Kitchen Systems As Design Elements
In the site category Hidden Kitchen we looked at all the hidden systems you must consider when beginning the design process. In this category we’re going to consider those systems as design elements in your new kitchen. These systems are not just obstructions or necessary functional parts of your kitchen, they determine to a great degree how your kitchen will function, both practically and on an esthetic level. The choices available are extremely broad and coming up with a model to help you make these choices is another important part of the planning process.
Elemental Forces
The ancient Greeks defined the elements as fire, water, air and earth and to a certain degree these distinctions fit well with the kitchen design process. The systems in your kitchen provide a flow of water, light, heat, cooling and ventilation into, through and out of the home. They are made of a wide range of materials, both man-made and natural. It is helpful at the beginning of designing your new kitchen to consider the elemental nature of these systems. They provide fire for cooking, water for clean-up, warmth for comfort, light and, in combination, generate the overall environment and provide power sources for all of your kitchen’s uses.
In this category we’re going to provide standard guidelines for placing items like electrical outlets and switches. We’re also going to consider the various options available in choosing things like sinks and lighting. Your range of choice is very broad and, in order to keep from getting bogged down, you must narrow your choices based on budget and use.
