Is it time to remodel your kitchen to increase functionality? If it feels like you never have enough space to store things, or if the layout makes cooking in your kitchen frustrating, a custom kitchen renovation might be the answer.
How to Remodel Your Kitchen for Maximum Functionality
Design your new kitchen with these top 10 practical tips for a more functional kitchen.
1. Incorporate the work triangle
The work triangle is like an imaginary line between the sink, the cooktop, the fridge, and back to the sink. It’s the standard for kitchen design—and has been for the last 100 years—because it optimizes efficiency no matter what the size and shape of your kitchen may be.
When your kitchen is designed based on the work triangle, movement is minimized so you can access all the key elements of your kitchen in as few steps as possible. You get minimum movement, maximum convenience.
This design concept also allows for appropriate counter space between all the major appliances, and improves the safety of your natural kitchen workflow.
Learn more about the kitchen work triangle in How to Use the Work Triangle & Zones for the Perfect Kitchen Layout.
2.Consider your appliances
Resist the temptation to save money on your kitchen renovation by designing your kitchen around your old appliances. Outdated appliances look out of place in a brand new kitchen, and they can actually take away from the look of your new kitchen.
Besides the aesthetic advantage, new appliances are more energy-efficient and offer many more features and benefits made possible by new technologies.
If you want a truly streamlined kitchen design, consider a modern integrated-panel option so your appliances blend in perfectly with your kitchen cabinets. It’s a stunningly beautiful look.
Don’t forget about small appliances too. Clear countertops improve the look of your kitchen, so include an appliance garage in your kitchen remodel to keep your toaster, blender, and other small appliances out of sight when not in use.
3. Light it up
Today’s LED technology makes an illuminated kitchen easier than ever. You can install lighting under your cabinets and inside drawers and cupboards. Finding what you’re looking for is so much easier when the light makes it more visible. Cooking and cleaning is improved with better lighting too.
4. Maximize storage
Maximize kitchen storage with custom storage solutions like a pullout spice rack. A custom kitchen design can make use of every nook and cranny.
Install ceiling-high cabinets for added storage space. This is a simple solution in small kitchens because it creates an illusion of a larger space by drawing your eyes upward. These tall cabinets are great for storing serving dishes and cookware you don’t use frequently.
5. Use wall space
Maximize your wall space by incorporating hooks or floating shelves with storage baskets. You can also use wall space as a backdrop for decorative design features like colourful, patterned tiles.
6. Implement practical solutions for the awkward corner
The corner space where two banks of kitchen cabinets meet is called a “blind corner”. It’s often wasted space because it’s deep, dark, and inaccessible. Even when the design provides access by including a cabinet door, it’s difficult to reach items stored at the back unless you have exceptionally long arms and flexibility.
These 10 Practical Design Ideas for the Awkward Kitchen Corner will help you increase the functionality of this space. Try one of these options:
- Lazy Susan
- Swinging Pull-Outs
- Angled Cabinets
- Cornered Drawers
- Open Shelves
- Corner Pantry
- Corner Appliances
- Backdoor Cabinet
- Sink
- Desk
7. Customize for organization
Kitchen work zones maximize efficiency, function, and versatility, and prevent people from bumping into each other when working in the kitchen at the same time. Instead of setting up the kitchen based on the placement of appliances, divide your kitchen into zones based on function. Each zone has everything you need to do the work that needs to be done in that space.
Some common kitchen work zones are:
- Food storage zone – fridge, pantry, food storage containers, plastic wrap, etc.
- Food prep zone – cooktop, oven, microwave, small appliances, cutting boards, mixing bowls, cooking oils, spices, etc.
- Everyday dishware zone – plates, bowls, cutlery, regular drinking glasses, etc.
- Breakfast and/or snack zone – cereals, cereal bowls, snacks, drinks, etc.
- Hot beverage zone – coffee maker, tea kettle, coffee, tea, cups, saucers, coffee grinder, sugar, etc.
- Small appliance zone – food processor, electric griddle, toaster, crock pot, pressure cooker, blender, etc.
- Baking zone – measuring cups, flour, sugar, mixing bowls, baking sheets, etc.
- Cleaning & waste zone – dishwasher, sink, cleaning sprays, detergents, garbage and compost bags, garbage and compost bins, etc.
- Entertaining zone – drink ware, decanter, corkscrew, liquor, mixers, serving dishes, napkins, coasters, etc.
- Health zone – medications, vitamins and supplements, first-aid, etc.
- Homework zone or family hub – charging station, office supplies, mail/file sorting and drop zone, calendar, takeout menus, etc.
These zones make efficiency possible by keeping everything you need for each task in one place. There’s a natural flow for common kitchen tasks. For example, storage for table linens near the table; everyday dishes near the dishwasher; spices, oils, pots and pans near the stove, etc.
Make use of drawer organizers and other organizational design features based on your needs in each zone.
8. Put in pull-outs
Pull-outs make finding what you’re looking for as easy as can be. Your shelves can pull out so you can see everything on it. No need to pull out half the cupboard’s contents to see what’s at the back. What could be more functional than that?
9. Don’t forget about the garbage
A dedicated pull-out drawer or cabinet complete with recycling and garbage bins makes garbage disposal and recycling collection tidy and convenient. This is a simple way to be more environmentally friendly in your kitchen.
10. Add a workspace
Working from home is more common than ever. If you find yourself at your kitchen counter with your laptop regularly, consider adding a workspace in your kitchen remodel. A dedicated workspace where you can pay bills, sign schoolwork, or write out a recipe is handy even if you don’t work from home. This design feature can benefit kids with homework, too.
Remodel Your Kitchen to Make it More Functional
A kitchen remodel can make your kitchen more functional. Restore the joy of cooking, nurture family togetherness, and simplify your life with some practical updates. Need inspiration? Talk to one of our kitchen renovation design experts today!
