I guess you could call it a trend, where more and more households are relying on various appliances on a regular basis. A client I’m currently working with in Glen Waverley have a mixer, coffee machine, toaster, rice cooker, and theromix. These appliances are out constantly and take up a lot of counter space. So much counter space that there is little room for cooking preparation. So, these days I think we must plan for a kitchen appliance counter in our kitchen design projects.
How many appliances and how often?
Function is the key to any interior design project. I always ask my clients what they do in the space? What time? Does the layout of the space support the key function? With open plan living and multi-functional spaces, the key is to consider the way the space is used most of the time.
Therefore, if you use appliances in your kitchen a lot, it’s important to factor them into the design of your kitchen renovation or kitchen design project. Some people tackle this problem by planning for a butler’s kitchen or pantry. But this adds a big cost to an already expensive interior design project.
So, the key is to consider what appliances you use all the time and which appliances you use some of the time? For example, in my house I have a slow cooker and juicer out all the time. The juicer I use daily and slow cooker at least once a fortnight.
Other appliances such as a waffle maker or blender I keep stored away until I need them. With my clients in Glen Waverley I asked them why they need a rice cooker when they can cook rice on the stove just as easily? Sometimes I think we can get excited about an appliance promising to save use time when in reality it doesn’t.
Kitchen storge solution-Ikea
Kitchen storage solutions
When designing your kitchen, understanding the number of appliances you have, which appliances you use all the time and the ones you don’t, will help you make smart storage solutions.
How many appliances will take up counter space? What other appliances do you have and how will they be stored? Do they need to be easily accessible for example in a drawer or cupboard next to the oven? Or can they be tucked away in a wall cupboard.
There are standard kitchen configurations that can be adjusted within a tried and tested framework to include more counter space for appliances. Don’t forget you’ll need powerpoints to service these appliances.
In a few of my kitchen renovation projects lately, an appliance counter has been an important and crucial part of the kitchen design solution, where a separate room or butler’s pantry was not feasible either due to space or budget restrictions.
A dedicated counter for appliances will ensure the efficiency and functionality of your kitchen isn’t compromised by the number and size of appliances in your kitchen.
We need to be efficient with our spaces and if for example you don’t eat bread, then maybe you don’t need a toaster? If you don’t drink tea and only drink coffee, then maybe you don’t need a kettle. When you have guests you can boil water on the stove top. A simple and practical approach is sometimes the best.
Carefully consider how you cook and use your kitchen, when designing a kitchen appliance counter in your kitchen design project.
