Attractive kitchen designs and shapes

By Pocyline Karani

Kitchens are often ignored yet, without them, no home would be complete. Kitchens are very important spaces that serve as the heart of the home. It is the hub for cooking, eating and entertaining for some.

Because of all the activity that goes on in a kitchen, it is important to have one that is not only attractive but functional too. It must be the space that inspires you to cook fantastic meals and to socialise, all the while staying as clean as possible.

A spacious kitchen with fitted cabinets and a dining table at the centre. Photo: Martin Mukangu/Standard

There is need for efficiency, convenience, traffic spaces, distances between items, countertop and cabinet space. Multiple workstations within the kitchen allow more than one person to work efficiently without getting in another person’s way.

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Work centres are a little less formal than a classic work triangle since you can create a station anytime. However, decent counter space must be available next to a major appliance or sink.

Adding an island functional unit at the centre of the kitchen is one of the most common ways to add multiple workcentres into a kitchen. These stations can become major workcentres if a second sink is added or the cook top is pulled away from the wall and set into the island. Even without an island, you can create distinct work centres simply by separating the microwave oven and the cook top/range.

Sink types

Finishing materials are another critical part of the kitchen makeover process. These are cabinets, countertops, flooring, kitchen sinks and appliances. Cabinets come in two styles — frameless and face-framed. Each style has a variety of doors, wood and finishes. Cabinets vary in degree of construction quality so look for small details like rollout and tilt-out drawer features.

On the other hand, countertops are another aspect of the kitchen you could play around with. The material used range from the very expensive yet durable solid surfaces or granite to the less expensive but attractive choices of ceramic tile and laminates.

Flooring offers a wide variety of choices ranging from ceramic tiles, sheet vinyl and wood with a variety of textures, designs and price. Ensure your colour choice complements the fittings.