Steps
- Some restaurants have a chef’s table positioned very close to an open-plan kitchen. It allows patrons to interact with the chefs and is similar to an island in a home kitchen.
- Kitchens should be designed to eliminate wasted movement. All key components—stove, refrigerator, sink, prep counter—must be in close proximity to one another.
- Compact coolers or refrigerated drawers provide a convenient place to keep cooking ingredients.
- Pots and pans should be within easy reach of the stove.
- If necessary, remove walls to open up your kitchen to the adjoining dining room.
- Mock up base cabinets and island to get a sense of the workspace and traffic flow.
- If possible, include space for a 60-inch range with French-top cooking surface.
- Install refrigerated drawers in the island for keeping precut and prepped cooking ingredients.
- Hang pots and pans on a nearby slat wall.
- Choose kitchen cabinets that reflect the architectural style of your home.
- Carrara marble is a traditional countertop material found in European kitchens.
- If you’re considering marble counters, be aware that marble is relatively soft and stains easily. Be sure to treat it with a penetrating sealer.