Kitchen

Much of home life revolves around the kitchen. It’s where we cook, eat, and entertain. Those who lack space might even use their kitchen as an office for remote work. Renovations provide an opportunity to make corrections to current issues within the area. By improving the design, owners can reduce the risk of accidents and avoid common concerns. They can also increase their efficiency while feeling more comfortable. If you need assistance with this project, then consult the SF Kitchens Renovations specialists. Below are some great guidelines for kitchen renovations to help you get started:  

1. Doors 

As you walk into the space, you should be greeted by a doorway that is wide enough to accommodate people and appliances. The minimum recommended width is 32 inches. Mind where you position the knob and hinges, particularly if you have a small kitchen. You might want the door to swing out, so you won’t have to worry about bumping into objects inside. 

2. Passageways

Walking around the kitchen should be a breeze. If the passageways are too narrow, then redesign for freedom of movement. The paths should be 36 inches wide or more. If multiple people will be working there simultaneously, then a wider path would be better. See if it is possible to get 42 inches or more of clearance around work areas. 

3. Proximity

Cooking often involves multiple steps with each of these taking place in a different area of the kitchen. Sometimes one has to move back and forth from these spots. Therefore, it would be wise to place them relatively close to each other. These include the sink, the stove, and the refrigerator. Together they are referred to as the work triangle. Make sure that the sides of this triangle measures anywhere from 4 feet to 9 feet. This will make food preparation go faster with efficient transitions. 

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4. Landing Areas

After washing items in the sink, we need a dry surface on which to place them. That means providing enough space on either side. If the space allows it, then 24-inch landing areas on the left and right would be nice. In smaller homes, it might only be possible to get this much space on one side. Just make the most of the situation. 

5. Countertop

More workspaces should be devoted to food preparation. The ideal countertop has a minimum depth of 24 inches. This is sufficient for most kitchen tools and small appliances. If there are any hanging cabinets above, then these should be 15 inches or higher from the surface. This should make the cabinet doors easy to reach without making the counters too cramped. We have already discussed landing areas beside the sink. There should be similar spaces next to the stove and the refrigerator. Put this on the side of the fridge door handle to make it easy to take out or put in multiple items. If the walls do not afford enough counter space, then consider placing an island in the middle of the kitchen. Rolling carts may also help.  

6. Clearance

Kitchen islands are often large enough to serve as a second dining table or breakfast nook. Provide seating for regular diners and allot 30 inches of space for each of them. This would allow them to eat comfortably without jostling each other. Give their legs enough space so that the knees don’t bump into anything underneath. People should be able to walk behind the chairs even if these are occupied. Five feet of clearance is ideal, but four feet is fine if that’s all that the space can give. 

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7. Lights  

Food preparation is hard work. It can also be dangerous with sharp knives and boiling water being commonplace in this area. It is necessary to provide adequate lighting throughout the day. During the day, the windows should be wide enough to let sunshine in and illuminate the kitchen with natural light. During nighttime, strategically placed task lights should be available whenever necessary. Examples are LEDs under the hanging cabinets to boost the lighting for the counters. This is apart from the ambient lights that are designed to brighten up the whole room. The switches should be highly accessible. These are usually placed near the doorway. 

8. Ventilation

Cooking creates smoke, fumes, odors, and a lot of vapors. It would be difficult to keep on working in an enclosed area with all of these trapped in the air. There needs to be adequate ventilation to push these out and keep the indoor air fresh. This can be done passively by opening exterior doors and windows. However, this is not always enough as air movement is slow. Another option is to install a ventilation system that can actively push out all the smoke. Range hoods are usually located directly above stoves with a 24-inch clearance or more.

Kitchen renovation design is a complex undertaking, but it is worth all the effort. Once it’s done, will be rewarded with a functional and beautiful space that you can enjoy for years. Follow the guidelines to stay on the safe side. Consult professional designers for advice in solving challenges that you encounter.