Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

What tips would you have for designing a kitchen?

  • 22-05-2017 12:36PM
    #1
    FrankGrimes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,032 ✭✭✭


    Renovating our house and adding a new kitchen at the moment. Kitchen designer was excellent and we're very happy with the layout etc. Designer was so expert it went quickly and thankfully we have plenty of time to plan tweaks, so wanted to pause and ask for any tips on little embellishments to add or things to consider.

    Friends and family all seem to offer opinions on Dos and Don'ts based on their experience so I thought itd be a good idea for a thread as it may be useful to others.

    Examples of things it's good to hear opinions on: quooker boiling water taps: a gimmick to one friend but one colleague thinks they are fantastic. Ice cube maker in fridge door: worthwhile? Popup plugs in island - are the new ones good? Popup extractor in island worth it or not? Handleless doors, how do they hold up over time?


«1

Comments

  • #2
    jlm29
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,818 ✭✭✭jlm29


    Get as many drawers on the lower cabinets as possible. Those big low down presses are a disaster, it's much easier to see what you have if you have pull outs. I also have a sink drawer, and it's great, no wasted space.


  • #3
    budhabob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,105 ✭✭✭budhabob


    pop up plugs in an island will result in a lot of lost space in the island unit i.e. storage - have a look in Ikea to see what I mean.

    As above, drawers, minimise shelves to improve accessibility.

    A major point for me is a high oven, waste height. No bending down to pick up a heavy roast, and you can see baking progress without stooping.

    Handleless doors are run on a spring, which is something that can wear out. While it looks great you still have to pull the unit out further so I don't think its practical in a kitchen.


  • #4
    sbsquarepants
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,812 ✭✭✭✭sbsquarepants


    I've never actually seen it in the flesh - but there's an add on the telly at the moment with these metal racks that pull out of the press and come down on a pivot, meaning you can easily access high shelves from the floor.
    Next kitchen in my house is definitely having those!


  • #5
    yannakis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,391 ✭✭✭yannakis


    My 5c:
    5/6 ring hob (preferably gas) with very wide drawers under it
    double oven if you host big feasts
    anything but shiny tiles on the floor
    tiles on the wall between counter-top and press (presses?)
    lights inside the drawers
    lights under the press


  • #6
    shel64
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 69 ✭✭shel64


    For me, wipe down shiny gloss cupboards, no ridges,grooves etc for spills,grime etc to get into, last kitchen broke my heart, eye level oven so no bending with pans ,clear perspex on part of one wall with hooks on strips of solid wood to hold my pans,pots,etc, you can still see the paint underneath and it just wipes over if marked, 5 ring gas hob and electric oven,strong taps, some are wobbly after a while and 2 actually came off, deep sink but not too deep that it gives you a bad back, Ikea has a fab double white porcelain one, I had this for 12 years no problem and will get another in my new home,I also had the kitchen a little higher than normal made life easier (I'm 5 foot 7) and my island in the centre of my old kitchen worked really well, my electrician Husband put 2 double sockets on either end for my small appliances, best idea as I use so many gadgets,as you may gather I'm in between houses sold but not completed on my new home,,,,, and finally Larder cupboards,I found them so useful to store my small appliances, cereals,tall items,plus food of course I had 2 double and I want 3 double next time,as tall as I can have them, storing those items that are used rarely like Christmas dishes etc, but I do have 4 children and 3 of them are teenagers......


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    Mint Sauce
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,293 ✭✭✭✭Mint Sauce


    LED lighting underneath the wall mounted units, Tile behind extractor unit before mounting, nearer finish, also means if you replace the extractor in the future, you won't have to find an exact match, or retile.


  • #8
    Spanish Eyes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,121 ✭✭✭✭Spanish Eyes


    USB ports in the sockets. Saves you having to look for a usb plug. Put this usb socket inside a press. No wires around the countertops.

    Glass splashbacks not tiles. So easy to keep clean. Good quality cushioned vynil flooring. A bloody godsend compared to tiles on the floor. One wipe and it's grand. Looks like wooden flooring.

    Drawers instead of presses under countertop.

    Built in step ladder behind the kickboard. Great for reaching the top presses.

    http://www.poggenpohl.com/en/products/accessories/other/other-category/step-ladder-in-plinth/

    Houzz is great for more ideas.

    best of luck.


  • #9
    tuisginideach
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,135 ✭✭✭tuisginideach


    If I had big enough kitchen and plenty of money:
    2 dishwashers - instead of having to unload dishwasher, put crockery in press, reload dishwasher, I'd just use the 2nd dishwasher as the press and rotate the use.
    In reality:
    (a) dishwasher and crockery etc press to be near each other so that I'm not walking back and forth across kitchen as I unload dishwasher
    (b) rocker on/off switches on all sockets so that I don't have to unplug my mincer/blender etc before putting my fingers into it!
    (c) larder press
    (d) extractor which is high up - ours is at head height so have hit my head a number of times
    (e) Places for large cereal boxes etc - maybe in the larder press


  • #10
    Graham
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 17,643 Mod ✭✭✭✭Graham


    Don't skimp on the parts you touch:

    worktops
    handles
    taps
    sink

    It's these elements that will make your kitchen feel 'special'.

    Soft-close hinges everywhere.

    Wirework and drawers are expensive, just something to be aware of. You can maximise the drawer to budget ratio by getting wider cabinets/drawers e.g. a 500mm (wide) unit with 3 drawers is only slightly cheaper than a 1000mm unit with 3 drawers. Wide drawers look great in a modern design too.

    Think about your lighting before the kitchen goes in, don't leave it as an afterthought.


  • #11
    BoardsMember
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,608 ✭✭✭BoardsMember


    Lots of good tips here:

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057042289

    and here:

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057656500


  • Advertisement
  • #12
    looksee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,671 ✭✭✭✭looksee


    I use a pull out larder cupboard beside the counter/kettle for all the mugs, tea, coffee, and bread. The other side of the larder press is the fridge so you have a drink and sandwich making area all tidily in one place.

    I got two very large marble effect tiles which stand on the wooden worktop and collect all the drips and mess from the tea making. You can get marble cutting boards but they are expensive, the tiles cost me €6 each from a tile shop.

    A tall, thin (back to front) press for storing foodstuffs is great, nothing gets lost at the back. Make sure the bottom shelf is tall enough for cereal packets and tall bottles.

    The big drawers are great, huge improvement on presses. My shallow cutlery drawers came with a large, very space wasting cutlery moulding - way too much space between the cutlery recesses - so I got 49c ones from Tesco to replace them. Huge improvement.

    Anything with complicated gizmos for folding things out, push release drawers etc has potential for breaking, is it worth it? There is usually a reason why top of the range is more expensive, find the mid balance between economical and sturdy.

    Gloss finishes are a liability unless you love polishing.


  • #13
    Candlemania
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 75 ✭✭Candlemania


    Think where you want the electrical sockets (for your kitchen equipment) and the under-cabinet lighting to be located - after the wall-mount cabinets are fitted and the backsplash is laid it's too late for wiring.

    Built-in microwave is great - no dust mixed with grease to be wiped off constantly. The combi one (with a grill) is very handy. It doesn't have the rotating glass plate, which means you can fit two bowls or small plates in it at one time.

    If you have an empty wall on the opposite side (your dining area within the kitchen), you can plan some more presses, drawers, larders, worktops and wall-mount presses there! You'll gain lots of room to put your kitchen equipment away into. No more coffee machines, smoothie makers, kitchen robots, chip fryers, etc. cluttering your worktops and gathering dust! You can take them out only when you need them.

    Good luck with creating your dream kitchen!


  • #14
    FrankGrimes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,032 ✭✭✭FrankGrimes


    Been away and forgot to come back to this thread but glad I did as there's lots of quality nuggets there to be noodled on, thanks to all and am sure it'll be a useful thread for lot of folks ina similar boat.

    Currently planning to have sink in the island and hob against the wall. Downside of that is clutter on the island and back to the room when cooking. Other half is interested in an antique mirror or glass tiles on the wall (need to be able to withstand heat) to give some visibility into the room when cooking, have others had experience with similar?

    Will now know to plan ahead for the socket locations for the appliances.


  • #15
    hytrogen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 952 ✭✭✭hytrogen


    Take a holiday on a boat or in a camper van to really appreciate tight spaces before you go to plan / install.
    Let the man be in charge of the budget, electrical fittings, lighting design and sizing up stuff, the woman takes the layout and final finishes like tiles and countertop, colours, etc.
    Bring in a kitchen fitter, don't bother going to a retailer as their measurements and your measurements will never match.
    Put your wall mounted presses right up to the ceiling, don't leave that stupid 3inch wasted gap between the facia and the ceiling, no matter what the fitter says.
    Put your light fittings and plugs behind the hangdown under your wall mounted Cabinets above the counter, plugs in the walls is such a waste and never goes with any splash back no matter what the plug style. USB plugs too are worth the extra few Bob.
    Dishwasher under the sink drainboard and fit the dish cabinets above / adjacent.
    And lads whatever you do put that odd black brick tile over the hob splashback to wind her up, it's worth the Lols after to inspire the great cupa tea chats...


  • #16
    Malari
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,150 ✭✭✭✭Malari


    hytrogen wrote: »
    Take a holiday on a boat or in a camper van to really appreciate tight spaces before you go to plan / install.
    Let the man be in charge of the budget, electrical fittings, lighting design and sizing up stuff, the woman takes the layout and final finishes like tiles and countertop, colours, etc.

    LOL!

    We like the minimalist look so we have a tambour unit, or an appliance garage as they call it in the US :pac: Sockets at the back, so everything that might normally be cluttering up the counter - toaster, kettle, juicer, coffee machine, etc - can be left plugged in and just pulled out when you want to use it.


  • #17
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Larder cupboards are a must for me. We really don't need all that work surface. Larder gives plenty of storage for food, gadgets and plates, etc. I hate clutter!


  • #18
    freedominacup
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,920 ✭✭✭freedominacup


    Candlemania wrote: »

    If you have an empty wall on the opposite side (your dining area within the kitchen), you can plan some more presses, drawers, larders, worktops and wall-mount presses there! You'll gain lots of room to put your kitchen equipment away into.

    Whatever amount of press space you think you need or your designer has specified reduce it by at least 50% and you'll still have a huge amount of wasted space. Two dishwashers would be high on my list. You "need" a larder, fridge, oven and hob. Get the two dishwashers and you have no need for cutlery drawers or presses for plates ,saucepans etc. Mimimise the space wasted with the rest of the clutter and see how much more room you have in one of the largest rooms in your house for actually living in rather than a conversation piece that will literally be so last year in a few months.


  • #19
    BoardsMember
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,608 ✭✭✭BoardsMember


    FrankGrimes wrote: »
    Been away and forgot to come back to this thread but glad I did as there's lots of quality nuggets there to be noodled on, thanks to all and am sure it'll be a useful thread for lot of folks ina similar boat.

    Currently planning to have sink in the island and hob against the wall. Downside of that is clutter on the island and back to the room when cooking. Other half is interested in an antique mirror or glass tiles on the wall (need to be able to withstand heat) to give some visibility into the room when cooking, have others had experience with similar?

    Will now know to plan ahead for the socket locations for the appliances.

    Our preference is probably for a smaller sink in the island, above the bins, with the dishwasher above the draining board, and have a separate sink "behind" the island on the wall, where we can dump washing up stuff.

    I dont get the 2 dishwashers, are people really that busy/lazy that they can't empty a dishwasher?


  • #20
    freedominacup
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,920 ✭✭✭freedominacup


    BoardsMember wrote: »

    I dont get the 2 dishwashers, are people really that busy/lazy that they can't empty a dishwasher?

    To what end? To be able to say you have an empty dishwasher which in my house is only ever true for a matter of minutes or to justify the expense of unnecessary kitchen units?


  • #21
    Candlemania
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 75 ✭✭Candlemania


    freedominacup wrote: »
    (...) Get the two dishwashers and you have no need for cutlery drawers or presses for plates ,saucepans etc. Mimimise the space wasted with the rest of the clutter and see how much more room you have in one of the largest rooms in your house for actually living in rather than a conversation piece that will literally be so last year in a few months.

    Great idea, I would take it even further! Why have wardrobes, chest of drawers, etc.? Just get two tumble dryers! ;)

    Furniture gives our interior a structure and helps keep things organised. Sometimes it even LOOKS nicer than electrical appliances...

    But I always say - every person has different needs and sense of aesthetics and that's ok.


  • Advertisement
  • #22
    BoardsMember
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,608 ✭✭✭BoardsMember


    freedominacup wrote: »
    To what end? To be able to say you have an empty dishwasher which in my house is only ever true for a matter of minutes or to justify the expense of unnecessary kitchen units?

    Everybody to their own!


  • #23
    BoardsMember
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,608 ✭✭✭BoardsMember


    Candlemania wrote: »
    Great idea, I would take it even further! Why have wardrobes, chest of drawers, etc.? Just get two tumble dryers! ;)

    Furniture gives our interior a structure and helps keep things organised. Sometimes it even LOOKS nicer than electrical appliances...

    But I always say - every person has different needs and sense of esthetics and that's ok.

    I was going to use that bolded analogy but decided against it. As you say, we all see things differently. I'd never have two dishwashers in my kitchen, but that's just me. I put the dishwasher on when it is full, and when it is finished the wash cycle, I empty it and put everything in its place. I couldn't "live" out of a dishwasher for all sorts of reasons.


  • #24
    phelixoflaherty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,502 ✭✭✭phelixoflaherty


    .


  • #25
    B-D-P--
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,167 ✭✭✭B-D-P--


    Are people still going with gloss look or is matt back in style nowaday?
    Spoke with a kitchen man yesterday he said although he has no problem doing gloss, he recommends matt as its more popular these days.


  • #26
    Candlemania
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 75 ✭✭Candlemania


    B-D-P-- wrote: »
    Are people still going with gloss look or is matt back in style nowaday?
    Spoke with a kitchen man yesterday he said although he has no problem doing gloss, he recommends matt as its more popular these days.

    I'd say nowadays it doesn't matter any more. Everything is popular and trends change so fast.

    I would just choose what I would like to look at for the next couple of years, not what your man recommends...


  • #27
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 14,266 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Was in finland ages ago, and then seen the same thing in an ikea kitchen in their store, so figured i'd ask people's opinions.


    In both kitchens, they had a sink, and above the sink (staggered to one side) they had a wall unit. the bottom of the wall unit was effectively a drip tray. The idea being that to dry your plates etc. you just throw them into a press above the sink and they dry themselves. out of sight and mind.

    Dunno what the name of it is, so cant google it, but wondered if m/any here had tried it and what ye thought? seems like a great idea to me, to remove the visual of plates/cups/etc on a draining board drying off.


  • #28
    Candlemania
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 75 ✭✭Candlemania


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Was in finland ages ago, and then seen the same thing in an ikea kitchen in their store, so figured i'd ask people's opinions.


    In both kitchens, they had a sink, and above the sink (staggered to one side) they had a wall unit. the bottom of the wall unit was effectively a drip tray. The idea being that to dry your plates etc. you just throw them into a press above the sink and they dry themselves. out of sight and mind.

    Dunno what the name of it is, so cant google it, but wondered if m/any here had tried it and what ye thought? seems like a great idea to me, to remove the visual of plates/cups/etc on a draining board drying off.


    Hi KKV,

    Try googling "dish drainer in a cupboard" or "hanging drying rack for dishes".

    You can still see them in many European countries, from Spain to Poland. It was a very common kitchen solution (and still is), until the dishwashers started appearing in our homes.

    In Ireland it goes without saying that the sink is where the window is. In the continental Europe, especially in urban areas, where people live in apartment blocks, you don't have such a privilege to enjoy the view while washing the dishes (and btw, space under windows should always be reserved for radiators for their efficiency and air circulation), hence those hanging drying racks for dishes. They're also a huge space saver for small kitchens.

    So, to sum up: if your sink doesn't have a window above it and if you don't have a dishwasher - I think such a unit would come in handy. You can also go for the open version of it - it's wooden and more "decorative", but less practical.

    img_0599.jpg
    62514450002569be_1524-w618-h457-b0-p0--eclectic-kitchen.jpg


  • #29
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 14,266 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Cheers for the decent reply, candlemania.

    My kitchen is being re-arranged to take the sink away from the window. There's also only 2 of us in the house so a dishwasher is a bit overkill and not being considered, so these seem like a great idea.

    Have always had a draining board dish dryer type thing (you know the stainless steel racks you get that sit on the draining board of the sink) but this seems like a better option to hide the plates/etc. when they're out drying. Definitely gonna have one I reckon. Just wanted to see was there an obvious reason not to have one. :)


  • #30
    shel64
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 69 ✭✭shel64


    The plate rack is a good idea, I had one in my last home, and will put one in the next (when the sale goes through) if it ever happens lol, I had a dishwasher but never 2,, but I do have 2 washing machines one with a large drum, having 4 kids in the house,,,,,


  • Advertisement
  • #31
    GrumpyMe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,195 ✭✭✭GrumpyMe


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Cheers for the decent reply, candlemania.

    My kitchen is being re-arranged to take the sink away from the window. There's also only 2 of us in the house so a dishwasher is a bit overkill and not being considered, so these seem like a great idea.

    Have always had a draining board dish dryer type thing (you know the stainless steel racks you get that sit on the draining board of the sink) but this seems like a better option to hide the plates/etc. when they're out drying. Definitely gonna have one I reckon. Just wanted to see was there an obvious reason not to have one. :)
    Tall folk should have higher work surfaces, especially sinks. At 1.8m tall I find it very hard on my back to do more than a couple of items washing up. Food prep on counter top - not so bad. 10-15cm can make a huge difference.


Advertisement