Kitchens
Elements of a well designed kitchen,
common materials used, trends in
kitchen design and accommodating
those with special needs.
What are some things that you
think are important to have in a
kitchen design?
Well Designed Kitchens:
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Adequate storage
Lighting
Counter space
What else??
Adequate Storage
• Space for:
– Food
– Dishes
– Small appliances
– What else??
Lighting:
• What types of lights do you generally see in
kitchens?
• General:
• Task:
• Accent?
Counter Space
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To cook
To mix
To roll out cookie dough or pie crust
To stack dirty dishes by the sink
To dry clean dishes
To stack clean dishes from the dishwasher
before putting them away
Flooring, Counter Tops, Cabinets
and Sinks: What materials are
used?
Flooring
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Hardwood
Tile and Stone
Laminate
Vinyl and Resilient
Hardwood
Oak is the most popular domestic
hardwood and can last for decades.
Global species have a regal look, rich color
tones and provide inherent hardness.
North American species like birch,
cherry and maple are timeless choices.
Bamboo and cork provide a contemporary
decor and are renewable resources.
Tile and Stone
An economical choice for indoor use,
ceramic is durable and easy to clean.
For indoor and outdoor applications with
natural colors and pattern variations.
Used indoors and out, porcelain is stronger than
ceramic and has the most durable surface.
Indoor and outdoor use, bringing vibrant
colors for modern to rustic looks.
Laminate
Features the authentic appearance of
real domestic woods such as oak.
Rustic laminate has a warm, country feel.
Exotic laminate mimics unique woods,
such as Pear Wood and Merbau
With an array of patterns, laminate
mimics the appearance of natural tile.
Vinyl
Sold in 6 ft. and 12 ft. widths to
quickly and easily cover large rooms.
Typically sold in 12 in. squares, vinyl
tile's self-adhesion makes installation easy.
Like hardwood and tile, plank is easy to
install with no glue required.
Sometimes embossed, luxury vinyl can be
grouted for a tile look.
Cabinets
• Solid Wood and Veneer
• Laminate and Thermofoil
Solid Wood and Veneers
• Most cabinets are made from hardwoods, but to
reduce costs, these hardwoods are often applied as
veneers over a substrate, such as plywood.
• Wood warps easily as its moisture content changes.
That's why it's important that the wood be finished
on all sides before it leaves the factory. Unfinished
cabinetry should be finished on-site as soon as
possible to prevent warping. Veneered cabinets are
more stable than solid lumber in high-humidity
areas.
Wood Cabinets
Laminate and Thermofoil
• Cabinetry that is not solid-wood or wood
veneer is generally laminate or Thermofoil,
both of which are applied to substrates.
Laminate and Thermofoil come in a range of
colors and patterns, including some that
mimic wood.
Laminate Cabinets
Counter Tops
• Granite
• Engineered
Stone
• Solid Surfaces
• Ceramic Tile
• Laminates
• Wood or Butcher
Block
• Stainless Steel
• Soap Stone
• Marble
• Concrete
Granite
• Granite is the countertop material of choice when there
are no other things to think about - like money. It
defines elegance in a kitchen. As the use of granite
becomes more widespread, the price comes down. The
beauty of the stone contributes to the beauty of even the
most modest kitchen.
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Pros: holds up to heat; comes in a range of almost 3000 colors; looks permanent
and substantial; will last a lifetime; new sealers are almost maintenance-free;
2nd highest hardness rating after diamonds; has a high value to home buyers.
Cons: expensive, but becoming more affordable; requires some maintenance;
some stones absorbs stains if not sealed; knives can become dull if you cut on it;
can crack if stressed or improperly installed.
Engineered Stone
• Engineered stone is composed of 93% quartz
particles. It is available in a larger range of colors
than granite and has a nonporous surface that
resists scratches. It's easy to maintain, without the
annual sealing required by natural stone. Some
brands on the market include DuPont Zodiaq®, LG
Viatera®, Cambria Quartz, and Silestone®.
• Pros: Resistant to stain and acid; easy care.
• Cons: Expensive.
Solid Surfaces
• Because solid surface counters are just what
they're called, solid, any scratches can be
sanded out. The countertops are custom-made to
your specifications by companies such as
Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone.
• Pros: comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns;
seamless; stain resistant.
• Cons: vulnerable to hot pans and stains which can
damage the surface; can be moderately expensive.
Sinks
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Stainless Steel Sinks
Enameled Cast Iron Sinks
Americast Sinks
Vitreous China & Fireclay
Manmade Materials
Copper Sinks
Stainless Steel Sinks
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Stainless Steel Sinks - the neutral color for the kitchen and the most
popular style of sink. Stainless steel works in both traditional and
contemporary kitchens and they'll complement your decor long after
trendy colors are out of style. Some have integrated counter tops &
larger, deeper bowls. Though it may scratch, it's easy to clean with a
household cleanser and soft towel. They won't chip, nick, crack or rust,
stain or fade. The sanitary surface is just one reason healthcare
facilities use them. Finishes include a mirrored finish which is shiny
and brushed or satin stainless which is less likely to show scratches.
Some sinks come as a combination with a satin bowl and mirrored rim.
Most stainless steel sinks are undercoated with a sound deadening
material to reduce noise, inhibit condensation and provide for better heat
retention.
Enameled Cast Iron Sinks
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Enameled Cast Iron Sinks are a solid cast iron base layered with a deep
enamel surface. These sinks are extremely heavy and resist almost any
type of structural damage. Due to their weight, these long-lasting sinks
are a little more difficult to install. They do, however, provide for good
heat retention and are quieter than other types of sinks.
Americast Sinks
• Americast Sinks are a remarkable alternative that's more
durable and weighs half as much as traditional cast iron
sinks. Its insulation properties allow it to retain heat longer
and emit less sound. Americast is American Standard's
patented process that bonds the high-quality porcelain
enamel surface with an enameling grade metal and a
molded reinforcement material backing. This strengthens
the sink for normal use and the smooth surface is very
appealing.
Vitreous China & Fireclay Sinks
• Vitreous China & Fireclay Sinks are a ceramic-based
material with baked on porcelain; best recognized for its
smooth and glossy finish. This type of sink is often referred
to as a county or French country style. The material is
impervious to water, very durable and is available in almost
any color, including hand-painted and sculptured designs.
Damage could occur if a heavy object is accidentally dropped
into the sink. It is easy to clean and is germ-resistant.
Manmade Materials
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Manmade Materials - Also called Engineered Stone, which is an
authentic solid surface. Color and texture run all the way through and
cannot wear away.
Copper Sinks
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Copper Sinks - This style of sink adds uniqueness to the kitchen. Most
copper sinks are crafted from the finest quality copper. This super-thick
copper is hand-hammered, and formed into a work of art that adds a
touch of class to any kitchen. Copper sinks have a living finish, their
patina ages and improves over time, therefore it resists stains and other
discoloration. They are also the healthier choice because bacteria cannot
grow on copper. You can choose from a natural "weathered" copper or dark
bronze for a warm dark look. They are offered in "natural" or polished
and finished in satin nickel. Most copper sinks are heavy because of
their extra-thick casting process. This enables a lifetime of use while
absorbing noise and repelling dings and scratches.
What are some current trends in
home kitchen design?
Kitchen Trends
• Trend #1: The Kitchens within a Kitchen
• "On the weeknights, they need to be able to
navigate their kitchen quickly when they're
just warming up a simple meal. But on the
weekends, they need it to open up enough so
they can prepare a fancy gourmet meal and
entertain a large group of friends while they
are cooking."
Kitchen Trends
• Trend #2:: Eclectic is In
• "Instead of having a solid bank of cabinets
with a standard look, customers are mixing
and matching finishes, putting cabinets up
on feet to make them look more like
freestanding furniture, and choosing exotic
woods and hardware”
Kitchen Trends
• Trend #3: More tall, less wall
• "We've been installing a lot of pedestal
cabinets -- these are cabinets which are taller
than the rest, usually 42 inches or more, that
act almost like a built-in-pedestal at the end
of a long run of under the counter cabinets.
It's a great post for a column or other
architectural element for the room"
Kitchen Trends
• Trend #4: Expanded office/work desk areas
• "Used to be, there was a desk in the kitchen so
mom could store her recipes and work on the
bills," Cheever said. "But as more homes got
wireless internet access, mom didn't like
being cooped up at a kitchen desk." Today,
customers are forgoing tiny kitchen desks
for larger desks that wrap around into the
family room.
Kitchen Trends
• Trend #5: Everything at your fingertips
• "Customers today are no longer satisfied to
have cabinets that merely look good. They
want them to work efficiently for them, too,"
Aufderhar said. Decora' was one of the first
in the semi-custom cabinet market to offer a
full line of cabinet storage options, from
overhead wine racks, to pull out spice racks
and chopping boards, and more.
What are some special needs that
the elderly or physically
handicapped may have when
working in the kitchen?
Special Needs
• Countertops
– Vary countertop heights
– Space for knees under counter
– Pull out cutting boards
• Sinks
– Wheel chair accessible sinks should be shallow
– Allow for knee space
– Insulate hot water pipes to prevent burns on legs
Special Needs
• Wall Cabinets
– Lower some wall cabinets
– Adjustable wall cabinets are EXPENSIVE, but available.
• Base Cabinets
– Removal of some base cabinets may be needed to provide
leg space.
• Doorways and Hallways
– A 36” door will allow for a wheel chair
– Lever style door handle
Special Needs
• Kitchen Isle Width
– A width of 42” instead of 36” allows several
people to work in the kitchen at the same time, as
well as allows for wheelchair space.
• Appliances
– install the wall oven and microwave so they are
approximately 31" from the floor
– For a range, look for a slanted control panel with
recessed control knobs that are easy to hold and
to turn
Other Considerations
• A cranking, casement type window is easier
to open than the standard double hung style.
• Glare-free lighting, cabinets, and low-gloss
counter laminate improves usability.
• Switches and thermostats should be installed
no higher than 48" off the floor.
• Place electrical outlets no lower than 15" off
the floor.
By implementing an accessible
design your kitchen can be
easier for all users.