With this plan the sink is usually placed in the center leg of a U-shaped counter, between the food storage and cooking centers. The work triangle consists of three relatively short and equal-length distances.
The U-shaped kitchen layout
This, plus the fact that no through traffic interferes with the triangle, is what makes the U-shape plan the most efficient and desirablearrangement for many kitchens. It’s compact, step-saving, and keeps the cooks out of the limelight (see image).Read more...
Here are a few points to keep in mind when planning your kitchen storage:
A pantry...
- All kitchens should contain cabinets beneath the sink to hold items such as soaps, cleaning utensils, washcloths, and drying towels. If you desire, a garbage disposal can make short work of most food waste and scraps, and an automatic dishwasher can be installed under one side of the sink counter to take care of dirty dishes, pots, pans, glasses, and utensils.Read more...
No matter what overall size your kitchen is, it still should:
A typical kitchen work area scheme
1. Provide adequate working space. Any kitchen can be thought of as a combination of three work areas (see image). The first is food preparation, which includes counter space, utensil storage drawers and cabinets, places to store cutters, knives, food processors, chopping boards, glassware, cups, and plates. The second is food cooking, which includes the range, oven, counter space, and storage areas for pots, pans, cooking utensils, seasonings, ingredients, and other cooking supplies. The third is food cleaning, which includes single or dual basin sinks, counter space, dishwasher, trash facilities, and perhaps a garbage disposal. Read more...
If you don’t want a formal dining room, you should probably opt for a table/chairs set that’s placed right into the heart of the kitchen, yet out of the cook’s way. This arrangement is referred to as an eat-in kitchen. Formal meals can still be served in an eat-in kitchen when special attention is given to items such as appropriate lighting, ventilation, and mood music.
The kind of kitchen dining space you prefer also depends on if you plan to use the table, booth, or bar for other purposes. Certainly, you can hardly play cards at a breakfast bar. Read more...
Forget the home equity loan. Cancel the appointment with the contractor. You don’t need to spend a bundle and inconvenience your family for weeks to give the kitchen a face-lift. You will be amazed at what a few cans of paint or varnish or some new hardware can do for you. You can even leave the hammer in the toolbox this time. So set aside a weekend and let’s get started!
Are your stained cabinets looking a bit dirty and sticky? Sometimes cooking grease can accumulate and settle on the surface, but underneath the finish still in good condition. Before starting a major refinishing project, try varnish-softening products such as Briwax or Howard’s Restor-A-Finish. If the finish is not salvageable, you can often just lightly sand it and then apply stain and varnish. Be sure to use a good grease-cutting cleaner also. Colored varnishes, with the stain mixed in, work well as a topcoat to cover scratches and brighten the color of the original finish. Satin polyurethanes are often the best bet for going over an old finish. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s directions for compatibility.Read more...