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by Lauren Busser The House Designers’ Editorial Director
We spend a lot of our time in the kitchen. Whether we are cooking, socializing or just helping the kids with homework, you can’t deny that the kitchen is the heart of the house. But how do you create an efficient kitchen that inspires you to create new dishes and is comfortable to work in? A kitchen layout is very much a question of personal preference but when it comes to designing a kitchen that is efficient for the seasoned chef, there are a few points where they agree.
Take Stock of Your Cooking and Eating Habits
To cook like a pro, you don’t need a big kitchen. Focus on making your kitchen comfortable and aesthetically pleasing for the way that you work. An efficient kitchen should flow with your movements, and your cooking style. When you start to design you dream kitchen take a look at your habits in the kitchen. Do you bake multiple batches of cookies at a time? Then you might need more counter space and a double oven. Or do you tend to have multiple items on your burners at the time? Then a six-burner stove might be just the thing for you.
Counter Space is the Most Valuable
Counter space can be even more important than stoves. With enough counter space you can lay out your ingredients, make a list of what you have, and work efficiently on your dish. When it comes to counter tops some surfaces that chefs prefer include all wood butcher block, marble, and granite
A Place for Everything
Uncluttered counter space is key to a functioning kitchen. Lots of cabinetry and shelving is essential to make sure that your kitchen stays organized. Open shelving is great because it allows you to have your glassware, plates, and utensils you use most within easy reach.
Choose a Fridge to Fit Your Lifestyle
There are a wide array of choices for refrigerators and freezers and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Some people prefer a side by side refrigerator that uses less freezer space. Others like a bottom freezer drawer to store larger items. It’s a choice that only you can make after evaluating your habits and needs.
Built for Entertaining
Do you want a space that is perfect for entertaining? Then you want to choose a layout that allows for the natural flow of your guests through the house. For that reason, many chefs opt for an island kitchen. An island kitchen is a great way to both entertain guests and still have prep and staging space.
When it comes to building a kitchen worthy of a celebrity chef the goal is to make sure that it fits your movements and habits. Don’t focus on size but instead making it comfortable for you to work in. When you consider how much you use a stove as opposed to an oven, which will determine what appliances you need. Keep a few of these hints in mind as you design your kitchen and you are sure to have a space you will love for years to come.
