Create a Kitchen a Professional Chef Would Dream Of

by Lauren Busser Direct from the Designers’ Editorial Director

A lot of activity happens in the kitchen. Between cooking, eating, and entertaining, we spend a great deal of time in our kitchens. So it is essential that this room be well designed and efficient. While the exact layout of your kitchen is a matter of personal preference, but seasoned chefs have a few things that they find essential in their kitchens.

Assess Your Habits

Size does not always matter when it comes to your kitchen. It is just as possible to cook like a pro in a small kitchen as it is to cook in a big kitchen. What is important is that you take stock of how you work and design your space so that your kitchen flows with your movements.

Counter Space is Prime Real Estate

One thing most chefs agree on is that counter space is important. Counter space can serve as prep space for cooking or baking and maybe even provide a buffet setup for entertaining. When it comes to counter space many chefs prefer butcher block, marble, and granite.

Organize Everything

As much as chefs want lots of counter space they also want it to be clear. That’s why sufficient cabinetry is so important in a kitchen. It keeps your ingredients and tools stored neatly away so that the counter space remains uncluttered.

Traditional cabinetry will always be a must in the kitchen but for the more artistic and unique tools and serving platters a lot of kitchen designers are starting to feature open shelving in their kitchens. Open shelving gives homeowners a chance to show off their unique wares in a way that stores and displays them beautifully.

Select a Fridge that Fits

Go to any store and you will be surprised by how many refrigerator configurations you will see. Each configuration has its own focus and unique set of benefits. So when you are selecting your fridge think it over and consider what you will probably store and use the most.

Do you use a lot of frozen foods? Or do you want all your fresh fruits and vegetables at eye-level? Your answer could determine whether you go for a top or bottom freezer.

Do you store big items, like frozen pizza or mostly smaller items? If you want to store large, bulky items a side-by-side may not work as well for your home as a bottom freezer might.

Consider Entertaining

Kitchens aren’t just about cooking. They can be a staging as well as a serving area when you entertain guests. Choose a layout for your kitchen that allows for the natural flow of guests through the house. One layout you may want to consider is the island kitchen. An can island be a great eating bar for entertaining a friend who stops over or it can function as a buffet table for a larger party. Plus, it gives you added prep space.

Remember that the goal of your new kitchen is to make sure that it fits your lifestyle and movements. Don’t focus so much on the size of your kitchen when you are designing your new home but rather on making the space comfortable for you to use. Determine how you use your kitchen and what amenities you really want and design around that. If you do it right, you'll have a perfect space that you will love for years to come.