Prioritize Form and Function in Your Next Kitchen Remodel

It can be challenging to update every component of a kitchen in a remodel, even with a nearly limitless budget. The best results come from homeowners prioritizing surfaces and fixtures when they are most in need of replacement. Regardless of the budget, it is simple to afford a complete kitchen remodel over a few years by prioritizing updates based on necessity. To get the most out of each remodeling cycle, pay special attention to these kitchen fixtures first.

Form follows function

Today, the kitchen truly serves as the center of the house. Here, meals are enjoyed, friendships are formed, and tales are told not just by word of mouth but also by the very act of being in a well-designed kitchen. In our ideal designs of the present, kitchen form frequently takes precedence over kitchen function. But no other room in the house is more appropriate for the old saying "form follows function" than the kitchen, according to architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The best kitchens have everything in their proper place in addition to looking beautiful.

The layout of the kitchen

Galleys, U-shaped kitchens, islands, and other kitchen layouts are all common. We are adamant that the "work triangle" should be present in every layout. The cook should not have to take more than four to five steps to move between the three main work areas of the kitchen: food preparation (sink), food storage (refrigerator), and cooking, according to the work triangle, which was developed in the 1940s (range). Nothing should obstruct this circulation path since this triangle also symbolizes the direction of traffic.

When designing the kitchen, keep the following in mind:

• Location of Sink: Would you rather be looking out a window (at the island) or keeping an eye on the family or guests (at the perimeter cabinetry)?
• Island – Will there be a lot of gathering or preparation on the island? You might prefer to let your dishes pile up at a sink that is situated at the edge of your kitchen's cabinetry if it is primarily for gathering. It might be most practical to place the sink front and center at the island if it is for prep work.
• Range placement: Is there a chance for a focal point, like a fancy hood surround, as you enter the kitchen? We frequently work to establish a connection between the island, range, and lighting, making sure they all work well together. The fireplace on the great room's opposite wall may be aligned with the range, which presents an opportunity for ceiling beam work to connect the two and, in turn, unify the area.

 Regardless of the design of your house, we advise you to examine the layout and search for any potential hidden advantages. A smart idea would even be to hire professional contractors that will design your kitchen remodeling according to your request and will also provide you with a breathtaking kitchen that gives importance and priority to its form and function. A well designed kitchen will give extra points and raise the value of your home if you ever decide to have an estate sale.

Appliances:

Despite the fact that technology is constantly expanding our appliance options, there are still some choices that our clients are making when it comes to designing their kitchens. The refrigerator and range are central to many of these choices.

Refrigeration - Nothing, in our opinion, makes your kitchen look more modern than a built-in refrigerator. These refrigerators, which typically range in size from 30 to 48 inches, are flush with your cabinets and can have a front overlay panel so they disappear into your cabinetry. If you're thinking about making one expensive purchase to change the appearance and feel of your kitchen, we would recommend the built-in option despite the cost. If this is not an option for you, think about a less expensive version with a counter-depth that offers a comparable appearance.

The Island - is the only component of the kitchen that strikes the perfect balance between form and function with such ease. An island serves as the focal point for all of your kitchen's essential items, rising out of the room like a utopian atoll. Almost any functionality you need can be seamlessly combined with a lovely island.

The eye-catching centerpiece is frequently a work of art in and of itself, but it develops into so much more when it serves as a breakfast bar, food preparation area, serving table, or even a place to try out some home cocktail making. No matter the function needed, islands are a must-have in the modern kitchen because you are guaranteed a lovely space to host it.

Of course, there are many ways to make the island more useful while still preserving its lovely form. If you want to give your pots and pans the perfect place to live, think about installing custom-made cupboards. You could also install a number of drawers or even some useful wine storage.

As long as you start out with the right components in place, you won't make a mistake when designing a kitchen because there are countless options available. Prepare your layout in advance and give your appliance package some thought.