Category: Kitchen Design

Everything you Need to know About an Outdoor Kitchen Unit

Modern Architecture Concept

Installing an outdoor kitchen is a great way to spend more time outdoors! Here are some tips on how to get started!

Photo By: Unsplash

The pandemic outbreak has locked us in our houses and turned our attention to the interior design of our homes. Instead of travelling far away, we tend to invest money in our gardens to make them idyllic places to chill and relax. No wonder why one of the trends of 2021 is an outdoor kitchen, a perfect place for small and big gatherings with friends and family. Read more to learn how to make your dream of an outdoor kitchen come true!

What are the outdoor kitchen units and who are they for?

An outdoor kitchen is cooking furniture adjusted to the weather conditions, made of durable materials such as stainless steel. It is usually equipped with a grilling section, burners, cabinets and shelves, sometimes also a sink and a deep fryer. It is perfect for fans of barbeque, people who enjoy outdoor parties and those who like socialising outdoors.

How to equip an outdoor kitchen?

First of all, understand your needs. What kind of food are you gonna cook outside. How big should be your outdoor kitchen unit? What is your budget? Outdoor kitchen units prices vary. The simple yet high-quality units can cost around £7,000. The more complex, better equipped professional units cost around £22 000. If you are interested in premium stylish outdoor kitchen units with amazing discounts, check kitchenfurniture.online. The kitchens outdoor furniture can be modular, so you can adjust the configuration to your expectations and preferences.

Choose from stainless steel outdoor kitchen units

An outdoor kitchen can be quite an investment. Choose furniture and appliances that are made of durable materials such as stainless steel. Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchen Units are resistant to difficult weather conditions (they are water-resistant, they are easy to clean and they react well to changes in temperature), thus they will serve you flawlessly for many years to come. Equipment made of stainless steel is characterized by its longevity.

Will any outdoor space be good for an outdoor kitchen?

Yes. Choose your favourite spot, it can be close to the relaxation area in your garden. Outdoor kitchens by kitchenfurniture.online are equipped with a castor set up, which allows moving the outdoor kitchen unit easily. The island can be placed on a terrace or directly on the grass.

About kitchenfurniture.online

Kitchen Furniture Online is a company with many years of experience, offering premium luxurious kitchen furniture. Browse the variety of kitchenfurniture.online products, find the perfect outdoor kitchen units UK, sign in to your account and build your own modular outdoor kitchen.

5 Ideas to Make Your Kitchen More Efficient

Modern Architecture Concept

Cooking for family get-togethers, dinner parties or special occasions can be a lot of fun. However, too much clutter and an unorganized kitchen can really put a damper on cooking and baking!


Photos By: Unsplash

When you spend so much time planning your meals, it just makes sense to have an efficient kitchen to match the meals you make. A few changes here and there can really make a great difference and that too without burning a hole in your pocket. Here are 5 amazing ideas to optimize the efficiency of your kitchen:

Consider Your Work Triangle

Finding the right kitchen layout is important if you want to optimize your kitchen space. The work triangle is a standard kitchen design concept that helps make your workspace more efficient and clutter-free. In most homes, the refrigerator, stove, and sink are the most utilized areas in a kitchen. So, a triangle that connects your refrigerator, stove, and sink, makes a work triangle. For optimal efficiency, no leg of the triangle should be less than 4 feet or more than 9 feet and there should be no obstacle between these areas to allow for easier navigation. This form of layout minimizes wasted steps, increases productivity, and makes cooking more enjoyable.

Recognize Stations and Store Accordingly

Store all the required items in places that make sense. That is to say, as near as possible to the corresponding station. For example, delegate one drawer or shelf near the oven to baking tools (mixing bowls, spatulas, blenders, measuring spoons). Anything near the sink should be cleaning supplies, and anything near a cooktop should be cutting tools or pots and pans. It’s basically making a logical path that matches your cooking style and needs. Everyone’s kitchen will be different and everyone’s stations will contain different items, based on your needs. When you store items this way, it minimizes cooking time, increases your overall efficiency and you are able to keep track of your supplies.

Use Water Efficient Appliances and Fixtures

Conserving water and energy are the staples of an efficient kitchen. You don’t want to waste time while cooking, and you don’t want to waste money while doing it either. Upgrade kitchen appliances and fixtures to ensure water and energy savings. Another easy and cost-effective way to save water in a kitchen is to install a low-flow pre-rinse spray valve. It makes dishwashing easy and uses less water. If your kitchen has efficient appliances and you’re still not happy, make sure all of your pipes are good to go. Leaking taps, faucets, refrigerators, or ice machines can waste gallons of water if left unchecked. If you think you have a leak, or want to be sure that your pipes are in good enough condition for your new appliances to work their best, a professional plumber can help.

Add a Kitchen Island

No kitchen renovation is complete without the installation of an island. An island that provides an extra counter space where you can do your meal preparation. You can choose what kind you have too: a mobile island on wheels is ideal for smaller kitchens, one with a sink or cooktop is great if you want to enjoy your open-concept home, or one with shelves is perfect for extra storage. All of these are amazing for kitchen and cooking efficiency! More space means less need to clean off your counters before you start the next step in the recipe.

Label Food Containers

Labeling containers (even if they’re clear) is another great way to increase your efficiency in the kitchen. One obvious benefit of labeling is that it lets you identify food instantly without needing to juggle around different containers. This enhances your productivity in the kitchen and speeds up your cooking process drastically. We recommend using markers that you can erase, or reusable labels! This way you can write out what food it contains and when it was made. This will also let you know which food items are going to expire soon, so you can plan your next meals accordingly to avoid any wastage. These ideas are simple and inexpensive, but they can really make your kitchen more efficient. Just understand your requirements and move accordingly. We hope they helped you!

Here’s How to Make Your Appliances More Eco-Friendly

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

The effects of our impact on the environment have never been as clear as now — plastics churning in the ocean, extreme weather changes, and toxic air quality meaning more yearly air pollution. Now more than ever, the public and businesses are acutely aware of their responsibility to protect the planet for now and future generations.

Photo By: Christine Kimberlee Designs

For homeowners and businesses, it can seem like a lot of extra work to be energy efficient and eco-aware. But as well as keeping you compliant, maintaining a level of environmental awareness can help you save money on utility bills in the long run. You don’t need to spend a lot of money straight away to start being eco-friendlier either. This article will take you through some of the ways you can make your existing appliances and practices greener!

1. No overnight standby 

If, like many homes in this day and age, you have a fair number of computers, monitors, television screens or the like, make sure you shut down these devices before leaving your home. Equipment left on standby can use around 50% of the electricity they would use when in operation. If it’s not going to be used for a while, the equipment should be switched off entirely. Neon signs that are popular now as decorative wall art, should be switched off before you go home for the day. This simple tip will save you money on bills, as well as taking a step towards being more environmentally friendly.

2. A matter of degrees

Generally speaking, boilers have a lifespan of around 15 years. If your boiler isn’t quite that old yet, however, there are still steps you can take to making it more energy efficient. If you’re not already in the habit of having the heating turned off when leaving your home, do so. You can always set a timer for the heating to come on an hour or so before you return, so you aren’t walking into a freezing home. Also, try knocking the thermostat down just a degree or two. It’s unlikely to make a huge difference to the comfort of your home, but even just one degree lower can save you money and energy.

3. The office canteen

It’s easy to forget the appliances we have at home need care and maintenance. Just as your car need’s yearly check-ups and oil changes, so does your fridge! A fridge should last for around 10 to 20 years before it needs replacing, but if you reckon your fridge is past its best, be sure to opt for an eco-friendly model; there’s loads of energy-efficient models on the market right now. For now, we’ll focus on your current fridge. When was the last time the coils were cleaned? It’s likely been a while, but according to Architectural Digest, cleaning a fridge’s coils can make for a more energy-efficient machine.

The cleaning process is fairly simple:

  • Turn off the fridge
  • Put on gloves to protect your hands
  • Locate the appliance’s coils (usually, they are at the back, top, or bottom of the fridge)
  • Remove the base grill if the coils are on the top or bottom or pull the fridge out carefully to access the coils if they are located at the back
  • Take a refrigerator coil brush and clean out the dirt and debris that has accumulated on the coils
  • Clean the floor around the appliance before putting it back in place

Also, you have a dishwasher at home? It’s good practice to wait for a full load before setting the dishwasher off, so encourage your family members to stack it to a full load rather than washing in bursts. For the last load of the day, you could leave the door of the dishwasher open to let the dishes air dry overnight instead of using the energy-hungry drying cycling.

4. Office air-con

The air conditioning unit is no doubt a much-loved addition to your home, as it keeps your family living and working at a comfortable temperature. After all, living in a too-warm or too-cold environment can have an effect on your overall mood and progress if you work from home. So, don’t neglect the hard-working appliance — give it a check over every so often to make sure it is running to the best of its ability. Your best bet is to get a professional to inspect your home’s air conditioning units to be sure that everything is running efficiently, as well as confirming that it is still effective. One of the most obvious key signs that it’s time for a check over is if the unit is making strange noises.

Of course, newer models tend to be more energy efficient, but as you can see, your home’s current appliances can still work greener with the proper care and attention. When replacement becomes unavoidable though, take some time to look at the energy-efficiency of models and view it as an investment to saving money and energy in the long run!

How to Pick the Perfect Sink for Your 2020 Kitchen Remodel?

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

It’s almost that time of the year when we say goodbye to everything old, and fire up our excitement for new resolutions and newer trends!


Photo by: DG Kitchen & Bath

When we say “new trends,” not a lot of people immediately think about kitchen décor and sink trends. However, research shows that more than 80% of homeowners consider home remodeling to be a necessary investment for increasing their property value before a resale.

Now, if you are among the thousands of house owners, who want to renovate their kitchen in 2020, you need to know the leading design trends.


Photo by: KitchenLab Interiors

What are the kitchen sink trends for the upcoming year?

Are you aware that the latest trends show that homeowners no longer prefer tiled countertops or granite? 2019 was the year of composite or engineered quartz all the way. Quartz offers a natural sheen along with unfaltering resistance towards heat, cold, and heavy weight. Besides, quartz complements almost all sink material and colors. Homeowners like having more than one option while choosing the right sink for their kitchen.

Picking a sink for a kitchen that looks and feels a part of 2020 is not going to be as easy if you do not take account of the leading kitchen and sink trends. Here are the most sought-after sink styles you should know about before you go shopping –

Prep sinks

Apartments and smaller homes do not have enough counter space for entertaining separate defrosting areas and prepping units. It is a big mess and confusion whenever guests are coming over, mainly, if they include vegetarians or vegans.

Prepping stations are becoming very necessary, and most homeowners are opting for double bowl sinks or an additional small prep sink during their kitchen renovation. Prep stations can be smaller stainless steel sinks, porcelain, or fireclay sinks on the kitchen island, which can co-exist with your current, bigger sink. Or, they can be the second bowl or second layer of your new double bowl or workstation sink, respectively.


Photo By: KitchenLab Interiors

Apron front or farmhouse sinks

Farmhouse sinks are becoming incredibly popular among residents of larger apartments and homes. It is no longer mandatory for a home to have a rustic or farmhouse charm to sport an apron sink in the kitchen.

These are the hottest-selling sinks of 2019 since they offer ample prepping and cleaning space. They have the space for putting in a separate basin to divide up the area, and they can have interior grooves that turn them into kitchen workstation sinks.

The protruding front, along with seamless under-mounting, makes farmhouse sinks popular among homeowners looking for an old-world appeal. There was a time when these sinks were synonymous with enamel and porcelain. However, sustainability is a selling point for homeowners right now. Therefore, stainless steel, cast iron, copper, and fireclay are the most popular options right now.

Chef’s sinks aka ledge sinks

Workstation sinks or chef sinks are steadily gaining popularity as homeowners show their love for multi-functional workspaces in the kitchen. They are marvelous additions to kitchens with limited countertop space.

Workstation kitchen sinks are the epitome of adding new dimensions to your workspace. They have multi-level slots that can support a colander, chopping board, draining or drying rack, and bottom racks. Check out https://www.kraususa.com/kitchen/kitchen-sinks/workstation-sinks.html to learn more about workstation sinks you can consider for your kitchen counter.

Right now, there are hundreds of workstation sink options for the homeowner and remodeler. You can browse stainless steel, and fireclay sinks in a matte finish. Or, you can consider traditional fireclay and granite sinks for your counter. Nonetheless, you must remember that workstations withstand some heavy-duty cleaning and prepping. So, choose a material that is both durable and sustainable.


Photo By: EuroChef USA

Under-mount everything

Whichever sink style you choose, under-mounting is the only way to please the gods of kitchen styling! In 2019, there has been an evident decrease in the practice of top-mounting sinks. Under mounting stainless sinks, fireclay and granite sinks, and even porcelain ones have become the norm for every homeowner across the US.

Under-mounting offers a seamless and virtually invisible interface between the sink and the countertop. Although it demands significant plumbing skills if one is replacing a top mount sink with an undermount variant, the final product is entirely worth the additional work.

Choosing a countertop material that goes with the sink material is one of the better choices. It offers the entire kitchen a smooth and sophisticated finish akin to professional kitchens. You can choose between granite, composite quartz, and white tile countertops that complement granite composite, stainless steel or fireclay, and porcelain sinks, respectively.

Trough sinks

Another trend that is about to make the kitchen remodeling headlines includes the trough sinks. These beauties can multi-task, add functionality to a benign kitchen island, and look fantastic in any setting. Want to turn your boring kitchen into the feature picture of a design and décor magazine? All you need is a trough sink on your countertop that perfectly contrasts the counter material. That is right! You heard us. You do not need the sink material to match the backsplash or countertop. You need one that perfectly contrasts it.

Trough sinks are impressive upgrades of kitchen islands and counters, which have been sitting barren or flaunting older sink models for decades. It can effortlessly moonlight as your wine chilling basin or defrosting station, depending on popular demand. Choose one in copper, stainless steel, or even reclaimed material to stand out!

Sinks are more than washing stations in the kitchen. Modern kitchen sinks should be able to support the demands and needs of the contemporary homeowner. At times, it needs to function as the prepping station, defrosting station, drying zone, soak basin, or even chilling trough for your champagne.

If you are a dynamic person, why should your kitchen be predictable and boring? Spice up your cooking and prepping experience by adding a smart kitchen sink in sync with the upcoming kitchen design trends!

How to make your Howdens Kitchen look Bespoke?

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Howdens is a popular name when it comes to contemporary kitchen layouts. What about adding a bit of your own touch in the mix? The below points offer a broad classification of a total kitchen setup and their briefing will help you start from scratch.


Photos By: Living Etc.

Anybody living in the UK and setting up their kitchen decor must have come across by the name Howdens kitchen. They are the largest British brand, manufacturer and designer of fitted kitchen and furniture products. Howdens provide a vast range of customised service. Many of their clients have their kitchen worktops are enhanced with the granite and quartz worktops from MKW surfaces. This bespoke look adds on to the ultimate setup necessary according to your kitchen space.

Ultimately, it is totally up to you, what set up you are planning to implement in your kitchen space. Here are some tips on how to make your Howdens kitchen look bespoke:

Layout

If you are planning to bring life back to your contemporary kitchen, you can implement some of the modern kitchen layouts provided by Howdens kitchens. It is said that the most successful floor plans are based around a ‘working triangle’; the location of your fridge, hob and sink. In a trendy design, one can also include a Wi-Fi extender and a pop-up socket to make the kitchen more functional.

Open plan layout

It is basically a multifunctional layout permitting several household activities to take place in the same room. No problem arises, even if you are having a small space, as they often require eliminating an extra wall. You can introduce an island, add a breakfast bar and create a coordinated look by enhancing the flooring and colour scheme. Open layouts are very popular nowadays as they allow you to gather with friends and family whilst you are cooking or working in the room. Whereas in the past, the kitchen was segregated from the rest of the house. This is because in the past, cooking was delegated to cleaners and servants. It has now become apparent that preparing your own food is the best way to guarantee the quality of items that we eat.

U-shaped layout

The three-sided style can be given a trendy look with half-hidden wall units to break the lines. This type of layout maximises the storage and work surface areas which are loved by everyone. It is very popular in reduces spaces and in households with large families. The U-shaped layout allows you to hide all the appliances, utensils and other items within its many drawers and multi-cabinet set up.

L-shaped layout

This basically falls under the minimalistic approach, where you will get plenty of space to roam around freely in your kitchen despite doing all the necessary things. Try to put units exceptionally to the floor to bring a contemporary twist to your setup. Since the working areas in a L-shaped kitchen are placed across two places, you would never have to walk too far in the house to prepare a meal. An l-shaped kitchen design will also help in avoiding cluttering whilst ensuring traffic can flow freely in the room.

Galey layout

This layout is generally used in smaller spaces to connect the adjacent rooms. Also, it allows you to implement an island and make a work triangle with your sink and oven. Similarly, this layout will allow you to prepare foods and other items practically as the workstations remain opposite to each other. Not only that a Galley kitchen can be functional in small rooms, but it is also very popular in large rooms too. This is because the Galley design will allow you to reach any item and object within a reaching distance, rather than having to walk across to the other side of the room. In addition, a typical galley shaped kitchen will come with lots of room for storing items and appliances.

Colours and Materials

Choosing the best colours among the wide range of options can become a difficult task for anyone. Firstly, one needs to collect ideas before putting a step forward. The natural light and size of your kitchen are the two key factors on which your design is based. Also, areas such as the kitchen wall, splashbacks, worktops/countertops and their colours/textures are dependent. Additionally, you should think about any other space of the room which you will be planning to fill in the future. This will allow you to plan, helping you create a time-proof kitchen design.

Coming to cabinet colours, trendy tones such as cashmere can bring a warm feel to your kitchen; and grey too, if you are looking for subtle colours. You can also choose gloss or matt finishes.

When it comes to your kitchen worktops and splashbacks, there are colours and textures that are in vogue. White marble or quartz, grey granite or limestone and Concrete/Cement effect materials are in high demand.

To bring a contemporary feel to your kitchen go for the wide range seen at Howdens worktops, and get these worktops supplied from a material from the premium selection at MKW Surfaces. Rather than supplying cheap imitation granite planks, the Company sources stone from every corner of the planet. Coupled with boasting the largest natural and engineered stone collection in the UK, there is no doubt you will find the worktop material you have dreamt of.

Now you have a brief idea about the steps you need to take to modernize the look of your kitchen. Take the best possible bespoke set up for your kitchen space and make delicious dishes without any tension.