Ergonomics in Kitchen Design
Once you have determined which kitchen layout is right for your home or business, it is time to plan the interior design. But before you bring out those paint brushes and decorative fixtures, it is important to take some important things into consideration to make your kitchen functional and efficient.
Determine the distance
In the previous article, we learned about the work triangle composed of sink, stove, and refrigerator. These are the busiest areas that require careful planning and great access. The distance between the three stations should be proportional. You don’t want people tripping over each other in a small work triangle, or be tired from preparing food because the stations are too far apart.
Plot the plumbing
When you already know the right layout for your kitchen, you’d know where to position the sink; hence, you need to plot the plumbing. Bad placements of pipes and drainage means poor location for your sink, which can result to bad work flow. Best to hire a plumber which can arrange these fixtures for efficient kitchen.
Execute electrical needs
Power sources are equally important, since you will be using appliances in your cooking. Be sure that you have the right power sources. Hire an electrician to create a wiring plan and lay out your electrical requirements. This will also help in positioning the refrigerator and other appliances.
Sufficient storage
From pots and pans to ingredients, appliances and what have you, kitchen contains many things. It is therefore, imperative to have enough storage space.
To avoid cluttering counter tops, decide on storage solutions. This can be tricky because you need to storage that organizes your kitchen well but at the same time is accessible so you can easily find what you need to prepare meals.
If you have limited space, consider upper cabinets with molding or shelves across the back of lower kitchen cabinets. Deep drawers are perfect for pots and pans, while overhead cabinets that reaches the ceiling free floor spaces.
Abundance of light
Poor lighting in the kitchen is a no-no. More than just providing aesthetics, a good lighting is all about safety. You don’t want to handle knives and other sharp kitchen tools in a dark room.
Unlike other rooms, kitchen lights should be positioned in front of you. You need more than overhead lighting for illumination in the kitchen.
Evaluate the different work stations and determine the light they need. Install under-cabinet lighting for common kitchen tasks. Consider task lighting and accent lighting to enhance the overall look of the kitchen.
Search for surface
Like storage spaces, fit as much open horizontal surface area in the kitchen as possible. All kitchen activities require ample surface, not to mention the appliances that are permanently placed there.
Choose a surface that is easy to work on and maintain. Tiles, with its grout, is hard to care for, while stainless steel scratches easily.
The kitchen island
Not every kitchen can have an island. Your designer can help determine whether your kitchen has enough space for one. Depending on the size of your kitchen, an island can be added to expand storage, add counter tops, and build dining area.
Safety first
Being an epicenter of home, you want your kitchen to be as safe as possible. Just think about round-ended counter tops and slip-resistant floors. A good designer would also include backsplash in his design to protect the walls behind the stove and keep the kitchen clean.
Don’t let stinky odors ruin your kitchen’s overall look. Good ventilation is also a must. It doesn’t only keep the air from being stale, but it keeps kitchen cleaner and even extends the lifespan of your appliances and furniture.
Chandra Interiors expert designers are always available to help you in your needs. Call us at +91-80-4095 3487
