Kitchen Design Information: Essential Insights for Your Kitchen

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DESIGN INFO - Explore our design standards that ensure functionality and style. MATERIAL INFO - Discover a variety of cabinet materials suited for every kitchen. DETAIL INFO - Dive into the finer details of our products. TOY INFO - Check out our range of toys. REFERENCE LIBRARY - Browse our extensive reference library for inspiration. KITCHEN ZONES - Learn about optimizing your kitchen zones for better organization.

DESIGN

When designing a kitchen, it's essential to understand the client’s preferences and needs. While I may have my own design ideas, this kitchen is yours, and it should reflect your style.

The first design question is: what style do you prefer? Check out these options: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJXK_DMgPoU

- Classic (with details like corbels and crown moldings) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eETeiAPjT-

- Transitional (a blend of classic and modern) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af2wUMpJDvg

- Modern (featuring a clean look with minimal details) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZBFKMfUesk

Your new kitchen layout should adhere to design standards based on the available space. Following these standards is crucial for functionality and aesthetic appeal. For example:

- Sink centered under the window

- Dishwasher adjacent to the sink

- Stove with counter space on both sides

- Fridge door opening away from the kitchen

- No obstructions between the stove, sink, and fridge (the kitchen zones should form a triangle)

However, there may be times when these standards cannot be strictly followed, necessitating a creative designer to make everything work harmoniously. A well-planned layout will enhance the joy of cooking and offers a lot to consider. Designers like us have the knowledge and experience to determine where elements should go, incorporating various cabinet materials and innovative solutions into your kitchen.

Some key features I aim to include in a new kitchen are:

- Pot and pan drawer

- Optimized corner units

- Recycle center

- Cabinets reaching the ceiling

- Ample storage

Many salespeople you encounter while shopping for cabinets may not have a deep understanding of millwork, affecting their design capabilities. At ICONIC, our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist with your every need.

At ICONIC, creating a kitchen that not only meets design standards but also provides that WOW factor is paramount. I want your kitchen to impress and to be truly ICONIC.

For further design inspiration, visit www.houzz.com.

MATERIALS

Some of the cabinet materials used in the industry are not ideal (Literally garbage); they often incorporate fillers mixed with the pulp to manufacture sheet goods, creating voids and weak spots. While there are savings in using these products, I believe it’s not worth the compromise in quality.

The cabinets are constructed in two main sections:

The first part is the casework, which refers to the cabinet interiors. This is the primary component that provides strength and stability to the cabinets. At Iconic, our design standards include either 5/8 Hardrock melamine (Maple look) or 5/8 white melamine (White look) with a full 5/8 back. Some other shops offer a cheaper alternative with 1/4 backing, but we can provide a premium option that uses plywood, which performs better in wet conditions.

The next aspect of the casework is the drawers. Our standard includes matching 5/8 melamine drawers with under-mounted slides (which remain unseen). In contrast, other shops may offer cheaper alternatives using side-mounted slides on 1/2 inch sides or metal drawer sides. There are many higher-grade options available as well, including dovetail solid wood drawers.

Next is the hardware. Our standard hardware is all soft-close. We use sleek Blum hinges with undermount slides. There are numerous options to choose from, and we prioritize quality hardware. While cheaper hardware exists that can save you a lot of money, it typically doesn't last as long and tends to perform poorly.

The second part involves the exterior of the cabinets, which encompasses the elements visible when the cabinets are closed, such as the doors and side panels. There is a wide range of design standards available:

- Melamine STD - Modern, Transitional  

- Textured Melamine - Modern, Transitional  

- Foil Doors - Modern, Transitional, Classic  

- High Gloss Melamine - Modern  

- Flat MDF Painted - Modern, Transitional  

- Flat Veneer Stain and Lacquered - Modern, Transitional  

- High-End Melamine - Modern, Transitional  

- Solid Wood Stain and Lacquered - Transitional, Classic  

- MDF Painted - Modern, Transitional  

- Solid Wood Painted - Transitional, Classic  

Each of these options offers different aesthetics and should be viewed to determine which fits best within your kitchen zones. The choices can be refined further when taking the overall design style into account.

I was asked, "What is melamine?"

Melamine is a widely recognized type of decorative finished board used commonly in furniture and cabinetry applications. Typically, melamine boards consist of three primary components: a core material, decorative paper, and a topcoat.

Core Material:  

The core of a melamine board is usually composed of either MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), HDF (High-Density Fiberboard), or particle board. In comparison, plastic laminates often utilize several layers of paper glued together for their core. The choice of core material significantly impacts the product's durability; a denser core made from high-quality materials minimizes chipping and enhances overall performance.

Decorative Paper:  

This layer offers aesthetic appeal and can present various designs, such as wood grains, solid colors, or unique patterns. This paper is glued to the core to achieve the desired visual effect.

Topcoat:  

The topcoat serves as a protective finish that withstands regular wear and tear. It is commonly a phenolic resin similar to melamine, although other finishes like lacquer or acrylic can also be applied, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Manufacturing Process:  

The creation of melamine boards involves fusing the melamine resin to the core and decorative paper using heat and pressure. Generally, a longer exposure to heat and pressure yields a higher-quality product. For reference, plastic laminates are usually manufactured at a pressure of 1400 psi, whereas melamine boards are produced at approximately 500 psi.

Common Terminology:

- T.F.M (Thermally Fused Melamine): Refers to melamine resin applied on top of the board.  

- T.F.L (Thermally Fused Laminate): Implies a phenolic resin on the top.  

- L.P.L (Low Pressure Laminate): Produced under 300-500 psi.  

- H.P.L (High Pressure Laminate): Manufactured at 1400 psi.

While all these products can feature a melamine resin topcoat, the term "melamine" is often used broadly to describe any material with a decorative surface, leading to its colloquial use as a catch-all for decorative sheets. A more precise term would be "decorative sheets," as it encompasses the variety of materials and finishes available.

By Gerald Dixon

DETAILS

The details are all the little extras that make the kitchen look its best, significantly influenced by cabinet materials and the overall design standards. Sometimes, just adding one small item can transform the entire look of the kitchen, such as:

                Glass doors

                Columns, corbels, crown molding

                Custom island ends  

                Custom hood vents

                Countertop supports  

                Pet station area

                Baking area

                Bar section

                Coffee station

Most of these details are carefully considered in the design stage, as a good design is all in the details and optimizing different kitchen zones can enhance functionality.

TOYS

The toys in the kitchen are all the little extras that enhance its functionality, aligning with modern design standards. These items are often hidden but greatly enjoyed, including:

- Drawer inserts

- Lazy Susan or Le Mans corner

- Pull-out spice rack

- Pull-out pantry

- Garbage options

- Mixer lift

With current advancements in cabinet materials, there are numerous cool options available for hardware and kitchen zones. A great resource to explore these innovations is www.richelieu.com.

Discover great websites with fantastic ideas for your projects. For high-quality cabinet materials, check out www.richelieu.com, a great site to find hardware and toys for your projects. Looking to enhance your design? Visit www.pinterest.com, a great place for add-ons to elevate your kitchen zones and meet design standards. Additionally, www.houzz.com is an excellent resource for design inspiration and innovative ideas.

There are 5 essential kitchen zones: consumables, non-consumables, cleaning, preparation, and cooking. Each of these zones needs a designated home, and they should be organized in a way that fosters the most efficient workspace. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for storage because everyone has different needs. However, adhering to some basic design standards can guide you toward organizational bliss.

Store items at the starting line or the finish line. For example, mugs can be stored either next to the coffee pot or near the dishwasher/sink. Either of these locations allows for a path of least resistance.

Consider storing certain items in more than one location. If you frequently need oven mitts in multiple kitchen zones, for instance, having them placed in different areas can save you from scrambling to find them while cooking.

If specific items are used together, they should be stored in close proximity. For instance, keep your knives near the cutting boards, allowing for easy access and enhancing efficiency while preparing meals.

Arrange your items so that they are easy to see. Less clutter promotes a happy cook! Frequently used kitchen items, such as glasses and plates, should be placed on the bottom shelf of your cabinets, where they are easy to reach. There’s a reason people keep their teapots on the stove all the time.

Keep similar items next to each other; for example, coffee mugs and espresso cups should be stored in the same cabinet and ideally positioned near your coffee maker.

Hazardous items, including knives, heavy cookware, and appliances, should be kept out of reach of children or anyone who could be injured by them.

Ensure that your items are stored in the appropriate environment. Obviously, refrigerated and non-refrigerated items need their designated spaces. It's equally essential to create an area for bread, fresh fruits, and vegetables that optimizes their lifespan and freshness.

Some of these guidelines may seem like common sense, but it's easy to be distracted by the attractive elements of your kitchen and overlook practicality. If you're struggling with a non-functional kitchen, we have the expertise in cabinet materials and design standards to help you redesign your space into the functional and beautiful kitchen of your dreams.