DESIGNING THE DREAM KITCHEN

Written by R.Chin | RC Designs Blog Thursday, February 03, 2022

DESIGNING THE DREAM KITCHEN | RCD ARTICLE

Hello RCD watchers,

I've reconstruct a YouTube article for our readers. Make sure to comment below if this was a informative read and if you'll like more of this kind of content each Friday.

This is a four-part article of Home Kitchens. Our kitchen themed article was chosen because of our ongoing project. I’ve decided to talk about what I’ve learned from this project. This part I’ll discuss how to work with the kitchen space that you have.

Part One | How do I work with the space?

Part Two | What should I buy?

Part Three | Where do I buy?

RCD article source: https://youtu.be/W5NBIXZGEDY

How do I work with the space?

Kind of space?
Appliances must?
Amount of people?
Natural ventilation of cooking area?
Natural and artificial lighting for functional use or aesthetic?
Plumbing , gas and electrical possibilities?

KIND OF SPACE !!

RCD article source: https://youtu.be/W5NBIXZGEDY

Wide space:

If possible create a roundabout walking space
The island needs own lighting
The wider the space more windows for ventilation is needed. If not possible artificial ventilation is an option or roof/ceiling ventilation
Never underestimate usage of range hoods here

Narrow space:

Always have a walking area for two people. By also making the cabinet door open sideways.
Top and bottom cabinets or shelves are a must and bottom should always be used as working counter top
Artificial lighting is important for under the top cabinets.
Make sure the ventilation goes outwards in the longitude way

RCD article source: https://youtu.be/W5NBIXZGEDY

Small space:

Use shelves instead of top cabinets. Creates the illusion the kitchen is less smaller.
Have a multi functional counter top, wash table; prep area; space for making coffee etc.
Use smaller appliances; refrigerator, wall microwave, cooking top.

Large space:

Use the space productively. Make use of hidden appliances. This creates a clean minimalist look.
Design kitchen islands/ seating area for guest is possible. Walk in pantry is possible.
Use an open space design for large space. A quarter of the space can be divided by a wall but never use a door leading to the kitchen this gives the illusion the kitchen looks smaller.

RCD article source: https://youtu.be/W5NBIXZGEDY

Open space:

An open space always works because we get the illusion that the space is bigger because it isn’t divided by a wall with doorway.
Make sure you don’t forget the ventilation issue. Think about how the wind flows and use that in placing the windows.
The lighting is also important. The space is open so perfectly placing the natural and artificial lighting is important. Incorrect placing can make the room too bright in this case too hot. Or important areas too dark in which hard to use.

Closed space:

If you like your privacy, having a closed space can work. But I would consider dividing the room with a bar or anything that still offers an open view from the kitchen towards the rest of the house for safety issues.
If you want to use a door, always make sure pick revolving door.
Because this room is closed off like a normal room in the house, create an escape route during emergency.

APPLIANCES MUST!!

For cooling food & drinks
For warming up
For cooking
For cleaning

THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE!!!

For big families always try to incorporate a seating area nook to make breakfast on the go easier.
Don’t underestimate the walking space. Keep in mind for one person 0.80-1.50m is enough. And for more people use at least 1.5m walking space.

NATURAL VENTILATION OF COOKING AREA

Tip one make sure to follow the wind flow of the room and use this to place the windows and doors.
Tip two don’t forget the heat of the cooking area and make sure to have some sort of ventilation set in place for this. If not this space won’t be usable.

NATURAL OR ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING FOR FUNCTIONAL USE OR AESTHETIC

Tip one using an open space concept with enough windows towards the kitchen will make natural lighting more accessible.
Tip two always give the island a dramatic artificial lighting.

PLUMBING, GAS & ELECTRICAL POSSIBILITIES

Tip one: Choose the appliances first. The choices are endless so make sure to think what works for you and is in your budget.
Tip two: The dimensions of appliances are important for the layout.
Tip three: Use installers in the sketching phase. Don’t be scared to ask questions. The architectural designer and installer should be in contact in the drawing phase.

What should I buy?

Cabinets
Appliances
Sinks and faucets
Counter tops

RCD article source: https://youtu.be/d0TvzNbPuB4

CABINETS

Cabinets Materials: Solid wood

Pro :

Common material for cabinets
Non-toxic and renewable resource
Surface can be varnish or painted with your color choice

Cons:

Wood can easily get dents.
Humidity levels can damage the core and wood surface.
It can be costly and time- consuming material

Cabinets Materials: Laminates
Pro :
Both durable and affordable.
The printed layer can achieve the look of almost all materials
It doesn’t wear off, scratch or fade easily and no need for repeated polishing.
Resistant to moisture and cleaning their surface is much simpler.
Cons:
The edges of laminates can tend to peel off.
They are a non-renewable material.
Some kinds are known to emit toxic gases into the air.

Cabinets Materials: Wood veneers
Pro :
Sustainable and economical and only thin slices of solid wood are used to cover large surface areas.
Can be treated to achieve matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes.
Cons:
Tend to discolor when they are exposed to natural light.
They require polishing after a period of time.
You may see stains due to water if the sheet is not polished properly.
Are not scratch-resistant.

Cabinets Materials: PVC
Pro :
Termite-proof, anti corrosive and easy to maintain.
Easy to source and replace.
Inexpensive and easy to install
Waterproof and oil-proof
Cons:
Do not come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Are not fire-resistant and they turn yellow with age.
Not all cabinet hardware is compatible with plastic can be used for hinges, handles and tracks.
Some plastics soften with time, so the joints loosen.

Cabinets Materials: Stainless steel or aluminum
Pro :
A unique look.
Sturdy, rust-resistant and stain-resistant.
Metal doors are unaffected by heat and humidity.
These sheets are easy to scrub and clean, and are therefore unaffected by the spice- and frying-induced grime deposited in our kitchens.
Cons:
Available in a limited range of colors.
They might need re-polishing when the top shiny coat oxidizes or rusts.
Oil smudges and fingerprints very clear to see
The tendency to dent and scratch is possible.
Doors and drawers are noisier than those of other materials.
RCD article source: https://youtu.be/d0TvzNbPuB4