Industry experts fill us in on how to make an open-concept kitchen work.
- Planning
“Create enough space around your kitchen island in order to move around comfortably, but everything should still be within your reach. We would suggest having a one-metre distance from the island to any other facitilites,” says Daniel Magg, general manager of the kitchen division, TOTO Kitchen. - Island Unit
“An open-concept kitchen allows you to have an island. Add a movable worktop. It’s a well thought-out multifunctional piece of furniture that provides additional work surface. Quick installation, invisible technology and a high level of convenience are the credentials of the modern kitchen stand,” advices Häfele. - Appliances
“Note that all appliances that you’re going to have for your kitchen. Then, analyse your cooking habits and position of the products into a comfortable layout. Consider easy accessibility, cabinet volume and aesthetic exposure to or from its adjacent room,” expresses Cecilia Huang, director, Ultimate Interior Creation. - Storage
According to Elden Lim, consultant manager at Substance Living, “An open-concept kitchen is visible to guests, hence incorporating closed storage solutions can keep the space neater and clutter-free.” - Habits
“To plan the perfect open-concept kitchen layout, we first have to understand the homeowner’s cooking lifestyle, as well as the fixtures they wish to include in their new home. For example, those who enjoy holding gatherings might find two sinks – one big, one small – useful ayt times. The smaller option can be used as an icebox to store ice cubes,” says Landren Lim, senior interior designer, Fuse Concept. - Cooking Fumes
“For those who cook frequently, the oil fumes and smell can be a problem. Combat this by using a stronger suction cooker hood that can filter out the greasy cooking smell. Or build a glass partition, which offers some help on the odour issue, yet still allows light in,” says Elden Lim, consultant manager, Substance Living.
