Cabinets

Posted in: Cabinets
Some Kitchen Design Suggestions and Recommendations
By Martin Smith
Mar 27, 2008 - 3:11:07 PM

As the functionality of a place is not co-incidental and has to be well-planned, you might wish to consider some factors when planning a kitchen makeover or renovation.

Dishwashing

While designing the dishwasher, provide the proper elevation for convenience and efficiency. The suggested height is 9 to 12 inches as you will not have to bend over to wash the dishes and loading and unloading becomes quite comfortable. The final platform would be on a perfect elevation for a television set, radio or microwave.

Lighting

This is a major factor to be considered. Both the direct and the indirect lighting should be adjusted properly so that the focus of the direct lighting is on the working area and the indirect lighting can be used in general for the room light. For this purpose, fluorescent lighting installed in the wall cabinets is most recommended as it produces the best results if properly adjusted throughout the room.


Minimizing sounds

As we are aware, the kitchens are not a quiet zone of the house. Even the items it holds can create a lot of noises as they are prone to sound reflection and bouncing. So, it is suggested that you use cork flooring. It is not only comfortable but has the sound absorbing capacity. In case you have designed your kitchen like an island, remember to build walls around the 3 sides. 42 inches in height and insulated walls are recommended.

This elevation in the walls serves as a holding for electrical appliances. Try to insulate the walls between the kitchen and other rooms, including the ceiling. You can also consider using pull-out drawers for pans and pots as they control the rattling sound


Windows

You can make use of the window sill to act as a countertop, so if a window exists near your sink, make it large enough to serve the purpose. It gives a clean look and can also act as the dining window to pass food across to the dining area.


Hidden Waste

Always make sure that garbage and recycling cans are placed in pull out or tilt out cabinets, as it would make the kitchen look unclean

Different looking Cabinets & Countertops

Your kitchen comprises mainly of countertops and cabinets. So it is suggested that you design as best as you can as per your use. As an example, if your pocket allows you to, then always go for a cabinet line with matching complimentary trims such as crown molding, valances, etc. This would give an effect of continuation of the cabinets towards the ceiling and make it look more presentable.

Countertops are easily customizable and its edges can be easily personalized even if they are laminated with plastic. Laminations in various colors or wooden pieces are easily addable with good results. Countertops with a hard surface offer a lot of possibilities of designing and can be designed in different shapes. If a good work is performed on the countertops, they can give an entirely different look to the kitchen, so it is suggested that you spare some to look for a good fabricator around you.

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