Function, FIRST!

Hasmita Amtha shares functional design features and layout options for a contemporary, open-plan kitchen fit for you

- Hasmita Amtha

There's simply nothing worse than a kitchen that does not work for you and your family. Whether it's the distance from the sink to your cooker that's frustrating you, or the seating area that feels too cramped anything that impedes your flow in such a high traffic area can lead to constant aggravation.

This is why good kitchen design is so much more than just aesthetics. It's all about creating a highly functional space that suits your lifestyle - whether you're a single executive who barely cooks, a family who considers it the heart of the home or entertainers who socialise in the space.

Keeping in mind the key elements of a kitchen (think work zones, counter and island space, the sink area, appliances, walkways, and seating), here are some considerations when tackling a kitchen project.

KEEPIN' THE FLOW Whether you're renovating or building new, it's vital you work with a kitchen design firm when handling a project of this magnitude, especially if you're aiming for optimal layout and flow. Evolving with contemporary architecture, blu_line has developed a concept and approach, called kitchen architecture, in which the kitchen acts as an anchoring statement that serves and develops the theme of the surrounding interiors, reveals brand director Philip Richards.

IN GREAT SHAPE

Franke South Africa’s Rakhee Hurdial shares three of the most popular kitchen layouts:

ISLAND DESIGN Here, the island is the central feature, with everything else based around it. For this layout, it’s essential to ensure you have a good flow throughout the kitchen, and easy access to the cabinetry. The island is great for an entertainer’s kitchen.