Everyone wants their kitchen to look great, but what's the point of a beautiful kitchen if it's not functional? Interior designer Lisa Shafer says the most functional kitchens are the ones that are personalized. If you're planning (or dreaming) of renovating your kitchen, take some time to think about how you and your family will live in the space and how you'll use the kitchen before you get started. please.
“We believe the most functional kitchen is the one that fits the way you live,” says Schaefer. “We designed the smallest galley kitchen and the largest kitchen with a back kitchen and walk-in pantry. Some people suit a spacious open kitchen, while others prefer a more intimate approach. Any kitchen style can work well with careful planning.”
Sometimes you have to break the rules to create the most functional kitchen, she says. It's not all about the old rules of kitchen design. Instead, homeowners and interior designers can take creative license to mix and match spaces that suit the people who will use them.
“A lot of what we think about the functionality of the kitchen is outdated,” Schaefer emphasizes. “As a kid, I remember jumping up on the counter and reaching for the glass just to get a glass of water, but no one ever thought to put the glass in the bottom cabinet for easy access. Our best capabilities come from thinking through each client's needs.”
Still, you shouldn't ignore all the rules. To help you differentiate between what should stay and what should go, some of the South's top designers share tried-and-true practices for creating a functional kitchen, as well as new, more practical tenets that update thinking of the past. We have shown you the best rules for designing.
- lisa schafer I am the CEO and Creative Director of Lisa & Leroy, an interior design firm in Washington, DC.
- courtney thomas I am a virtual interior designer and founder of Crew Hill Designs in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
- mary tobias miller is the owner of Abode Home and Mary Tobias Miller Interior Design in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- julian kelly I am the owner and lead designer of Carrier Design Co. in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Function over form
After all, interior designers emphasize the need to prioritize functionality over beauty. Don't get caught up in the beauty of your kitchen and leave it lacking in practicality. Otherwise, another renovation may be imminent before the problem is resolved.
“Good kitchen design incorporates both form and function, but when you're in a situation where you have to choose one over the other, function always comes first,” says designer Courtney Thomas. says. “Efficiency is key, and at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how beautiful the space is if it doesn’t work for you.”
The kitchen is not just for cooking
These days, the kitchen is more than just a place where you hide out while your mom or host cooks alone. Rather, the kitchen tends to be a lively space where you can have conversations while cooking. People these days also often use the kitchen for eating and entertaining. As Schaefer said, it all comes back to being aware of how you use your space and shaping your multipurpose space to suit those needs.
“The kitchen isn't just for cooking; it's the heart of the home,” says Thomas. “When thinking about design, focus on how you will use the space. Should part of the counter double as a workstation for the kids? If you like to entertain, consider using it to serve food or , you may not want to set up your home range in the center of the island, which is a great place to gather and have conversations.”
light bright
Kitchen lighting is very important, both in style and function. In fact, good lighting enhances functionality by opening up multiple application possibilities. For example, with sufficient lighting, the kitchen can double as a homework station or home office.
“The kitchen is a space for working, not just cooking. Don't forget about lighting,” says interior designer Mary Tobias Miller. She says, “Put pendants or straight fixtures above the island. If budget allows, put cans on the ceiling and add lighting under the cabinets and above the sink.”
She also recommends keeping lights on a dimmer and using warm light bulbs in the kitchen. In particular, Miller points out that light fixtures are not only a functional priority, but also an opportunity to incorporate key kitchen styles.
Forget about the “kitchen triangle”
In the classic rulebook of kitchen design, the kitchen triangle is probably in the first chapter. However, designers recommend departing from this precedent.
“The 'kitchen triangle' is an old design rule. The flow of a kitchen is based on the 'triangular' shape created by the position of the sink, range and refrigerator,” Thomas explains. “Modern kitchens are multipurpose spaces, so we often push beyond the triangular concept.”
Schaefer and interior designer Julian Kelly agree that kitchen triangles aren't everything. That's not to say there's no place for a triangular kitchen, but at the same time, it's not the only option. In fact, Kelly says a common mistake clients make is to focus too tightly on creating a kitchen triangle, even if it doesn't match the kitchen's functional use.
“Sometimes people get so caught up in love triangle work that they make everything work so closely together,” she says. “Kitchens these days tend to be larger, but I think by distributing the main functions, you can balance the look and flow of the kitchen.”
You can never have too many drawers
“You can never have too many drawers,” Thomas reveals. “We're seeing increasing interest from customers in wanting more drawers in the lower cabinets in their kitchens. Many find drawers more efficient and family-friendly. If you prefer the look of cabinets, consider adding shelves. You can also slide it out like a drawer for easy access to items hidden away.
Don't leave an inch behind
Miller currently calls Charlotte, North Carolina home, but she started her career in New York City, where space is even more popular. There, she learned how to make the most of every inch of space in the kitchen. Now, she's taking those lessons home to families across the South.
To make the most of the available space in your kitchen cabinets, Miller recommends installing full-extension hardware that allows you to open the drawers all the way to ensure nothing gets lost in the back. . Additionally, cabinets are most functional when they're sized to fit a homeowner's storage needs, she says. This eliminates too wide margins around plates, trays, and other cabinet accessories, potentially freeing up more useful space.
To save valuable counter space, Miller also suggests carving out space to suit your needs. Rather than giving the common offenders a spot on the countertop, she recommends “creating a gap in the wall or a small shelf next to the countertop, especially for storing olive oil, spices, and frequently used cooking utensils.” “You can put it in,” he advises. This not only saves countertop space but also increases functionality by allowing home cooks to store the most frequently used ingredients where they need them and within reach.
Surround the island with space
“A common mistake is not leaving enough space between the island and surrounding cabinetry,” says Kelly. “This is especially true if you have a sink and dishwasher on the island and a range directly across from them. If someone is loading the dishwasher and another is putting food in the oven, that space quickly feels cramped. I always recommend at least between 52 inches, but more if your design allows for it.”
Search for home appliances at home
At the forefront of designers' minds is what to do with all these kitchen appliances. There are so many things these days, and if you're not careful, your appliances can completely take over your countertop. Small appliances should be stored in an “appliance garage” in an accessible cabinet, says Kelly. For large appliances that cannot be easily hidden, it is important to position them for both function and safety.
“Home appliances have come a long way, but I don't want to put my oven next to my refrigerator for fear of overworking the cooling system,” says Miller. “I also don't put the stove on the edge of the counter. It's too easy for little hands to reach the hot top.”
According to Schaefer, another appliance placement to consider is the relationship between the refrigerator and microwave. It might be a mistake to put them in the middle of things, she says.
“These are typically the most commonly used appliances,” explains Schaefer. “Keeping it away from the cooking area allows the whole family to work in that space without overlapping.”
