the house.

WHEN THE DESIGNING STARTS

What needs to be noted well during this initial stage is the placement of each activity within the kitchen space. Even if an open kitchen is opted for, spacing between the major activities should play the major role when the design evolves. 

The kitchen work triangle –

The triangle formed while connecting the sink, stove(cooking range/ hob)and refrigerator is called the work triangle in a kitchen. In order to ensure efficient working within the kitchen this triangle should be small and these regions placed sensibly. After the placing of the activities and appliances get fixed, water and electrical outlets should be decided in accordance with this. The placement of LPG cylinders is also a crucial decision. Many families are opting for providing a covered storage for LPG outside the house, attached to the exterior kitchen wall, opposed to within the kitchen.

Island kitchens should be approached with care. It should not be opted for unless the area is large enough to accommodate it and still provide good space to move around in its perimeters. Island kitchen is a good option when it comes to open kitchens, since they provide a virtual separation, and mark out the kitchen boundary. 

DURING EXECUTION

When the accessories are chosen, they should be properly analysed to fit your comfort the best.  Customizing your kitchen is what people opt for now, since it will fit you like a tailored suit. But this could go wrong too if not attended carefully. While constructing the slabs for the sink and stove, the height of the person who would be using the kitchen mainly, should be kept in mind. Because wrong height could mean more physical strain on them and severe health issues in the long run. 

While providing storages, list out the things you need to have storages for. It will depend upon the personal interest of the person using the kitchen and also upon the cultural background of the family. Design and segregate the storage accordingly. Remember, you could never have too much storage in a kitchen but you might run out of it any day.

FINAL TOUCH - finishes

The finishing materials are to be chosen by keeping the longevity of the kitchen in mind. Since kitchen is the messiest area in a house choose finishes that are easy to clean and wipe dirt off. When it comes to counter tops, granites, marbles and quartz are well preferred. Ensure that the surface is well polished for easy maintenance. For storage and other parts where wood is being utilised, fire and moisture resistant treatment should be done or alternate materials should be used. 

For storage cabinets with lids, provide louvered lids in required number of cabinets. This is done for the natural movement of air, which is often needed for keeping the utensils and appliances stink-free. 

Colours and themes

Although it is sensible to opt for dark colours in the counter tops and other areas with the chance of getting dirty frequently, it is advised to keep your kitchen bright largely. Since you would be spending more time here, this would mean lesser strain on your eyes and mind. And the more natural light, the better. 

Any space involving food should be well lit for obvious reasons. Hence make sure that even corners of your kitchen are sufficiently illuminated and no dark corners are left. Choose for less straining yet bright lights. Always keep in mind that when it comes to kitchen designing, functionality should always have the upper hand over aesthetics. The beauty of your kitchen comes only secondary to its performance.