Andy Owen

Considerations for the design of a kitchen-diner

In recent times there has been an increasing trend to incorporate kitchen-diners into the design of your home.  These can be very flexible and are great areas for entertaining.  But a successful kitchen diner needs to be carefully planned to maximise its usefulness and to ensure it functions well as a living and working environment.  This article gives yout tips and advice on what you should consider.

In recent times there has been an increasing trend to incorporate kitchen-diners into the design of your home.  These can be very flexible and are great areas for entertaining.  But a successful kitchen diner needs to be carefully planned to maximise its usefulness and to ensure it functions well as a living and working environment.  This article gives yout tips and advice on what you should consider.

If your room is large enough to be a kitchen-diner, then keep the sense of space. Raised backs on islands or peninsulas can make the dining area feel cramped. Low cabinets attached to the back of the island soften the impact of the unit as does an island with a curved shape. Curved island units make it easier for traffic to flow between the two xones which is useful when space is at a premium.

Think about what you want to get from the space, from cooking and eating to storage, home office, entertainment centre and so on. Time spent prioritising all of these considerations will pay huge dividends in the ultimate success of the kitchen-diner design.

When planning your kitchen-diner take the positioning of the plumbing into consideration.  If possible, site the dishwasher area near the dining area and the fridge so that it is accessible from both areas. Store crockery close to the dining area, and position the table so that everyone eating can see those in the kitchen.  If the space is not working it is better to have a practical kitchen and seating space elsewhere that two cramped areas.

Design the room as a whole.  It is not necessary for the furniture to match, but do pick complimentary colours and woods for both area so that the room feels comfortable and well balanced.

Some people like a sleek look where the entire area is designed and constructed form the same materials. Others prefer two distinct areas, subtly unified by design details such as colour or texture.  A single flooring material will unite the two area, as will wall cladding in wood or glass. You can choose materials for the kitchen furniture that harmonise with the table and chairs, or like the areas by matching the worktops to the dining table top.

You can achieve a synergy of style between the two areas by linking colours, finishes and the style of the furniture.  Kitchens dining rooms are essentially informal and so the furnishings and furniture should reflect this.  To let one area flow effortlessly into the other choose the same type of flooring throughout, and incorporate the hardwood of the table top into some of the kitchen furniture or work surface.

A kitchen-dining room needs a flexible lighting scheme, requiring several differently switched circuits or a programmable system.  You will need high levels of ambient light for dark days.  This can be set within the plinths, glazed cabinets and furniture cornices. Task lighting should be set over the work areas for food preparation.  Make sure both task and ambient lights are on dimmer switches to ensure greater flexibility in your lighting scheme.

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