How to Choose a New Kitchen?
A New Kitchen!
Getting a new kitchen is an exciting experience for any family! However, it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with so many different models on the market. Those glossy catalogs with attractive pictures and catchy descriptions don’t always give you the full picture. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and focus solely on the design and showroom displays.
Before making a decision, it’s important to take the time to understand the features and details that truly matter. A kitchen you love should also meet your practical needs, so you don’t end up feeling disappointed later on.
At MAIER, we want to help you make a well-informed choice. We’re here to share practical advice and technical information that will empower you to find the perfect kitchen for your home. Following, please find some clues for your kitchen design journey.
First Step: Planning Your Kitchen
Choosing a kitchen from a showroom can be an enticing experience, as it showcases its best features. However, the same kitchen may not feel appealing in a different setting. Before making a purchase, it is essential to develop a comprehensive plan that maximizes the available space. This plan should be informed by the expertise of a trusted kitchen planner rather than solely relying on price comparisons based on standard solutions that may overlook crucial functional elements. A skilled planner possesses the ability to strike the right balance between aesthetics and functionality, ensuring your kitchen is both beautiful and practical.
1 Modular Units with Continuous Worktops
Modular Units
Modular units (becoming more and more popular), offer versatility in kitchen design, allowing for various configurations and easier integration with electronic appliances.
Continuous Worktops
A kitchen with a continuous worktop presents a streamlined design, providing an uninterrupted surface that enhances aesthetics. This design also helps contain spills, minimizing mess.
2 Plinths, Wall-Hung, and Foot Units
Kitchen Units with Plinths
Advantages:
- Conceals dirt accumulation beneath the kitchen units, optimizing space utilization.
- Facilitates easy integration of appliances like dishwashers.
Disadvantages:
- Dirt can still accumulate under the unit, as the plinth is not sealed.
- Cleaning underneath can be challenging, making perfect hygiene difficult to maintain.
Wall-Hung Units
Advantages:
- Simplifies cleaning beneath the units.
- Elevates the kitchen’s aesthetic appeal, creating a sense of lightness.
- Improves the efficiency of floor heating systems.
Kitchen Units with Foot
Advantages:
- Easier access for maintenance underneath the units.
- Enhances hygiene by allowing for better cleaning.
- Provides a lighter, more elegant appearance and improves floor heating efficiency.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes, not easy to clean. Need to plan carefully with compatible adaptations.
Second Step: Choosing The Right Colours
Colors can invigorate any space! Opt for light shades that reflect light, such as pale yellows or greens, or classic whites. These colors are timeless and can make your kitchen appear larger. However, color selection is highly personal. MAIER offers an extensive palette of gloss or matte finishes in lacquer, laminate, glass, and various wood tones.
Going Beyond the Latest Fashion
A kitchen's longevity is not solely determined by its physical and technical attributes. Often, a decision to replace a kitchen stem from a desire for a new style, leading to the disposal of functional products that are no longer trendy. It is advisable to select kitchens with elements that transcend fleeting trends. Look for timeless models characterized by clean lines, simple forms, and meticulous attention to detail. Avoid designs that are solely based on current fads; instead, consider incorporating softer curves to enhance square forms. For a sophisticated look, steer clear of overly intricate shapes that may become tiresome over time. Consider quality craftsmanship, such as glass inlays, which can add warmth and foster a cozy atmosphere that ages gracefully and becomes more cherished over time.
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is a hallmark of quality that discerning buyers can easily recognize. Rather than merely taking a cursory glance, thoroughly examine each aspect of the cabinetry, including interior finishes. This level of scrutiny is essential for evaluating quality and understanding that not all kitchens are created equal.
Third Step: Understanding Ergonomics in Kitchen Design
Ergonomics plays an important role in the selection of a kitchen nowadays.
Ergonomics is the scientific study of our interactions with the environments we inhabit and the objects we utilize. The kitchen is a central hub of daily activity, where we prepare, cook, and consume meals. The efficiency and comfort of these tasks are significantly enhanced when everything is easily accessible and when we can move freely. However, this often becomes challenging if the kitchen layout and furnishings do not align with our physical requirements.
What is Ergonomics?
When purchasing a new kitchen, it is common to be captivated by its aesthetic appeal in a showroom. However, it is essential to thoroughly consider functional aspects to make a well-informed decision. This approach ensures that you avoid enduring a space that forces you into awkward positions, potentially compromising your posture and overall health over time.
Ergonomics in kitchen design focuses on creating a space that enhances comfort, efficiency, and safety while performing kitchen tasks. The basic principles are:
1. Work Triangle: The layout should facilitate easy movement between the stove, sink, and refrigerator, forming an efficient triangle.
2. Counter Height: Countertops should be at a comfortable height to avoid strain during food preparation and cooking. (Who will cook more often in house? (or only your maid?))
3. Storage Accessibility: Cabinets and shelves should be organized so that frequently used items are easily reachable, minimizing bending or stretching.
4. Lighting: Adequate and adjustable lighting helps reduce eye strain and improves visibility for cooking and prep work.
5. Flooring: Non-slip, cushioned flooring can reduce fatigue and the risk of slips and falls.
6. Appliance Placement: Appliances should be positioned for ease of use, with consideration for how often they are accessed.
7. Clearances and Space: Sufficient space should be provided for movement, allowing multiple people to work in the kitchen without crowding.
By integrating these principles, kitchen designs which fit with ergonomics can enhance usability and comfort, making cooking and food preparation more enjoyable.