Small Kitchen Design Tips

Small Kitchen Design with U-Shaped Kitchen Layout

Small kitchen design may seem to be a very high design challenge, but they can also be functional, beautiful and efficient. Even with a space or building restriction with limited budge, you can find that there are some options open to us to transform our kitchen into something more ideal for our needs.

We need to design more unique storage solutions, mixing natural and ambient lighting, taking advantage of more space saving appliances and personalized style. To create the small but efficient kitchen design, we need to work on three major areas of small kitchen design: i. storage, ii. lighting, iii. appliances.

A small kitchen design requires creativity in coming up with storage solutions. Some ideas to try include:

1. Putting an island in the center of the kitchen that can provide freestanding storage that is also convenient from any spot in the kitchen.

2. Using a galley/parallel kitchen design in which the kitchen cabinet and appliances line up on either side of a corridor can work out very well for a small kitchen space.

3. Today's appliance manufacturers have come up with more compact space-saving appliances make small kitchen design easier.

4. Other small kitchen design tricks to create an eating area in the kitchen include using a drop table or a small sized round table with two small chairs that can be tucked into a corner. Or a built-in counter along the wall with chairs to provide an eating area.

5. Installing deeper kitchen cabinets that can accommodate more appliances and increase work space.

6. For storage you can hang up pots and pans. This is a perfect way to free up kitchen cabinet space. The insides of kitchen cabinet doors can be used to hang up everything from utensils, oven mitts and other miscellaneous items. Pantry storage with units that go all the way to the ceiling with the upper cabinets to provide more space for seldom used items while making the lower cabinets more accessible with rollout shelves, lazy susans and tilt-out bins.

7. Install a large kitchen sink, since larger sinks are considered to be more practical than small sinks when it comes to cleaning pots and pans.

Kitchen Cabinet Design – A kitchen cabinet designer and consultant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas, Kuala Lumpur

In Malaysia, the kitchen is the centre of life in a family. A kitchen that is functional, comfortable and beautiful is now the goals of every family.

If you plan to remodel your kitchen (kitchen remodelling) to make it more functional, more comfortable, more modern and to provide more space for family members, you can create wonderful changes within your budget.

A kitchen remodeling project including the following;

1. New flooring
2. New window
   
3. Wall Painting
4. New kitchen cabinets
   
5. New curtains
6. New appliances - Refrigerator, Microwave, Stoves, Ovens.
   
7. New Counter Tops
8. New Sink and Faucet
9. Water filtration and purification system
10. Ventilation Hoods
11. Lighting
    

If your home is older and your kitchen just needs a little modernizing, you can plan for your kitchen remodeling. Kitchen remodeling can be great and fun. In your kitchen remodeling project, it offers the opportunity to create a more efficient kitchen and to create a space where the family can relax and cook.

Finally, you must ask whether this is something you can do it yourself or you need to hire a kitchen designer or consultant. This will depend on the extent of the renovation or kitchen remodeling, your skills, knowledge and your time. You may be able to do all of the work yourself. You may need to hire kitchen cabinet designer to do the parts of the kitchen remodelling project that you don't feel competent to do. You might just want to relax, have someone else do the work, and simply enjoy the result.

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Kitchen Cabinet Malaysia

Kitchen Work Triangle - A view from Kitchen Designer from Malaysia

Kitchen Work Triangle. (Picture from www.merillat.com)

The goals of a good kitchen work triangle are to place the three most common work sites. In the traditional kitchen the three main work sites are:

• Refrigerator – the cold storage work site
• Sink – the cleaning/preparation work site
• Stove – the cooking work site

The concept for the kitchen work triangle was developed by the Small Homes Council of the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois in the 1950’s. An invisible “work triangle” is created in the kitchen by the arrangement of the sink, stove and refrigerator.

There is some debate, today, among professional kitchen designer concerning the traditional work triangle. Although most agree kitchen work triangle is still an important element in kitchen design, may see the triangular space evolving as cooking habits and lifestyles change. These kitchen designers feel that the more actual living done in the kitchen, the more expanded the basic triangle will have to become and kitchen grow larger – which appears to be the trend – they will embrace an increasing number of activities. This will result in the need for several autonomous triangles within the room. We maybe need to plan a kitchen design for two or more cook, include an island with extra sink and cooktop and create multiple work triangles in kitchen design.

Kitchen Cabinet Kuala Lumpur – A Kitchen Cabinet Designer and Consultant in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

Kitchen Cabinet Malaysia – Kitchen Cabinet Design and Consulatant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Kitchen Design Malaysia - Cooktops

Cooktops (Kitchen Design) can be fueled by gas or electricity. Cooktops have a number of different burner and surface options in (Kitchen Design) Malaysia market.

Gas Cooktops

Gas Cooktop (Picture from www.appliancist.com )

Pros

• Allow you to instantly turn the heat on or off.
• Give you more precise control over the temperature when you’re searing meat or simmering sauces.
• Some new models can use 30 percent less gas by relying on pilotless ignition instead of continuously burning pilot lights.

Cons

• Can release gaseous fumes that, without proper ventilation, can lead to indoor (kitchen) air pollution.
• Require certain gas hook-ups in your kitchen.

Electric Cooktops with Coil Burners

Electrical Cooktop (Picture from www.appliancist.com )

Electric black coils—metallic tubes covered with insulation, create heat through electrical resistance. The heat moves from the coils to the pot or pan through conduction and radiation.

Pros

• Don’t cause indoor (kitchen) air pollution.
• Allow you to boil water faster on larger burners than you can on some gas cooktops.
• They’re easy to maintain and repair.

Cons

• You may pay less initially but electric can cost more than gas over the long run.
• Don’t make a strong design statement.
• Don’t offer precise control over temperatures.

Electric Cooktops with Glass Ceramic Surfaces

Glass ceramic cooktops often have a touchpad rather than knobs, to maintain the smooth, sleek look. Circular patterns on the surface indicate where to place your pots and pans. Rather than coils, these smooth cooktops have radiant, halogen or induction heating elements. Radiant or ribbon elements heat similarly to standard black electric coils; halogen works like ultra hot lightbulbs; and induction creates magnetic fields that generate heat.

Pros

• Their smooth, flat surface makes cleanup easy.
• When not in use, you can use the smooth surface as extra countertop space.
• You get a clean, uncluttered look to the countertop.
• Induction cooktops offer the same kind of precise heat control as gas cooktops, and are more energy efficient.

Cons

• Induction cooking only works with steel and cast iron pots and pans.
• Induction cooktops are more expensive than other electric cooktops.
• You have to be careful that you don’t burn yourself by accidentally hitting the touchpad controls or knobs.
• You won’t get the same kind of precise temperature control that you can with gas, unless you choose magnetic induction.
• Hard to tell if the burners are still hot when they’re turned of.

Kitchen Cabinet Kuala Lumpur - A Kitchen Cabinet Designer and Consultant in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

Kitchen Design Malaysia

Plan Your Kitchen (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Every kitchen must be planned with precision to ensure that you get everything you want from it. Before you think about storage (kitchen cabinet), flooring or work surface, it is important to run through exactly how you will use the space.

1. How many people will use the kitchen to cook, eat, do laundry, tackle homework or just sit and chat?
2. What kitchen appliances will you need?
3. What type of sink do you prefer?
4. How much food storage in the kitchen do you need?
5. How many pots, utensil and gadgets have you got, and would you prefer them on display or hidden in cupboards?

One you have answered these basic questions; consider how to arrange essential elements in the room.

The underlying principle of good kitchen design (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) is that of the work triangle, where you can move easily between the cooker, sink and fridge. For a smooth-running kitchen, avoid obstructing the area between these elements. Provide as much work surface nearby as you can.

Kitchen Work Triangle

A truly functional kitchen contains all the appliances you need, together with plenty of storage (kitchen cabinet ) and work surface areas. In a small kitchen, it may be tricky to find the space for everything, but remember that you can always look for suitable kitchen cabinet (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) and combined appliance to create a small but functioning kitchen.

When deciding on installing or renovating your kitchen cabinets, there are several things you must consider:

1. The layout of the kitchen.
2. The type of material.
3. The doors and drawers.
4. The countertop.
5. The accessories.
6. The sink and faucet.
7. The strength of your kitchen cabinets.

Kitchen Cabinet Kuala Lumpur - A Kitchen Cabinet Designer and Consultant in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

Kitchen Cabinet Malaysia

Kitchen Island

A good kitchen island creates additional space for appliances like microwaves and dishwashers and become the hub of several overlapping workstation. We can equip our island with appliances or cabinetry to suit our needs. An island can serve as a center for entertaining by including a built-in television, a bar sink, wine icemaker and microwave. It might be a new home for a cooktop.

Following kitchen island pictures present many different styles and ideas for islands that will help us to create the perfect kitchen island for our layout. You'll see a variety of materials used for cabinetry and countertop surfaces, including stainless, granite, marble and wood, that help tie the design with function. The many features of kitchen islands are also shown, including wine racks, storage cabinets, sinks, cooktops, eating areas and cooking areas.

Layout Plan for Single Line Kitchen with Island


Kitchen Island Picture

Picture Source: www.remodelingmyspace.com



Picture Source: www.remodelingmyspace.com


Picture Source: www.remodelingmyspace.com


Picture Source: www.remodelingmyspace.com


Picture Source: www.remodelingmyspace.com



Picture Source: CalFinder


Picture Source: CalFinder

Picture Source: CalFinder

Kitchen Cabinet Kuala Lumpur - A Kitchen Cabinet Designer and Consultant in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

Contemporary kitchens

Picture from kitchens.com

Contemporary kitchens tend to be described as modern, minimalist and geometric. The characteristics include horizontal lines, asymmetry and a lack of molding and other ornamentation. Materials often are man-made rather than natural: stainless steel, laminate, glass, concrete, chrome and lacquer. Contemporary style is taking a softer turn, even I the kitchen, a place where hard edges, cool reflection surfaces and cutting-edge technology abound. When selecting cabinets for your contemporary kitchen, pair a frameless door with wood finish. Laminate cabinetry is still compatible with this style.

Expect to see to for Contemporary Kitchens:

• Cabinet material: stainless steel, white or bold-colored laminate, or subtly grained woods such as birch, ash or maple;
• Frameless cabinets with oversized hardware;
• Cabinet door style: slab or horizontal lift-up;
• Stainless steel and other metallic accents;
• Frosted glass inserts;
• Curved cabinets and counters.

Visit following for more pictures for Traditional Kitchens;

1. Contemporary Kitchens Photo Gallery at Cambridge Kitchens.

2. Contemporary Kitchens Photo Gallery at kitchens.com.

3. Kitchen Styles at Kitchen Cabinet Malaysia.
   

Kitchen Cabinet Kuala Lumpur - A Kitchen Cabinet Designer and Consultant in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

Country Kitchens

Picture from RemodelingMyspace.com

“Country” implies a deeper connection to the outdoors and the simple life than other styles and uses an abundance of natural element. Country kitchens are cheery and welcoming, with light and/or bright colors, painted and glazed cabinets, woven baskets, floral motifs, and decorative shelving and molding. Cabinet door styles are typically framed, sometimes with raised panel.

Expect to see for Country Kitchens:

1. Floral, checked, striped, gingham and plaid patterns;
2. Painted, glazed and distressed cabinet finishes;
3. Window and wall treatments in fabrics such as chintz and calico;
4. Beadboard wainscoting and paneling;
5. Handmade, hand-forged, homespun look;
6. Chicken wire or metal cabinet inserts;
7. Antiques and flea-market finds.

Visit following for more pictures of Country Styles;

1. Country Kitchens Photo Gallery at kitchens.com.
2. Country Kitchens Photo and Design Ideas at RemodelingMySpace.
3. Kitchen Styles at kitchen-cabinet.96network.com.

Kitchen Cabinet Kuala Lumpur - A Kitchen Cabinet Designer and Consultant in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

Kitchen Cabinet Malaysia

Kitchen Renovation / Kitchen Remodeling Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

1. The “work triangle’ is the underlying principle of good kitchen design. It simply means that you should be able to move freely an easily between the cooker, fridge and sink. Bear this in mind when planning your layout.
2. A truly functional kitchen contain all the appliances you need, together with plenty of storage and work surface areas. In a small room, it may be tricky to find the space for everything, but remember that you can always look for combine appliances, or you may be able to find alternative housing for a freezer or a washing machine in nearly room.
3. Design kitchen lighting so that your work areas are clearly illuminated, either with wall down lights or lights mounted beneath wall units. For general lighting, track system are useful and inexpensive, while inset ceiling spotlights are smart and unobtrusive. Install a dimmer to create a more relaxing ambience if you are going to eat in the kitchen. In a separate dining room, a low pendant over the table creates a sense of drama.
4. Flooring in the kitchen should be hard-wearing, long-lasting and able to withstand splashes, drip and frequent cleaning.
5. Don’t feel obliged to go for a conventional fitted kitchen – unfitted version can look fantastic, and you can take them with you when you move. Or you could opt for a combination of the two, with a few built-in cupboards plus dresser and some other free-standing furniture.
6. Kitchen wall coverings should be easy to clean, tough and impervious to steam, with waterproof, wipe able splash back behind the hob and sink.
7. When it comes to choosing a work surface, remember that, while style is important, it should be easy to clean, hard-wearing and resistant to knife marks, heat, steam and water. Buy the thickest you can afford, and in most cases budget for it to be fitted by a professional.
8. In any eating area, whether it’s separate dining room, one end of the kitchen or living room, or even on a balcony or patio, try to provide comfortable seating, a spacious table and gentle but adequate lighting, so that the space is conducive to relaxed enjoyment of a good meal.
9. Even an ordinary kitchen can be made look special with clever displays of attractive crockery, glassware, gadgets or other kitchenalia.

Kitchen Cabinet Kuala Lumur - A Kitchen Cabinet Designer and Consultant in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

Kitchen Cabinet Malaysia

Defining Your Kitchen Needs

Kitchen Needs Assessment

1. How many hours a week is the kitchen in use? Weekdays? Weekends?
2. How much storage space is needed?
3. How many people are preparing food at one time?
4. Do you have a table in the kitchen? If so, how many people are typically seated at one time? Is there a separate dining room area?
5. Do you entertain formally or informally in your kitchen? What other activities take place in the kitchen - family doing homework?
6. What characteristics do you like about your kitchen and want to keep?
7. What do you not like and want to change about your kitchen?
8. Is the kitchen layout efficient?
9. Do you need more storage space? More counter space?

Kuala Lumpur Kitchen Cabinet - A Kitchen Cabinet Designer and Consultant in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.