Kitchen structuring, one of the fast evolving segments of home interior design, has again taken a new twist as dimensions allowing flexibility and variety in use are coming up rapidly.
It is now modular layout or nothing else when it comes to having an urban cooking ground replete with sophisticated and yet simple arrangements that ease the food preparation process.
The theme of the modular trend is built around the view that the kitchen does not necessarily have to be detached from relaxation, entertainment or socialisation as is with the regular setup.
As a result, kitchens now have a multifunctional twist that allows other segments to interact without too many restrictions.
IL Bango, a leading kitchen ware distributor, believes “ Kitchen has moved away from being solely for work and in favour of being more versatile.”
The company says “one important thing is to include a kitchen island with seating which provides an inviting area where guests and family members can relax without disturbing the use of the work triangle.”
Modular kitchen comes in six different layouts namely L-Shaped, Straight Line, U-Shaped, Parallel or Galley, Island and Peninsula. Each with its own advantage plays with various aspects of the work triangle. Depending on a brand’s choice, it could be categorised as classic, urban or pure.
The L-shaped is one of the most commonly applied kitchen layouts ideal for smaller homes. It makes efficient use of minimum floor space and gives you the advantage of easily incorporating a small dining table within the kitchen.
In contrast, the straight layout kitchen type does not employ a work triangle because the workflow is based on a straight line. This makes it ideal for studio and loft apartments; keeping the kitchen space to a minimum while still maintaining optimum efficiency. It is compact, versatile and suits both large and small spaces.
In terms of efficiency, parallel layout stands out with double stretches of long working areas opposite each other. With it, processes can be split into wet and dry while counter space for appliances can be maximised for storage. The parallel kitchen is suitable for most types of homes and is easily adaptable to cooking needs.
As for island kitchen is often the kitchen of choice in homes around the world. It combines either a straight line or L-shaped kitchen model with an unconnected island space. This space can be used as an extra counter area/breakfast bar or installed with a sink or stovetop. With its advantage of two opposing working and storage spaces, this kitchen is an ideal layout for open plan living nice for entertaining.
Comparable to island kitchen, a peninsula kitchen layout has a free standing workspace that provides a secondary counter, work or entertainment area.
Unlike an island, this peninsula is connected to the main workspace; making it accessible from three, rather than four sides. Often considered the ideal layout for homes with small kitchen areas, the peninsula provides all the advantages of an island worktop while utilizing less floor space.
Temitayo Ayetoto
