|
Every room in a house serves a specific purpose and should be designed to suit that purpose. The kitchen is one space in the house that is high-use and consequently, high wear and tear as well. What once was no more than utilitarian space is now also used as a gathering space and family and friends end up using it as an informal dining space too. Factors that matter Getting a kitchen designer to remodel the space completely or even in part is a big investment in terms of time and money. There are certain factors that you must consider before commencing on a kitchen redecoration project: • Placement- Kitchens, irrespective of how large or small they are, must have a lot of scope for traffic and efficient work flow. U-shaped kitchens have work surfaces, storage and appliances lined along three walls while the layout of L-shaped kitchens stands along two walls. Galley kitchens on the other hand, are narrow and long and have work surfaces and appliances aligned along either one or opposite walls. The stove, sink and refrigerator are the three high-traffic stations in a kitchen and the triangle-rule should be applied in their placement. This facilitates efficient movement in the given space. • Cabinets- These are the largest design element of any kitchen. Modern kitchens look good with glossy finishes and sleek European designs. Wood cabinets suit almost any kitchen style and feature elegant raised panels, plain flat fronts and glass insets. Households that have children or those that are very busy should have durable laminate cabinets. These are low-cost and can be wiped-down easily. Furniture stores have all styles of cabinets and shapes and sizes can be custom-made to fit your kitchen space. • Countertops- Laminate tops are budget-friendly and available in a variety of finishes and colors. However, they are not heat-resistant and some higher-priced materials tend to be more durable. Tiles on the other hand are durable, an inexpensive counter-top alternative and are easy to maintain. These could be made of materials such as natural stone, ceramic or glass. Countertops made of synthetic solid surfaces offer added durability. Engineered stone surfaces do the same. Marble, granite and soapstone are porous and have to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent stains from setting in. A kitchen designer will be able to suggest the best material based on use and style. • Flooring- The flooring that you use in your kitchen should work in cohesion with the other elements in the room as well as personal preference. Vinyl flooring is inexpensive and comfortable underfoot. However, it can get gouged out, dented or burnt very quickly. Tiles are available in various finishes, colors and textures but are not very comfortable under the feet. They may also chip or crack over a period of time. Laminate and hardwood flooring add a touch of warmth to the kitchen; however you have to be careful as they can scratch easily. Today, furniture stores have materials and products to match every need. They also have kitchen designers who can help you with ideas and planning. A kitchen layout must be well planned and factors like lighting also play a very important role in the overall functioning of the kitchen. Resource box: Linly Designs is one of the reliable online Furniture Stores that offer all kinds of furniture. A Kitchen designer can help with optimizing the layout of your kitchen.
Related Articles -
Furniture Stores, Kitchen designer,
|
