An ideal kitchen layout

Sandra Wessels of Makhanda writes We’re planning to build a house on our family farm and although it won’t be big, we’d like to make sure the kitchen is well-designed since we’ll be spending a lot of time in that space. Any advice?

Bronwyn Shell, marketing consultant for The Eclipse Group, replies Good workflow, space and motion are the three key features of a practical kitchen. If you pay attention to these, your kitchen will suit all your needs.

1 Workflow

Consider typical processes and daily routines that take place in the kitchen in the early planning stages. A carefully considered kitchen can make your life so much easier! By creating different zones for consumables, non-consumables, preparation, cooking and cleaning, working in the kitchen becomes an easy task because everything will be where you need it. A work surface with a dedicated prep area should be at least 90cm wide and, ideally, located between the prep bowl and hob.

2 Space

Storage space requirements depend on your lifestyle, the size of your family, how much you cook and your shopping habits. Make sure you have planned enough storage space for all your kitchenware, groceries and appliances. With the right cabinetry solutions you can create a great deal of storage space that would otherwise be wasted. Drawers instead of shelved cabinets create accessible storage and you don’t have to bend down to reach inside.

3 Motion

Showroom visits are a must in order to get a good idea of how cabinetry functions. Furniture that is easy to open and glides softly closed contributes to a beautiful and practical kitchen.

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