Blue and white kitchen cabinets with gold hardware and white countertops

Design Notes

DESIGNING A GOURMET KITCHEN

For some, the kitchen is simply a place to prepare a meal, but for others, it is a space of creativity where new things are not just cooked or baked; they are born. New flavors are combined to form amazing dishes that delight and wow others. For a budding chef or a seasoned one, having a kitchen at home that is equipped with everything you need is essential, but what goes into designing a gourmet kitchen? What elements should be included to create the perfect space for cooking or baking new food items? How can you optimize your kitchen layout to maximize usable space? Let’s discuss what it takes to design the gourmet kitchen of your dreams.

Kitchen work stations

Divide and conquer. This has been a winning strategy for centuries, and the kitchen is no different. Workstations in the kitchen enable you to divide your space into separate sections, each focused on a specific task. Whether baking or cooking, you can create a space customized to your specific needs. A baking workstation in the kitchen provides everything necessary to bake your delicious recipes, whether they’re tried and true or brand new. Some of the things to include would be:

  • A pull-out for spices
  • Mixing bowls
  • Storage
  • Baking sheets
  • Small appliances
  • Access to the sink

We know that nothing can be baked without ingredients, but running back and forth between your pantry and the kitchen is tiring and can create more mess. Having your spices and dry ingredients, such as flour and sugar, within reach saves time and makes it much easier to get things done. Storage is another crucial aspect of any space in the home, particularly in the kitchen. Deep drawers allow you to store small appliances, such as blenders and hand mixers, keeping them within arm’s reach but neatly tucked away when not in use. Don’t forget about the sink and fridge. Baking can mean extra hand washing to rinse off sticky dough or dirty bowls and utensils, so be sure to position your baking workstation near the sink. A cooking station is another critical component of a gourmet kitchen, as it provides a designated space to prepare and cook not just dinner, but entirely new dishes. This is the area where you make it easy to have access to items such as:

  • Knives
  • Pots and pans
  • Cutting boards
  • Towels
  • Dishes
  • Spices and oil

Workflow is important, and nothing hinders that more than having to walk all over the kitchen to find what you need while trying to cook. Keeping these items within reach speeds up the process and gives you more time to focus on the task at hand. Things like pots, pans, and other dishes, such as platters, allow you to transfer food to them and place them where they are needed at the correct time, rather than trying to keep an eye on the steak while finding a bowl to put the green beans in. Supplies like towels, both fabric and paper, help you keep your cooking station clean, while also leaving you with less mess to deal with later. When designing a gourmet kitchen, workstations are a must-have, so discuss with your designer how to create the perfect one for you.

silverware drawer

Appliances that will last

Without a refrigerator to store perishable, wet ingredients like milk, eggs, and butter, or a stove to cook them on, your creative ability would be greatly limited. Considering which appliances you need and selecting the most durable ones is an essential part of designing a gourmet kitchen. Many different sizes and styles can be chosen to match your specific design preferences and integrated into various layouts, although square footage does play a key role in the final selection. A smaller amount of usable space means you need to be specific about the appliances you choose and consider which ones will bring the most value to your kitchen and cooking needs. Some of the appliances to consider would be:

  • A refrigerator
  • Double oven
  • Freezer
  • Warming drawer
  • Stove

Each of these provides a different service and performs varying functions. While several are essential, such as a stove and refrigerator, the size you choose may be flexible. If you have a small kitchen, a stovetop can be all you need, especially if you lean more toward cooking than baking. A refrigerator can be made smaller, meaning you can store less inside, but this can be compensated for by visiting the grocery store a couple of times a week instead of twice a month. Sometimes, this helps reduce spoiled food since it isn’t buried in a drawer. A larger kitchen, however, can offer you the ability to enjoy all the appliances, but placement still matters. A double oven should be positioned close enough to the counter so that you can place a cookie sheet on it to cool. A warming drawer allows you to prepare the meal while family members are running a little late. A freezer allows you to cook ahead and then freeze for later serving, which is a great time-saver, especially during busy times of the year, such as holidays. While not an appliance, the kitchen sink is also worth mentioning as it serves a multi-functional role. Having a sink is as essential as a stove or fridge for those who love to cook. It is where dirty dishes can be washed, vegetables are cleaned, and hands are sanitized. Discuss with your designer the essentials required for your gourmet kitchen space.

White kitchen with a large hood and pots and pans

Some final suggestions

Storage and counter space are two things that should also be considered when designing a gourmet kitchen. Sufficient storage allows you to store all the essentials you need, such as pots and pans, small appliances, dishes, serving trays, mixing bowls, utensils, silverware, and other necessary supplies. Tools matter, and when they are organized, your tasks get easier to do and maintain. Counterspace is another critical part of the design, as they are the true workspace in the kitchen. They provide you with the room needed to spread out and knead your dough or prep for dinner. It is always easier when you have everything you need in front of you, rather than having to shift things from side to side or run back and forth to make it work. Be sure to discuss these areas with your designer so that they can develop effective solutions.

utensil drawer

Designing a gourmet kitchen

For those who love to cook, to create, to celebrate in the kitchen, there is nothing better than gourmet. This type of kitchen allows you the freedom to explore and entertain in style. It can also make the experience more enjoyable for everyone, but especially the chef. A customized space is perfect as it is suited just for you and your specific “tastes”. This is also an important investment that deserves careful consideration and planning; therefore, be sure to review every detail with your designer before finalizing any design. We promise that a custom space is exactly what the chef needs to flourish.

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