HOW TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE COMMUNAL KITCHEN

Open kitchens are the new rage now, and rightfully so, as they allow the family – anyone who lives together, really – the chance to make cooking and dining time an inclusive experience, making it a more fun and happy time for everyone.

Here are the top tips on how to plan the best communal kitchen.

Layout

• There are many advantages to having an open kitchen, say experts at IKEA. The layout plays an important part because this will decide where you cook and how you cook, and where your guests dine. There are plenty of layouts you can choose from – L-shaped kitchens where you can maximise on storage, to linear kitchens where you can utilise wall space. You should also consider elements like breakfast bars, how you would like your seating and any other elements you would like in your open space at this stage.

Worktop

• Choosing the right kitchen worktop is a key factor in open kitchens or otherwise. The shape, the material and the size are all important things to consider as the worktop will be permanently on show.
• Natural stone, wood and other materials such as stainless steel are all popular and have their own maintenance requirements.
• Tip: make sure the worktop is accessible on all sides to allow freedom of movement.

Style

• Once you have your basics figured out, the fun begins!
• The type of cabinetry and materials for your worktops are all important style questions. Pick from a great selection of options at IKEA’s online store.
• Remember that open plan kitchens are always on display, so you’ll have to coordinate between the cooking, dining and seating spaces.
• Considering these factors will allow you to decide how each area works together and how you can create harmony in the flow.

Colours

• Colours are crucial for tying together the overall design, so you should pick your palette carefully.
• Choosing the right colour for cabinetry can help distinguish the kitchen from the rest of your home.
• Using blue, green or even white creates a natural ambience.
• You can accentuate this with accessories or soft furnishings to create a subtle link.

Lighting

• Good lighting makes everything better – and there is nothing worse than not being able to see what you are doing.
• Layered lighting helps tackle two things: right lighting and good design.

Make sure to place smaller lights in places that you would require task lighting.