Is it time to give your kitchen a facelift? Wonder how to start? Planning ahead is key for kitchen renovations. This article helps Malaysian homeowners with the essential space-planning. Ready to get the full potential of your kitchen? Let’s go!
Assessing the Current Space
Measuring correctly is key when it comes to kitchen renovation. Assess your space and note the measurements of length and width of walls, door size, window size, and any other fixtures. Remember to allow 25mm tolerance for accuracy and potential problems.
Think about how much space you need for larder cupboards and pantry corners. If you are planning an island or breakfast bar, make sure it fits the layout before measuring doorways, stairs, halls, and so on.
Once all measurements have been taken, document them in drawings or sketches. This will give you an idea of the available space and help you choose the right appliances and cabinetry for the kitchen – without too much clutter or overcrowding.
Determining Your Storage Needs
When planning a kitchen renovation in Malaysia, it’s important to determine your storage needs. Measure, consider and plan carefully – otherwise, you might find yourself with no storage space or impractical kitchen plans. For successful space-planning, tailored to your needs, assess the following:
- Take a look at your cupboards and pantry items. Account for items stored elsewhere, as well as appliances and cookware that will be included in the renovation.
- Think about your cooking style. For example, if you’re a chef cooking for twenty people each night, you’ll need different types & amounts of storage than someone who prefers simple dinners for two.
- Plan both dry and wet work surfaces. Calculate how much counter top space you need based on your cooking habits.
- Consider accessibility. How often do you use items stored at high levels? If you use pots regularly but other pieces less often, position them within reach.
- Make checklists to make sure all components fit comfortably into allocated space.
By being aware of storage needs before a kitchen renovation in Malaysia, you can create an effective design that meets current & future requirements.
Incorporating Seating and Dining Areas
In Malaysia, when renovating a kitchen, practical space planning is essential. You need to create an area that’s comfortable for family members to talk, eat, and socialize. This could mean adding cabinets, benches, or an island, depending on the shape and size of your kitchen.
A great space-saving option is to install a movable countertop along one wall. This way, you can fit in extra seating when needed, plus provide casual areas for activities like homework or games. Alternatively, built-in shelves next to the dining table can hold condiments, cutlery, napkins, and more, freeing up cabinet and countertop space.
If there’s enough room in the center of the room, you may want to build an island with seating on each side. This adds storage and creates an inviting spot for family members to snack or cook together. A round table with chairs is another great way to make a casual dining atmosphere, plus the drawers under the table surface provide extra storage.
Maximizing Natural Light and Ventilation
Designing a kitchen with existing natural light and air is key for a comfy, efficient, and pleasant work environment. Especially in small rooms, it’s important to maximize light and ventilation to keep it fresh and cool.
Well-placed windows are great for introducing natural light throughout. You can customize the look with the right glass and frame material, color, and texture. Balance with other surfaces to avoid overpowering the atmosphere.
Ventilation depends on two factors: bringing in outdoor air and having space for air to pass through indoors. Windows facing gardens are great for natural ventilation, but you can also install vents or an overhead fan to help remove heat.
Remember to address other potential health issues from cooking:
- Smoke build-up from stove tops? Install an aspirator hood.
- Be aware of safety hazards from lit burners near countertops.
Selecting the Right Flooring Material
Renovating a kitchen in Malaysia? Flooring matters! Various materials are available, like tiles, wood, laminate wood and vinyl composite tile.
- Tiles are popular; they come in many colors and designs, but can be cold and uncomfortable to stand on.
- Wood gives warmth but needs more maintenance.
- Laminate wood is cheaper, but not waterproof.
- Vinyl composite tile is affordable, durable and easy to maintain. Its glue-down application creates a flat finish, perfect for open concept kitchens.
Creating a Flow Pattern for Traffic
Creating a space for movement when renovating a kitchen in Malaysia is important. Consider how it will be used. Measure the area. Ensure enough room for adults and kids. Position fixtures, like the sink and stovetop, without obstructing. Build in two points of entry/exit, not just one door. Add design elements like lighting, countertops, shelves, and cabinetry. Plan it to be efficient, for hassle-free meal prep and dining experiences.
Utilizing Wall Space
In Malaysia, kitchen remodeling is important. Walls make up 80% of the kitchen’s space. Make use of this storage area to create a neat cooking area.
Utilize wall space in the redesign. Install floor-to-ceiling cabinets for extra storage without taking up floor space. Kitchen organizers can store cookbooks, linens and small appliances. Open-shelf cabinetry display servingware and spices.
Add design elements like pot racks or decorative shelving units for cookware or ingredients. Magnetic strips can be added to sides of appliances and cabinetry for metal tools. Hang plants or artworks to add interest.
Incorporating Accessibility Features
When redecorating your kitchen, include accessibility features for improved performance and usability. These options differ based on the design of your space. Here are some tips:
- Use adjustable counters so people in wheelchairs can work at the same level as someone standing up.
- Put a range with front controls to make it easier to switch temperatures without reaching around.
- Put drawers and shelves that open and close smoothly, making it easier to access items.
- Choose cabinets and cupboards with enough open space beneath them, so wheelchair users can move around easily.
- Install task lighting under the upper cabinets, so you can see better when preparing food or cleaning.
- If possible, install a wall oven and cooktop instead of a freestanding range. This setup makes it easier for wheelchair users to access controls without reaching over counters or drawers.
Conclusion
To make a great kitchen space, thought, planning and detail are needed. Elements like scale, proportion, flow, light and functionality can be used to make a design that looks great and works well.
When you want to renovate your kitchen, there are many things to think about:
- Layout
- Storage
- Budget
All these need to be considered carefully. With the right decisions, you can get your desired outcome for your kitchen project in Malaysia.