Kitchen features generally considered unappealing by designers: an examination of seven problematic elements and suggested solutions
A well-designed kitchen is more than just a functional space; it's a place where meals are prepared, conversations are shared, and memories are made. However, some common kitchen features can detract from its aesthetic appeal. In this article, we'll explore effective design solutions to tackle these eyesores, helping you create a clean, streamlined, and visually appealing kitchen environment.
The Bulky Plastic Dish Drainer
A plastic dish drainer permanently stacked on the worktop is a major eyesore that can ruin the look of a carefully considered kitchen. Replacing bulky plastic racks with slimline metal folding racks that can be stowed away when not in use is a practical solution. For a more high-end option, consider having grooves routed directly into a stone or wood countertop as built-in draining channels. Alternatively, a double butler sink with a draining rack inside the second bowl keeps drying dishes hidden and counters clear, particularly useful in open-plan spaces.
Open Wine Racks Full of Dusty Bottles
Open wine racks can accumulate dust and become unsightly. Instead, consider closed cabinetry with wine storage or integrated wine fridges that keep bottles clean and organized out of sight.
Overbearing Cooker Hoods
Overbearing cooker hoods can dominate the space and loom over you as you cook, making them clunky and intrusive. Opt for cooker hoods with sleek, minimalist designs that blend into the kitchen aesthetic or are built into cabinetry to reduce their visual impact.
Freestanding Appliances
Freestanding appliances can be a major letdown in an otherwise fitted kitchen, as they stick out and break up the clean flow of your cabinetry. Replace bulky freestanding appliances with built-in alternatives to create a seamless look and save counter and floor space.
Poorly Planned Sockets
Poorly planned sockets can ruin the aesthetic of a kitchen, with terribly placed sockets and messy charger cables being a common issue. Install sockets thoughtfully to avoid trailing wires and clutter; use pop-up or under-cabinet outlets to maintain clean surfaces.
Small Appliance Overkill
A cluster of small appliances like kettles, toasters, coffee machines, and blenders on worktops can make the space feel messy and overcrowded. Limit the number of small appliances kept on counters by using multi-functional devices or storing seldom-used appliances in cabinets.
Homeless Tea Towels
Scrunched-up tea towels and hand towels on worktops or door handles can undermine a polished kitchen. Instead, use dedicated hooks, rails, or built-in cloth holders integrated into cabinetry to keep them neatly stored and accessible.
By avoiding these common design mistakes and implementing these solutions, you can create a kitchen that is not only functional but also visually appealing. From sleek folding dishwasher racks to integrated wine coolers, these strategies help maintain a clean, streamlined, and polished kitchen environment.
- To prevent a plastic dish drainer from being a kitchen eyesore, consider replacing it with slimline metal folding racks or having draining channels routed directly into a stone or wood countertop.
- Closed cabinetry with wine storage or integrated wine fridges can solve the problem of open wine racks accumulating dust and becoming unsightly.
- Overbearing cooker hoods can detract from the kitchen's aesthetic appeal, making it clunky and intrusive; opt for sleek, minimalist designs or those built into cabinetry to reduce their visual impact.
