Kitchen Essentials A Specifier's Guide to Design and Planning Considerations for Modern Kitchens - Architecture & Design
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Kitchen Essentials A Specifier’s Guide to Design and Planning Considerations for Modern Kitchens
Introduction The kitchen represents one of the most challenging design problems in the Australian home. Designers have to balance a wide range of requirements, including how to accommodate appliances, storage and workspaces, providing access to water and electricity, and doing so within a comfortable and ergonomic design. Aesthetics remain one of the top priorities for homeowners, making surface and material choice critical to delivering the desired look and feel without compromising durability and longevity. In Australia, modern kitchen design reflects key lifestyle trends. While apartment living spaces are shrinking,1 residential house sizes have swelled by 20% in the last twenty years.2 More than ever, there is no one-size-fits-all kitchen design solution – each space must be user- specific and work within a range of constraints, from space, budget and time to availability of products and materials. Meeting all these needs appropriately to create a successful kitchen design requires careful and informed planning. What makes a good kitchen? The layout should fulfil functional, storage and aesthetic requirements, and maximise space usage. It should provide a comfortable and efficient workspace for a single user, or multiple users, depending on the size of the household. Surface materials for floors, walls, cabinets and benchtops should be safe, stable and long lasting, while being easy to clean and maintain. Design concepts such as the Kitchen Work Triangle provide a starting point. Everything from benchtop design to appliance selection contribute to an efficient and functional kitchen. In today’s landscape, there are opportunities to elevate the space through customisation and integration. In this whitepaper, we explore these concepts further and provide a concise, easy-to-follow guide on design and planning considerations for the modern kitchen. “A kitchen should be arranged so that the kitchen workflow can be completed efficiently and with minimal cross circulation.”
Kitchen Design Principles
Work Sequence
The Work Sequence design principle refers to the natural A kitchen should be arranged so that the kitchen
order of activities when preparing food, and how this workflow can be completed efficiently and with minimal
relates to how the kitchen space is laid out. Broadly cross circulation. Designers should carefully consider
speaking, the main tasks in the preparation of food in the space between sequential work zones; for example,
sequential order are: the preparation area should be in close proximity to the
cooking area to reduce the travel distance between these
1. Store. Unloading food and storing in the fridge,
related workspaces.
cupboards or other storage areas.
The Kitchen Work Triangle
2. Wash. Washing food, including peeling, chopping
and straining. The Kitchen Work Triangle, or “Kitchen Triangle”, is a
longstanding kitchen design principle that also focuses on
3. Prepare. Mixing and combining food ingredients.
enabling an efficient kitchen workflow. In a kitchen, there
4. Cook. Utilising a stovetop, oven, microwave or are three main workstations:3
other cooking device to cook food.
• the kitchen sink, where you clean and prepare food;
5. Serve. Serving up food on dishes, including • the refrigerator, where you store food; and
keeping food warm and accessing cutlery.
• the stovetop, where you cook food.
6. Eat. Consuming food at a table.
According to the Kitchen Triangle rule,4 three sides of
After this process, the table is cleared away, dishes the triangle, which connect the three main workstations,
and utensils taken away to be washed, and leftover should be between 1.2 metres and 2.7 metres, and add
food stored away. This is followed by waste disposal, up to a total of between 4 metres and 7.9 metres
dishwashing, handwashing, and putting away dishes, The rationale behind this setup is to reduce the distance
utensils and appliances. and effort to work effectively between the main
kitchen workstations.
Layout Considerations
Designers will need to take into consideration a range Hardware
of project-specific factors when designing a kitchen
In general, hardware for a kitchen will be of a particular
space and layout. These factors include the size of the
type or theme. For example, sleek tubular pulls may be
kitchen space, the appropriate height of workspaces and
chosen for a contemporary aesthetic whereas rounded
appliances, traffic flow in, out and around the kitchen, and
knobs may suit more classic or vintage styles. Finishes,
whether the kitchen must accommodate a single user or
such as brushed nickel, chrome, and bronze, are also
a family unit.
generally kept consistent throughout the kitchen, which
Over the years, kitchen design trends have given rise to can be a challenge when sourcing hardware from
different layout configurations that respond to different multiple suppliers.
user requirements. Popular layouts include: U-shaped
kitchens, which are suitable for multiple users and larger
spaces; L-shaped kitchens, which are best suited for
compact spaces; straight-line kitchens for small, open-
plan apartments; and kitchen island designs, which
provide areas for social gatherings and entertaining.
Kitchen Fixtures and Fittings
Benches and Countertops
Surfaces and materials specified for a kitchen must be
consistent with the overall look and feel of the kitchen,
but also perform well under fairly challenging conditions,
such as heavy use, temperature fluctuations, moisture
and a high likelihood of spills. Accordingly, the key
performance criteria when selecting benches and
countertop materials is durability (including scratch,
heat and impact resistance), and cleanability.
Lack of bench space or poorly-positioned benchtops
continue to be a common problem in modern kitchen
design. Some publications offer general bench space
guidelines based on the number of people in the household.5
Cabinetry and Storage
Cabinet sizes and dimensions are generally standard
across Australia, though modifications may be required
to suit individual space requirements and necessitate
customised options.6 Maximising storage space with
pull-out larders and shelving, advanced drawer systems,
and other storage accessories can increase workspace
in other parts of the kitchen.
As with bench and countertops, surface materials for
cabinetry have to be carefully considered for aesthetics,
durability and performance. Specialty suppliers offer
decorative panels and storage solutions that help create
a consistent look and feel throughout a kitchen.
Functionality
Oven and Stove Top Customisation and Integration
Every kitchen requires an oven, grill, and hob that is Designers should be aware of the growing variety of
powered either by gas or electricity, or both. Designers integrated and customisable appliance options. For
should allow ample clearance on each side of the cooker. example, integrated fridges, dishwashers, and coffee
Integrated ovens and microwaves should be placed at a machines can be installed inside cupboards or behind
higher level, if space allows, to improve ergonomics. panels so they are hidden from view.
An extractor is needed to manage greasy vapours during Integrated appliances enable a kitchen to maintain
cooking. It is usually placed on or near an external wall, a consistent, seamless look throughout the space.
and may be integrated behind cabinetry to preserve a Appliances can be installed flush against a wall to reduce
clean and seamless look and feel. their spatial footprint. They can also be placed behind
specialty decorative panels or other fronts to elevate the
Sink and Taps
aesthetics of the kitchen interior.
The sink and tap is one of the most highly used areas
Accessibility
in the kitchen. The size and depth of the sink should be
specified for the intended purpose; a deep sink is good Accessibility, that is providing a space that can
for cleaning larger items, but a smaller sink may be more be used by a wide range of users, is an important
appropriate for specific uses (e.g. a home bar area that is design consideration for any space. Below are some
used primarily for preparing drinks). characteristics of a universally-accessible kitchen design:
Mixer taps are common in modern kitchens. Single • safe and adequate space to move around the kitchen
handles are generally more convenient in terms of for mobility-challenged or wheelchair users;
control, temperature adjustment and cleaning. The • workspaces, appliances and storage at suitable heights;
finish on taps and handles should match the rest of the
• appliances, doors and cabinetry that can be operated
kitchen aesthetic, while being durable and easy to clean.
by users of varying levels of strength and dexterity;
Water-saving features, such as low-flow taps and flow
restrictors, may also be considered. • easy access and operation of critical kitchen functions
such as sinks, taps and waste disposal; and
Kitchen Appliances
• adaptable design that responds to the needs of the
Kitchen appliances should be designed with functionality user as they age.
suited to the occupant’s lifestyle. Energy efficiency should Designers and specifiers may find the access and
always be one of the top priorities in this category. When mobility standards useful as a reference, specifically
specifying kitchen appliances, consider appliances with AS 1428.1:2009, AS 1428.2:1992 and AS 4299:1995.
high energy ratings – the more stars, the more energy
efficient the product is compared to other models in
its category.7Style and Aesthetics Compliance and Quality Control
The desired look and feel will influence how the kitchen The National Construction Code and Australian Standards
space is arranged, the choice of materials and finishes. set out performance requirements for all new building
Contemporary styles are characterised by minimalist work in Australia. Several Australian Standards are
colour schemes, smooth finishes, and slimline profiles. relevant to kitchen design, for example AS 4386:2018
A classic kitchen aesthetic will likely contain more earth Domestic Kitchen Assemblies; AS1351.1:1974 Spaces
tones, vintage or rustic fixtures, and natural materials in Dwellings - Kitchens; and the various standards relating
and finishes. to plumbing, tapware, drainage, electricity and access.
Any products specified for a kitchen design should be
It can be challenging to source matching surfaces and
compliant with the relevant standards.
products from different suppliers and manufacturers.
Some companies offer matching decorative panels and Quality control is also a key requirement when specifying
surfaces for vertical and horizontal applications that can kitchen products. When choosing kitchen products,
help designers achieve a coherent aesthetic and colour consider the reputation of the manufacturer or supplier,
scheme across a kitchen space. It may reduce cost whether the product has been independently tested and
and time to identify suppliers that offer a wider range of certified, and the extent of any warranties and guarantees.
kitchen solutions to streamline the specification process Also, consider what levels of service for repairs and
while ensuring visual consistency. maintenance are provided after purchase.
It is advisable to engage with a kitchen designer and
consult closely with the chosen supplier or manufacturer.
Simple design flaws can reduce comfort and usability or
turn a kitchen into a safety hazard. Poor quality hardware,
materials and appliances will cost the homeowner more
in the long run if regular repairs, maintenance or full
replacement are required in the future.NOVER We Are The Product Experts Spanning a history of 67 years, Nover is a proud Australian owned and operated company specialising in the wholesale distribution of quality products to the kitchen and joinery manufacturing sector. Finding everything you need for your next kitchen project may be challenging, especially if you are seeking premium aesthetics without compromising performance and functionality. With Nover, you have a wide range of kitchen products all in one place, with the guarantee of excellence. Nover has a complete product offer to suit any project including designer panels and decorative surfaces through to functional hardware solutions. Decorative Panels and Surfaces With help from Nover, you can bring your kitchen interiors to life with their innovative range of decorative panels and surfaces. Available in a wide range of colours, textures and materials, these panels enable designers to create a consistent aesthetic throughout the kitchen, whether it be the warmth of natural materials or the sophistication of contemporary finishes. Designed for high use areas, Nover’s range provides long lasting, easy-to-clean surfaces that are suitable for a variety of kitchen applications, including: • Evostone. A solid acrylic benchtop material with the beauty of natural stone. • Fenix. A versatile and innovative Nano Tech material designed by Arpa Industriale that is extremely opaque with low light reflectivity and soft to the touch. • Arpa HPL. The uniqueness of this material creates the perfect combination of decor, colour, design and texture. • Akril. Vibrant decorative panels and splashbacks offering high impact and abrasion resistance. Smart Fittings, Functional Hardware Make the most of your kitchen space with the Peka range of smart fittings and hardware. Peka's systems are designed to make the best use of the space you have. From spacious larder units and innovative corner unit solutions to handy pull-out systems and practical dressing room gadgets, Peka's interior fittings unlock the full potential of your home's storage space. “Surface materials for floors, walls, cabinets and benchtops should be safe, stable and long lasting, while being easy to clean and maintain.”
REFERENCES
1 Commonwealth Research. “Australian home size hits 22-year low.” CommSec.
https://www.commsec.com.au/content/dam/EN/ResearchNews/2018Reports/November/ECO_Insights_191118_CommSec-Home-Size.pdf (accessed 4 May 2021).
2 Connection Magazines. “The kitchen work triangle... and beyond.” Build. https://build.com.au/kitchen-work-triangle-and-beyond (accessed 4 May 2021).
3 Ibid.
4 Ibid.
5
Connection Magazines. “Amount of bench space.” Build. https://build.com.au/amount-bench-space (accessed 4 May 2021).
6
Connection Magazines. “Standard height, width and depth of kitchen cupboards.” Build.
https://build.com.au/standard-height-width-and-depth-kitchen-cupboards (accessed 4 May 2021).
7
Australian Government. “Energy rating - appliances.” Energy.gov.au. https://www.energy.gov.au/households/energy-rating (accessed 4 May 2021).
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