Space Narrator Matthew Lim of MLA shares about the Kitchen Triangle

1. Determine user needs
Based on your existing routine or habits or even the new lifestyle you intend to shape with this new kitchen design, you will be able to come up with the general form of your kitchen. Is there a new habit the user would like to shape or incorporate?

2. Identify the kitchen triangle
Also known as the golden triangle, this refers to the location for the sink, cooking station and the refrigerator. By gauging the amount of space required for each task such as washing, drying, cutting, prepping and cooking, you can quickly map out your kitchen and create an ideal traffic flow within the space.

3. Select floor tiles and wall finishes
The material and finishes of these components will set the tone for the visual impact and aesthetic concept of your kitchen. Matthew suggests using sustainable finishing materials with easy maintenance especially for the surfaces in the kitchen.

4. Consider the light planning
Proper lighting is of course required in a safe and functional kitchen, but it should also be planned out according to the design approach. For example, if you have a brighter colour scheme, combine it with LED downlights and cove lights for better effect.

5. Select appropriate countertop material
Make sure to get a quality countertop that’s durable, easy to maintain and of a material you enjoy. There are plenty of options when it comes to countertops, so check in with your priorities and design vision.

6. Identify the must-have kitchen appliances and plan their location
For better cooking experiences, note down what appliances you will need. It’s important to know where you want to place those appliances because you have to plan not just the location but the electrical provisions for these items. A must-have item for Matthew is an effective cooking hood and vent system to prevent airborne grease that stains furniture, wall and floor surfaces – this is particularly important for open kitchen concepts

7. Choose an appropriate sink and mixer
Cleaning up is a very integral part of a kitchen. You need to plan ahead and know the elements you want. Do you want a single or double bowl for your sink? What about its depth and material? And for your basin mixer, how tall do you want it, and do you want the pull-out type? Remember to consider whether hot and cold water provision is needed. Lastly, make sure to carve out some space for drying.

8. Consider the incorporation of customised kitchen storage mechanisms
Matthew believes that it’s important to invest in high quality and creative kitchen storage solutions for effective kitchen planning. Storage for larger cooking tools such as big pots and woks should be noted. Matthew’s personal preferences for a kitchen design is for a spacious area that houses a large preparation counter with cooking stations and a row of built-in cabinets. A suspended exhaust is preferred and all countertops and the backsplash wall should be in high quality stainless steel. Matthew appreciates a dark colour scheme and lots of built-in appliances for practicality. The kitchens from Poliform make for a particularly great fit. Matthew fully understands his personal needs and wants, which makes designing his own dream kitchen an easy task. By keeping in mind your personal habits and lifestyle, you can determine the components and areas you frequent – this way you will be able to make your entire kitchen plan come together, making for a practical and aesthetic kitchen space.

For more information visit www.mladesign.com.my