The kitchen: it is where we gather to break our bread, catch up on the day, discuss important family matters and cook wholesome meals. As the quintessential ‘heart’ of every household, is it any surprise that there are so many kitchen-only designs to choose from? From a cozy, rustic cabin back-kitchen to a modern, loft-style open kitchen, homeowners have endless options to fashion into their ideal kitchen. Now, more than ever, kitchens function as multi-purpose spaces that one uses to dine in, to host friends and family in, or even as a study. The latest kitchen design trends reflect this multi-functionality – going from a single cook to multiple cooks and from a meal-preparation zone to a semi-office zone. Kitchens, design-wise, can be as basic or complex as any of the other rooms in a residence. While building your own home , try experimenting with the kitchen’s design rather than sticking to the conventional layout.
A GAME OF COLORS
Like one’s bedroom, the kitchen deserves a dedicated color scheme as well. Traditionally, homeowners chose simple wooden cabinets, regular white tiles and a standard-grade ceramic sink for their kitchens. This year’s trend, however, sees architects, interior designers and homeowners all leaning towards funkier, more vibrant color palettes.
Feeling bold? You can pick a fire-engine red for the backsplash tile or a deep orange for the industrial-style cabinetry. Is mellow where you are at these days? Channel the understated elegance of a sprawling country kitchen by pairing cream-white walls with soft pastel accents in blue, purple and yellow. Work with an experienced Pakistani architectural firm to develop a custom color palette for your home.
SPACE MATTERS
Conventionally known as a ‘work triangle’ in design parlance, the shape between the cooking range, the refrigerator, and the sink is no longer the core of modern kitchen layouts. This space has now evolved into a multi-purpose ‘work zone’ which can readily accommodate several individuals.
The one-wall or Pullman kitchen is a space-saving layout that is usually found in the studio or loft-style apartments. Most, if not all, of the major appliances plus the sink, are all set up against the wall. This hallway-style space is accompanied by a large-size island that doubles as a meal-preparation station as well as a diner-style countertop. Remove the island and you are left with the ‘walk-through’ or galley kitchen. These also serve as a corridor between different parts of the house, like the entrance and the living room. The horseshoe kitchen depends on three walls of appliances and cabinets to complete the layout. Modern home designs in Pakistan now feature an ‘L’ -style layout by swapping out that third wall for an island.
STAY UP-TO-DATE
With the layout and color scheme sorted, you are now left with deciding on the larger kitchen appliances and other gadgetry. Smart appliances can be as practical as a WiFi-enabled slow cooker that readies your meal while you are at the office. There is also a smart trash-can that opens upon command or a wave of the hand – perfect for a busy, pre-dinner cooking session. There is even a WiFi-ready coffee machine that brews up a cup; just press the right button on your smartphone. Smart refrigerators usually feature a large touchscreen for grocery-list making and doodles as well as a panoramic camera inside the appliance.
Much like the rest of one’s house, the kitchen should represent what the residents most appreciate in life. Hire yourself a good architect or interior designer in Pakistan so you have a kitchen to create culinary masterpieces in!