Whether you’re remodeling an existing kitchen or designing one from scratch, it can seem like quite the daunting task. Focus on function and take inspiration from restaurant kitchens and the designs created by world-class chefs. These helpful, chef-suggested tips are a great place to get started!
Prioritize Space
Choose a design that maximizes both countertop workspace and space to move around. Large countertops will inspire you to attempt more complex dishes with greater numbers of ingredients, and will never leave you feeling cramped or stifled. Plus, give yourself plenty of room to move around – top chefs recommend 3 feet of clear walking area around all sides of your kitchen island.
“Too many cooks in the kitchen” is an unfortunately common problem. To avoid this, make sure that your layout minimizes any chance that guests will wander through your space while you are cooking. One especially helpful tip is to have two trash cans in your kitchen: one in your work space and one separate and easily accessible without entering the “chef’s area”.
Trust the “Magic Triangle”
Chefs all around the world swear by the “magic triangle” – a roughly triangular area of open space between the three most important elements of your kitchen. What are these “magic three” spots which play a role in every single dish you cook? Why, the food storage area (refrigerator), prep area (stovetop) and cleaning area (sink) of course!
You should be able to move between these three locations without any interruption or obstruction. For example, if your refrigerator is on the left wall of the kitchen, consider installing a sink and prep surface on the left side of your island. If you still find that guests are wandering through your space grabbing snacks or drinks, try setting up an accessible mini-fridge near the living room or another natural gathering area.
Choose “Chef Quality” Appliances
Rather than splurging on elegant decorations for your kitchen, choose “form over function” and prioritize the best appliances. Don’t content yourself with small, cheap options. Draw inspiration from the brands used by real-life restaurant kitchens to create a true “chef quality” experience in your own home.
Get a large refrigerator capable of storing all needed ingredients without overcrowding. Install a double oven, a multi-burner stovetop, and a high-quality range. Most importantly, don’t forget the fire ducts – these efficient, health-conscious installations work to remove both smoke and odors from your space as you cook.
Keep Your Food Storage Stocked
You can’t cook like a chef if you don’t have the ingredients to do so! There’s absolutely nothing worse than settling on the perfect dinner only to realize that your refrigerator and pantry are both woefully empty.
Avoid this unfortunate situation by keeping your kitchen stocked with key items at all times. Dry goods such as flour, sugar, beans, rice, and other grains should never be absent from your pantry. Regularly fill your fridge with eggs, milk, butter, and any other ingredients which you find yourself frequently using.
Always keep a well-stocked spice cabinet. A little bit of spice can often serve as the key difference between a “just ok” dinner and a truly delectable “memorable meal”. Expand beyond simple salt and pepper and fill your cabinet with seasonings from all around the world. Chefs recommend starting with garlic, curry powder and herbs such as oregano, thyme, and dill!
Think Upwards
You may find yourself frustrated as the limits of your apartment or house size seemingly leave you without sufficient storage space. Your cooking, too, begins to suffer as you are forced to root through overcrowded drawers each and every time to find the right pan or the perfect spoon in order to make your desired dish.
Professional chefs know the secret to efficient storage: go upwards, not outwards! Use the space above your countertops and stovetop to install tall cabinets with plenty of handy shelves. Turn empty wall and ceiling spots into extra storage with the help of floating shelves or hooks from which to hang your pots, pans, and other utensils.
Make what storage space you do have perform its function to the absolute best of its ability. Purchase “drawer organizers” to keep your forks separate from your knives. Always store your most frequently used items within easy reach of your prep area.
When creating your personal chef’s kitchen, always hire experienced professionals to install its various components. In particular, take care when installing your range, electrical and plumbing systems and extract systems, as they must adhere to proper safety standards at all times.
Your dream of cooking perfect meals that your friends and family will be talking about for years is within reach. Just follow the advice of the world’s top chefs to create a gorgeous, functional kitchen worthy of your culinary talents!
