Do you love to cook up a storm without creating a storm in your kitchen? Then you need a spacious, organised, and planned kitchen that will add wings to the aspirations of the gourmet chef in you!
A gourmet kitchen is a state-of-the-art culinary setup that focuses on cooking and entertaining and resembles a professional kitchen. It should have quality appliances, well-planned space, storage, and effective lighting among others.
In short, when you are thinking of kitchen remodelling ideas, visualise a place that lends maximum efficiency for you as the chef and makes prepping, cooking, and cleaning convenient and even fun!
Kitchen Remodelling Ideas Every Home Chef Should Try Out
Here are 12 features to incorporate while you redesign your kitchen:
1. A well-planned layout
A highly functional kitchen has to be wisely designed. The most essential factor is the layout. It will determine the functionality of the kitchen and make way for the aesthetics. For a practical kitchen design, focus on the work triangle. The three main elements of a kitchen, the refrigerator, sink and the cooking range, should be placed so that it allows enough moving space and creates the right flow. They should be in proximity of about four feet from the centres of each.
2. Open floor plan
Space matters in a gourmet kitchen. You can ensure ample space in your kitchen with an open floor plan. When considering kitchen remodelling ideas, look at open kitchen options as they are spacious and make it easy to manoeuvre around. An open kitchen also makes cooking a less lonely affair as you can engage with your guests or sneak glances at the living room TV while you are preparing dinner.
3. Spacious island
A spacious island in your kitchen can serve multiple purposes. It is almost like a second kitchen within your kitchen as it comes with plenty of storage space, a sink and counter space. You can also fit your appliances in it. Also, when you invite many guests for parties or during festivals, an island can make way for additional cooks.
Even on other days, a kitchen island can be where the family gathers around while you whip up culinary delights. As you don the hat of a gourmet chef, you will want unobstructed flow in the kitchen. A strategically placed kitchen island can ensure seamless flow and make cooking all the more enjoyable.
4. Comfortable flooring
Practical but appealing flooring should be given due importance in your kitchen. As someone who loves to cook, you might spend more hours in your kitchen and move about often. So, convenient flooring is necessary. Wooden flooring is a natural fit as they not only look stunning but are durable too.
If wood isn’t an element of your choice, you can consider linoleum flooring as it can lend a sustainable and modern appeal to your kitchen. You can also look at cork or natural stone for the floors. Remember to choose a flooring style that is easy to clean and maintain.
5. Right appliances
Professional-grade appliances are a must for any gourmet chef. Splurge on high-end appliances such as a French-door refrigerator, stand mixer, a large dishwasher, warming drawers, built-in coffee maker, double oven, multi-burner gas ranges and more.
Your passion for different types of cooking will determine the appliances you need in your kitchen. For example, if you love to bake, a double oven is a must-have in your kitchen. It will allow you to bake a chocolate cake in one while your chicken readies for a delicious meal in another.
6. Roomy countertops
A chef’s kitchen should be not only efficient but also clean and uncluttered. Include a spacious and well-designed countertop for your kitchen in your kitchen remodelling ideas. You can choose from several materials, including marble, granite, quartz, stained concrete or even recycled glass.
A popular material for countertops in high-end kitchens is stainless steel as they are easy to clean and do not come with dirt-trapping crevices. In many modern kitchens, more than one material is used for countertops, ensuring practicality and style.
7. Sleek sinks
If possible, install two sinks in the kitchen, one near the stove as the prep sink and another, the larger and deeper sink able to accommodate larger pots and pans. Ideally, your sink should be located between the stove and the refrigerator. An additional sink in the kitchen island is a must, or if you can construct an undermount sink, that could be a good idea.
As for faucets, the most suited are single handle lever faucets or a hands-free one. A pull-out sprayer is also a functional choice. Choose sturdy materials to avoid dents or chipping.
8. Efficient lights
Good lighting should be an important part of your kitchen remodelling plan. For an open kitchen, consider the three types of lighting – ambient, task and accent. The ambient lighting helps to illuminate the overall space, while task lighting, the most important of all, ensures enough light in your workspace and cooking space. Task lighting also includes under-cabinet lighting, which is also as important. Accent lighting is more for decorative purposes. You can include a chandelier or a decorative lighting fixture as accent lights.
9. Ventilation
The aroma of freshly prepared food from your kitchen is welcome, but the smoke is not. Get large exhaust hoods to keep your kitchen well-ventilated and keep away the heat and odour. You can even choose stylish hoods that add to the kitchen’s appeal.
10. Storage space that covers all
When you talk about kitchen organisation, look to amplify the storage space in your kitchen. A walk-in pantry would be ideal for your kitchen as it will give you enough space to store your spices, oils, ingredients and more. When you think of storage, ensure that it is easily reached. Cabinets and drawers are fine, but the design has to be practical and customised for your needs. You can store regular-use items on open shelves and pots and pans in pull-out racks. Hidden cabinets and drawers would be nice to keep the kitchen organised and clean.
11. A chef needs a backsplash
The wall between the upper cabinets and the countertops is the backsplash. It is also the area that is most prone to splattering. Choose an eye-catching material with attractive motifs so they serve as a focal point, but at the same time, choose a material that is easy to clean.
12. Colour play
You will find most chefs have a white kitchen. If you are not too sure about a white kitchen in your home, then you can consider warm or cool colours as per your preference. After all, it is your space, and you should include colours and elements that inspire you. The popular colour options for gourmet kitchens are light yellow, light red, teal, matte blue, or even terra cotta.
Kitchen remodelling ideas for an ardent cook should incorporate convenient and aesthetic designs. When you love cooking, you deserve a posh and luxurious kitchen complete with modern amenities and contemporary design. When you don’t compromise with the quality of your food, why compromise with the design of your kitchen?
Confused about doing everything yourself? Consult with an expert interior designer who can turn your vision of a dreamy, ultimate gourmet kitchen into a reality without any fuss.