It is tempting to be a little bit wild when it comes to paint and wallpaper, but kitchens are suitable for experimenting with colour, shape, and size. Of course, those can be easily changed as necessary, but beware of bold, brightly coloured gloss cabinet doors – they can’t be painted! Instead, choose a more classic style that will be popular for the next ten years and retain its resale value.

Practical functions of a kitchen

A kitchen is a room or part of a room used for cooking and food preparation. A typical middle-class residential kitchen includes a stove, sink, refrigerator, and worktops. It may also include a microwave oven and a dishwasher. The primary functions are to prepare food and store it, but it may also be used for dining and entertaining. Designing a kitchen for everyday use is important.

A waterfall design can help separate the two areas in an open-plan kitchen, making kitchen tasks easier and faster. For example, the dishwasher should be close to the sink to reduce spills and save space. Similarly, a dishwasher near a storage cabinet can be convenient for dishwashing. For storage purposes, it’s best to have lower cabinets for everyday items. A separate upper cabinet can hold less frequently used things, such as pots and pans.

Shapes

In recent years, the popularity of L-shaped kitchens has dropped, and while they are still popular, this layout is not as popular as it once was. Ideally, it should feature two walls of cabinets and the main benchtop along one wall. This design is great for large kitchens because it eliminates traffic and creates multiple zones for working and eating. It is also stylish, flexible, and social, making it one of the most popular options for kitchen design.

Choosing the shape of your kitchen is important, as the shape of your kitchen will affect the flow of the space and the appliances you’ll use. A U-shaped layout may be better if the room is small, but an L-shaped layout is also popular for a smaller kitchen. In the centre of the U-shaped layout, you might be able to incorporate a table and chairs, while a long peninsula will give you plenty of space to maneuver around the kitchen.

Sizes

There are two standard sizes of kitchens, small and large. The size of your kitchen will directly impact the features and appliances that you can fit in. Smaller kitchens don’t have enough space for larger appliances and won’t be able to fit all your cooking supplies. If you’re a regular home cook, you may want to consider upgrading to a bigger layout. Here are a few kitchen sizes:

Colours

There are countless possibilities for paint colour in the kitchen. You can choose from a wide range of hues, from cabinets to flooring. While painting the walls is the cheapest and easiest option, striking worktops can be a more expensive investment. Glass backsplashes are also available in many hues. Custom paint is another option. However, you should consider the space’s intended use before selecting a colour. Bright hues, especially if you have a small kitchen, can overpower the rest of the room.

Consider the use of colour in your kitchen carefully. Choose a colour that will be around for at least five years. Avoid choosing colours based on trends or short-term fads. Choosing colours for a kitchen is an important decision, but don’t be tempted by the latest fashion or trend. Think about the mood of the space before deciding which shade to use. Warm, ‘advancing’ shades of blue can be energising, while cooler hues are relaxing and calming.

Storage options

Whether your kitchen is small or spacious, there are several storage options to maximise space. You can purchase pull-out cabinets, wall cabinets, and racks to increase storage and organisation. Consider adding a recycling station and a sink skirt to your kitchen for additional storage. Also, consider using under-counter and overhead cabinetry. And don’t forget to add hidden trash storage! Your kitchen can be an efficient space saver and a beautiful space to spend time with the right storage solution.