It's not just those who are passionate about cooking who dream of the perfect kitchen. If given the choice, everyone wants a kitchen that suits their style and meets the needs of their family. While we all know that the "kitchen" is one of the most important rooms in the house—not only for daily meal preparation but also as a space for family bonding—many real-life kitchens are far from the dream kitchens we envision. This discrepancy arises from various factors. To make the design, decoration, and organization of kitchen items a hassle-free experience, IKEA, the leading furniture and home decor brand from Sweden, shares some simple techniques for creating the "perfect kitchen."

         Before you start designing your kitchen, it's essential to ask yourself: Who are we? How do we live? What do we do in the kitchen? The answers to these questions will guide you in designing a kitchen that fits your lifestyle and creates a space that brings smiles to your family members.


         Once you have your answers, don’t rush to buy the kitchen set you have your eye on. Start by planning the kitchen layout first. A simple technique is to consider the three main functions of the kitchen: storage, washing, and cooking.

         Next, arrange these three main areas in a triangular workflow, starting from the storage area for fresh ingredients and seasonings, moving to the washing area, and then to the cooking area. If you can balance the space allocated to these three functions, it will not only make cooking easier but also add an interesting element to your home.

         Once you have a kitchen layout that you love, it's time to allocate storage space for the three main functions. Don’t overlook small techniques that can enhance the kitchen’s appearance, such as storing various items from vegetables to certain seasonings in clear containers or jars in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to grab what you need and see what needs to be replenished.

         The benefits of keeping your refrigerator organized include energy savings and easier access to items, eliminating the issue of forgotten food going bad. If you have an overhead cabinet, you can use it to store glasses, tea, coffee, and various tools like scissors and bottle openers. To keep things even more organized, consider using clear boxes or jars so you can easily see what needs to be restocked.

         Moving on to the washing station, the area under the sink is typically used for a trash can. However, to enhance functionality in the kitchen, consider choosing a kitchen set that includes separate bins for dry and wet waste, as well as storage for dishwashing supplies. The central kitchen countertop can also feature a hanging rack, which is a great alternative for homes without a dish rack, and you can add shelves to increase storage space.

         Finally, in the cooking area, ensure there is a gap of about 55 cm between the countertop and the wall cabinets to allow enough space for cooking. The distance between the stove and the sink should be at least 80 cm for convenience while cooking. For the storage corners and lower drawers, consider adding dividers for utensils. You might also choose white tiles or wall panels that are easy to clean and add some design flair to the kitchen.

         Now that you have some ideas, let’s look at the five most popular kitchen layouts found in homes:

        1. Single-Sided Kitchen - Ideal for homes with limited space, such as apartments or houses that only need one wall for the kitchen. The advantage is that you can expand the space as needed.



Image Source: http://slowhomestudio.com/videos/single-sided-kitchens-review/


        2. Double-Sided Kitchen - Suitable for long homes or those wanting a kitchen separate from the main house. The advantage is that two people can cook simultaneously.

Image Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/18084835976435274/

        3. L-Shaped Kitchen - Ideal for homes that don’t want a separate kitchen. This layout doesn’t require additional walls. The advantage is that after allocating kitchen space, there’s still room for a dining table.

Image Source: http://www.home-designing.com/l-shaped-kitchen-layout-design-ideas-tips-pictures

       4. Island Kitchen - This layout is becoming increasingly popular as it adds functional space. This area doesn’t have to be just for storage; it can also serve as a dining area, a small pantry, a dishwashing area, or a cooking station.

Image Source: https://freshome.com/kitchen-island-ideas/

        5. U-Shaped Kitchen - Suitable for spacious homes, large families, or those who love cooking and frequently use the kitchen. The advantage is that multiple people can cook at the same time and prepare several dishes simultaneously.

Image Source: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-design-the-perfect-u-shaped-kitchen-stsetivw-vs~61409591

         With these techniques in mind, before you renovate or design your kitchen next time, remember to clearly ask yourself what your dream kitchen looks like, so you won’t have to deal with the headache of a kitchen that doesn’t match your reality.