Planning a Smart Kitchen Design

Home Remodeling Contractor – Vancouver WA

A smart kitchen design is one that focuses on ease of use, efficiency, and ergonomics. Designing a smart kitchen takes meticulous, careful planning and professional execution. Here are some things to consider when conceptualizing your new kitchen:

Know the Five Kitchen Zones

On average, a homeowner walks to and from the kitchen table more than 30 times a day, opens and closes drawers over 80, and engages in more than 50 activities such as slicing, frying, and other food preparation activities in their kitchen. These high numbers are the result of disorganization and lack of strategic placement.

The 5 Zones refer to specific areas in the kitchen that, when properly configured, organize the kitchen space in a way that is efficient, effective, and time-saving. Smart kitchen designers work with their clients on remodeling plans that take these zones under consideration. These are:

A Smart Kitchen Remodel Requires that All Zones Work Together

Food storage is where groceries are kept when not being cooked, prepared, or eaten. Refrigerators and freezers can be found in this area, and are also ideally next to the food preparation zone. The prep zone includes your kitchen counters, stove, microwave, and small electrical appliances. Cabinets and drawers in this area should contain mixing bowls, chopping boards, cooking utensils and seasonings.

Pots, Pans, and other cookware should belong to their own zone as they comprise most of the loose items found in the kitchen, besides food. This area should be located right next to the food preparation zone. Next to pots and pans but separate from the food prep zone is cleaning & waste which includes the dishwasher, sink, trash bin, and household cleaning supplies.

Dishes and cutlery you use for serving food is kept separate from the other utensils used in food preparation and from the pots and pans. Dishes and chinaware should also be safely stored during food prep, and should only be taken out once everything is ready to be served. This is primarily to keep everything safe and sanitary.

Request a Professional Consultation

If you are considering a smart kitchen remodel, speak to our professional design builders at Designers NW about your options. Our industry experts are the best people to guide you in designing a kitchen that fulfills your personal preferences without compromising your budget.