We’ve all seen those vast kitchens with every available gadget and amenity within arm’s reach, boasting standalone islands, dining tables, breakfast bars, and feature lights that elevate the space into the perfect area for hosting.
But the reality for many is that their small kitchen space doesn’t allow for all these luxurious touches and features. Which leads us to ask: What do we actually need from our kitchen, and which elements are the extras that upgrade our everyday routines and lives?
The Basic Needs
There are some features that every kitchen needs. Somewhere to cook, somewhere to store food so that it stays cold, and a running water tap are all integral to food safety and facilitate the preparation of meals.
Kitchen storage is something else that should be carefully considered as part of the design of any kitchen, especially a compact mini kitchen where space is minimal. Sufficient worktop space is ideal, as are features including a bin or waste disposal unit, and of course somewhere to sit and eat meals.
And then we have the appliances which are smaller, but which contribute towards the everyday use of the kitchen. Kettles, toasters, and splashbacks to protect the walls behind your stovetop are all regularly included features in the design of a small kitchen.
This brings us nicely on to the extras: i.e., the details that change according to the client.
The Extras
For many, their kitchen extras typically fall under the categories of additional accessories and appliances that make certain aspects of life easier and more personal to them.
These are the appliances that fill the worktop, including coffee machines, blenders, air fryers, and more.
Classifying these details and appliances as wants will depend on the homeowners and on the preferences of the client. Our distinction between needs and extras for a compact kitchen stems from the elements that are included in even our most basic kitchen units. It is up to the client to use the space given as they please.
Other extras that clients can ask for include colours and the integration of design details that suit the space. It could be branding for an office kitchen or a coloured splashback that matches the surrounding walls and helps the kitchen units blend in. It could even be one of the more modern worktop finishes, available as part of the DesignLine range.
These extras are all available upon discussion and consultation with the design team.
Designing Your Perfect Compact Kitchen
Every compact kitchen starts with a basic unit and is built up from there. These units boast storage, worktop space, somewhere to store food and keep it cold, and somewhere to cook food – with sinks and running water fixed at one end of the unit.
Other features can be added within wall-mounted cabinets and in additional unit blocks – tailoring the ultimate design and finish of the kitchen to the available space.
Whatever your compact kitchen looks like and includes, it starts with your vision and a basic compact kitchen unit. Get in touch with your local supplier to discuss your needs.
