It goes without saying that kitchens are an essential part of any home. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom who uses this space to cook three meals a day, or a weekend chef who likes to experiment with that recipe you saw on TV on your last day off, or a single person ordering food for take and use this part of the house only to reheat food and wash dishes; everyone needs a kitchen. Since such needs can vary, it’s important to customize yours in such a way that your time in the kitchen is enjoyable and convenient. This is where kitchen design comes in and this article offers some ideas if you are planning to remodel your culinary space.

Kitchen design starts with the main principle of the ‘golden triangle’, which refers to the grouping of the most used equipment or work spaces. So if the kitchen, fridge and workbench are your golden triangle, make sure your kitchen design incorporates them closer together to facilitate smooth operation.

Storage space is also an important consideration when planning your kitchen layout. Know how much space you need so you don’t end up with too much and certainly not too little. Modular built-in kitchens are convenient because you can customize the interior of your drawers and cabinets so things are close at hand when you need them. If your kitchen area is limited, you might consider a suspended pot rack to take advantage of ceiling space.

Your countertop is your personal workspace: here you chop, chop, mix, mix, and sometimes even eat. Choose one that matches the style and appearance of the rest of your kitchen. You can choose between granite and stone, or more affordable options like ceramic tile or laminate.

Floors are another important part of your kitchen, as it is a space where there is always a chance of food falling or liquids spilling. Be careful when choosing your floor and make sure you choose a material that is durable, practical and easy to maintain. While expensive hardwood floors look great, they wear out quickly and are difficult to clean. A more practical and economical option for kitchen flooring is ceramic tile or even plastic laminate, both of which are strong, resist moisture, and dent less.

The appliances you outfit your kitchen with lend eventual functionality to your cooking space. You don’t necessarily have to invest in the expensive ones. The smartest thing you can do is know what you need and focus on staying minimalist. This ensures that you don’t end up owning, and therefore maintaining, more appliances than you actually use, and also prevents you from cluttering up your countertop with unnecessary gadgets. However, be sure to invest in a good stove or microwave depending on which you are more likely to use approximately.

Lighting also forms an important part of your kitchen design. Make sure you have enough focused lighting at your work station or anywhere else you’re likely to be at work for a relatively long time. Ambient or decorative lighting also brings that extra touch of elegance to your kitchen, highlighting its special features.

Give the right finishing touches to your kitchen by equipping it with small utensils that complete its functionality. A wall fixture for your saran wrap or foil, a hanger for your towel and apron, or a small fruit basket on your island counter, all go a long way toward infusing your kitchen with the warmth it needs to continue to be the heart of your home. !