Some of you might have noticed that this blog has been a little quiet lately. Following a Highveld storm two weeks ago, I have been deprived of the internet at home until today when a particularly determined technician managed to restore the connection – and my sanity – at last.
But just because I’ve been kept away from cyberspace has not meant that more earthbound projects have come to a halt and right now I’m focusing on kitchens. Bernard has sent a plan of the kitchen to a ‘kitchen consultant’ along with a list of pre-requisites from me. While I wait to see what her suggestions are, I am enjoying trawling through hundreds of beautiful kitchens on Houzz. Here are some of my favourites so far:
This looks like a practical way to store utensils.
Since I usually come off second best in the battle to extract baking trays and muffin tins from my pot drawer, this storage option really appeals to me. It should also put paid to the cacophony of a discordant percussion band that accompanies my efforts to extract the tray I need – always the one somehow at the bottom of the pile.
Perhaps it’s the light from the beautiful windows in the two kitchens below, but I absolutely love them. I am leaning towards white cupboards again and will be having a wooden floor. There will also be a bay window on the northern side of the kitchen. At the moment the plan is to have a two-seater sofa in the window rather than a built-in seat but this could still change. Movable furniture is more versatile and although I love the look of window seats, sofas are more comfortable.
Great pantry but won’t have the space for something this generous. Love the ladder. What is it about ladders?
And finally, a bit of whimsy. Very sensible to have the pet food bowls lifted off the floor but a pity about the ceiling.
I look forward to getting some feedback on the general ‘look’ of these kitchens. Any suggestions and ideas would be very welcome.
home-in-the-making 
Kitchen, my favourite topic! I love your two general inspiration pictures, more so the first one because it seems more modern and I adore the combination of light grey, white and wood. But, I think you’ve mentioned “farm house” before, so maybe the second picture is more suited to your style. Tell us more about your style. (That pressed tin roof is rather shocking!)
My comments relate more to utility than design. If you are going to do a timber floor, I suggest you pick a hard wearing wood. Kitchens are high traffic areas and materials like pine – which we have – is less forgiving. There are also some fantastic timber “look alikes” made out of stuff like bamboo which are very cost effective and look exactly like the real thing. I notice gas ranges in the photos; gas is great – I wouldn’t be without it – but if you like slow cooking, see if you can accommodate an electric plate. We did this and love it! As for the pressed metal ceilings (quite common in Oz from late C19 to early C20), the above example would look so much better if painted!
Hi Jacqui
Yes, a kitchen is a very important aspect of a house – much time is spent there and it is an expensive fit-out and hence difficult / expensive to change. Here are a few suggestions – some fairly obvious
One of the most important aspects to consider it the location and number of power points.
All too often there are not power points available where you want to work, plug in a TV, warming tray what ever
As kitchens these days form part of the living / family room it is important to plan the work areas such that the person working in the kitchen can easily see the TV whilst preparing food etc.
The pantry which can be closed off (to look tidy) as well as good lighting within the cupboards / pantry is very functional. The use of micro switches to switch on the light when the door opens is also great. Good lighting in the food prep / washing up area is also important
Under cupboard lighting – which was traditionally messy due to light fitting size is now very ease and efficient due to strip LED lighting – worth looking at.
Back of cupboard area / shelves are often lost space as they cannot be reached without reaching over / knocking over other items.
Hence pull out shelves is a good way to go
I agree with the idea of the baking trays – do not forget a space for your regular trays / cutting boards
Many people forget to plan where the refuse bin / recycling bin needs to go – and it lands up being an unsightly obstacle
Having the fridge close to prep area is also efficient – remember to note the swing of the fridge door for ease of grabbing ingredients – most fridges these days can have the door swing altered to suit
Real cooking extractor rather than filter is preferable – you have an outside wall to exhaust to
Splash backs to washing areas / cooking plates can be hard to keep clean – especially tiling grout. A sheet of glass (coloured if required) can make a great serviceable splash back
Timber floor – if solid timber Ok, note that the ‘false’ timber laminates warp / expand when too wet – i.e. near sinks spillage etc.
Double bowl sink with swivel mixer hard to beat
Drawers for knives etc. should be easy to reach at prep area. Consider the ‘soft’ closing drawer mechanisms
Central prep island great – remember to have power to it
Those are a few issues you may want to consider…..
Cheers
Fred