Designing the Heart of the Home?

Answer 1

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is where families eat, where they communicate, where they love. Because the kitchen is the hub of a home's activity, it is important for it to be designed to be function, effective and fashionable, of course.

First and foremost is the work triangle of a kitchen. The imaginary triangle should form straight lines from the center of the sink, to the center of the cook top and to the center of the refrigerator. Efficiency is the main goal of the triangle shape, as it keeps all the major work stations close to the cook without being cramped. The flow of the triangle should not be interrupted by an island or peninsula. The sum of the three sides should not exceed 26 feet and each leg should measure somewhere between four and nine feet in length. The major traffic line through the kitchen should also not interrupt the flow of the triangle. Having this shape as the basis for the kitchen design will not only improve traffic flow through the room but it will make for easier meal preparation for families thus continuing the kitchen's function as the hub of family life.

Once the main design is set, the fun can begin. From custom cabinetry to decorative drawer pulls, from stainless steel appliances to granite counter tops, the possibilities are endless when it comes to kitchen design and fashion. A trip inside any home improvement store or website can set the creative juices flowing. Each wood type and each style have their own form and function and it may take some time to find your kitchen's perfect match; however, once you have found your kitchen, it will forever serve your family.

A kitchen is an investment in dollars, energy and love. Take care in the design and function by obtaining a sample design and estimate from a few sources before making final decisions.