Defects in Kitchen Cabinet Design

Kitchen defects are a pretty common sight. Not only are they eye-soaring but also pose injury risks. Kitchen defects make working in the kitchen a task rather than pleasure.
​If suitable attention is paid during the planning stage, these can be avoided.



Here are some common kitchen defects and how to avoid them.
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1. Walkways are Narrow: Walkways in the kitchen have to be minimum 42 inches wide. Any narrower than this and movement in the kitchen becomes restricted. Cook has to be able to move freely in the kitchen from food preparation zone to the cooking zone.

Also, walkways must not cross with each other. Rather, they should gently merge with each other making a directional path in the kitchen. For more than one cook, walkway must be made about 48 inches wide. Sufficient legroom ensures no obstruction or overlapping of components takes place.

2. Variable Counter Heights: Many times it is seen that designers go overboard and create counters of varied heights. This can  be good if the kitchen is very large. But in small kitchens it creates the problem of spacing. All the counters must be of the same height to reflect harmony in the kitchen. Also, different heights for counters will make the cooking difficult.

A typical countertop is located 28-36 inches above ground level. This can be further lowered in case of specially-abled persons. Also, counters must be polished properly. The corners of the counter tops must not be pointy but rounded. This helps avoid kitchen injuries.

3. Excessive Cabinets: We understand that space is at a premium in your city but having your kitchen stuffed with cabinets will not make much difference. When walls are plastered with cabinets of all shapes and sizes, the effect can be overwhelming. Install as many cabinets as are required. Nothing more, nothing less.

Wall cabinets can be made longer to increase space and also provide a uniform look. Shelving in the cabinets must be multi-tiered to increase storage space further. Also, no corner of wall cabinet must be pointy. Use wooden edges to pressure in case of severe injury.

4. Lighting Defects: Lighting is the most overlooked element of kitchen design. Most kitchens make do with only one light. It is considered sufficient to cook, serve and clean. However, lighting can have many effects on human psychology especially during cooking. Special lighting must be installed near hobs and cooking tops.

This helps notice cooking progress and also check on various elements of the food being prepared. Individual lighting can be installed in cleaning and serving area. If you have wider pathways, install a light at feet level to guide users through the kitchen. Mood lighting can further accentuate the joys of working in the kitchen.
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5. Open Kitchens Concepts: There is nothing wrong with these kitchens. It is just that these are more prone to design defects. To begin with, open floor concepts popularized these kitchens. Since all the area is open it is important that the room and kitchen is distinguished from one another. Kitchen boundaries must be clearly visible. Sanctity of the kitchen must be maintained in an open floor design.