How to Plan a Kitchen Workflow That Works

Every kitchen has workflow needs as unique as the people who use it. Here's how to design your space to suit your needs

Before starting anything else, kick off your kitchen remodel with a space plan. Picking out all the pretty things is the fun part, but function comes first — and that means deciding on a workflow and traffic plan that'll work for your lifestyle.

Determining Function
Deciding on the right layout for your kitchen is a personal decision — each individual or family uses the kitchen differently. Think about your workflow in terms of everyday function and social use. How you use your kitchen, how many people cook there at the same time, if your kitchen is also an entertaining or social space, and what your long- and short-term goals are for the kitchen.

After you've decided on your wish list, take a good look at what can actually fit into your kitchen. Some things, like islands, require a lot of space and just don't work in narrower spaces. Refrigerators can only fit in certain areas, and the kitchen layout's relationship to windows and doors is also a big priority.

Do you want an open or closed-off kitchen? While open kitchens have become trendy, a closed-off one can maximize wall storage and hide clutter after meals.

Counter Space
Focus on your sink when deciding on your workflow. The linchpin of the kitchen is the sink. It's where you spend the most time, and where it is most likely that you will want either a good view to the outside or a good connection to the social spaces in the house — or both.

Aim to have at least 18 inches of counter space on either side before putting in other appliances — with the exception of an undercounter dishwasher, of course, which works perfectly right next to the sink.

36 to 42 inches of counter workspace is workable. Don't forget to put counters around the refrigerator too, so there's room to set down items when raiding the fridge. Elbow room on either side of a range or cooktop is important too.

Of course, the function of the counter or island space depends on how a chef uses the kitchen. While some prefer putting a cooktop on an island, so the cooking is integrated into socializing, others like that space to be completely clear.

Walkway and Flow
Note your entrances and exits when determining your layout. Exits and entrances can really wreak havoc on an efficient layout. Give a cook some dedicated workspace out of the general circulation flow.

Try to stay between two and three exits — more than that makes things complicated and cuts into counter space and storage. Two ways in and out of the kitchen keeps a nice flow, especially during parties. Make the walkway for a double-sided workspace a minimum of 4 feet wide — just avoid placing appliances directly across from each other to keep the pathway clear. For a single-sided workspace, stick to 3 feet minimum.

 

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Quick Bathroom Updates for the Holidays

Ok, so the family are due round, as are the neighbours and some friend from work. How can you give your bathroom the shot in the arm it so badly needs without spending vast amounts on a dramatic redecoration? As the Christmas season approaches, we all tend to glance around our houses and panic a little bit at the thought of guests and visitors, who we are convinced will notice every minor flaw in our homes. Well, the bathroom does not need to be a cause for concern. For very little outlay and just a small amount of effort, you can revitalise and update your bathroom so that when the guests arrive, it is a talking point for all the right reasons.

Firstly, let's cover the basics: A new coat of paint takes a couple of hours and can immediately refresh a room that is feeling a little worn and tired. In the bathroom, opting for white walls or a light pastel shade is usually the safest bet, for their light and space enhancing qualities. Next, check any grouting and sealant you have on display. If they are stained or housing mildew, then replacing them is a cheap job that will ensure there are no small faults to detract from your overall design and aesthetic.

On to the larger updates to your bathroom, then: We all tend to accumulate toiletries, cosmetics and cleaning supplies over time, and without sufficient storage space to house them all, even the largest bathrooms can feel cramped and cluttered. Bathroom furniture, fortunately, has recently made a triumphant return to the world of bathroom decor, so you can install some storage units to streamline and organise your bathroom safe in the knowledge that you in line with the latest in bathroom styling.

A fitted basin unit will provide you with ample storage space for all your bathroom products, will create a focal design point in your bathroom and fit over your plumbing and pipe work, resulting in a more streamlined and calm bathroom. Upgrading your bathroom mirror to a mirrored cabinet in the same finish as your vanity unit will also provide you with some handy extra storage space and complete the look of your new and improved basin area.

Exchanging your bathroom radiator for a chrome heated towel rail will instantly give your bathroom a modernising boost. Not only will you and your guests have access to warm, dry towels whenever they are needed, but it will your room and create a boutique hotel ambiance will it does so. A little multi-purpose marvel.

None of these changes need to be expensive or time consuming, and implementing them will mean that your bathroom is something you definitely won't need to worry about this Christmas.



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She Had A Vision

This 1993 Lake Oswego kitchen was perfect in size but the dated oak cabinets and laminate counter tops were a major turn off to the new homeowners.  She had a vision, her dream kitchen, and after many years of living in various homes she knew exactly what she wanted and we delivered. The preliminary design by Revive included all her wants, Wolf appliances placement, than it was fine-tuned to perfection with the details.   

 



Custom cabinets with shaker style doors and slab drawer fronts encase the new kitchen. A few selected glass doors were designed to display items. Cabinet drawers and roll outs have full extension and bottom mount soft close guides. Inside the corner cabinetry is the premier “lazy Susan” that cleverly folds out for easy access and folds back in to utilize typically wasted space. White Carrera Marble counter tops give the space a light clean classic look coordinating with the Benjamin Moore HC-64 “Pure White” painted cabinetry. Backsplash was done in Artic White 3” x 6” subway tiles from counter top to upper base cabinets accented with LED under cabinet lighting.

The massive 5” x 8’ island, a gathering place, houses the Wolf gas range with a downdraft system, Kohler Vault Prep Sink with Rohl Faucet. Island cabinetry also has pull out spice racks hidden behind the faux posts on either side of stove top, custom shelving on the ends, and more storage is tucked under the eating bar supported by stylish posts. Three stylish Clemson 14” Polished Chrome pendant lights from Restoration Hardware hang over the island add character.

 

 

What gives a space character has a lot to do with textures. The white palette is softened with the warm tone of oak hardwoods, movement in marble counter tops, and polished nickel finishes. This dream kitchen is now sophisticated and welcoming to all who gather there.



Bypassing Remodeling Fatigue

Living through the experience of remodeling your home is not easy. As creatures of habit and human nature, remodeling can disrupt the sanctuary of your home, normal family schedules, and can test your patience to another level if you’re not prepared. Here’s a few ways to deal with the onset of remodeling fatigue.

Get mentally prepared: Your contractor should inform you as to what to expect while living through the construction. Things that might affect you like the noise, the dust, shutting off your water, change orders and the decisions that come with final selections and unanticipated challenges. Just as a doctor would do with patients regarding medications, a good remodeler will warn clients that it is likely there might be side effects experienced during the remodeling process. By doing so homeowners can recognize the warning signs so they will be able to mentally and physically adjust.

Get physically prepared: Living through the remodeling process can be much easier with some preparation. For example, you may not be able to cook while your kitchen is being remodeled. You may want to consider pre-cooking and freeze meals easy to microwave and or take advantage of the process and collect take out menus for the justified means of eating out a lot. If you are renovating your only bathroom as part of a project, ask what you can deal without a toilet for a few days or more. Or even shower. Maybe you or your contractor can set up temporary spaces to tide them over until you get your home and your livfe back.

Don’t be dismayed or frightened of the remodeling process, after all it really is only temporary and the end result will outweigh the inconvenience to the many years of enjoyment in your new space. Just like anything in life, if you’re prepared you can deal with the process and avoid remodeling fatigue.