Compact kitchen a recipe of efficiency

Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Understanding the different functions of each area in the kitchen and how to optimize this space is key in designing a practical, functional and artistic kitchen for your home.

Smaller houses may have to prioritize the basic functions of the kitchen, such as cooking and storage (washing the dishes can be done in a separate area), but medium-sized homes can include functions like dish washing and food and kitchenware storage in one compact area.

The ideal space for such a compact-designed kitchen should be no less than three meters x three meters to better accommodate a kitchen cabinet. This cabinet has a standard width of 60 centimeters and a standard height of 85 to 90 centimeters.

As for the design, the kitchen area should be designed in harmony with the overall theme of the house, like Mediterranean, contemporary or a country kitchen, but this is not a rigid rule.

"Kitchens that are different in design and color from the rest of the house can create an accent to the house, too," said Harry Hartono, director of PT Namastra Haedigita Cipta Lestari, a design and consultation firm in Pondok Pinang, South Jakarta.

Basically, he added, a compact kitchen is usually equipped with built-in appliances for orderliness.

When designing a kitchen, it is better to take into account the location of both the kitchen and the dining room, to better accommodate the flow of activities and the transfer of cooked meals to the dining table.

Normally, the flow goes from a storage cabinet, to the stove area and sink, to the end of the cabinet.

"This is because people like to shop for a week or more of supplies, and they can store them without disturbing other activities. But the location of the storage are shouldn't be too far from the sink, for the sake of convenience."

Comfort and safety can be ensured by maintaining safe distances between the stove, sink, microwave and refrigerator. This arrangement will also help maintain the proper working order of the kitchen appliances.

"We have to provide proper ventilation for a (conventional) refrigerator and to keep electronic goods like the microwave and refrigerator away from the intense heat from the stove," Harry said.

Another important consideration is separating wet and dry areas to avoid accidents, like slipping on a spill in the wet area.

The wet area, according to Harry, is the weak area of the kitchen because water and humidity have damaging effects on construction materials. Because damage usually start in this area, it is better to place the sink in the corner of the kitchen or at the end of the cabinet.

"Without the strategic placement of the sink, if it is placed in the center of the cabinet, for instance, the damage can easily spread to both the left and right sides. Placing it in the corner can contain the damage in that particular area," he said, adding that in this way maintenance and repair were easier and cheaper.

The ideal and most strategic place for the sink is by the window, giving people in the kitchen a relaxing view of the rear garden while they do the dishes or cook.

"And in case of sink leakages, repairs will be a lot easier, compared to repairing a sink installed against a wall with a bedroom on the other side, for example," he added.

As for construction materials for kitchens, the most common are plywood (which is sturdier as it is closer to solid wood), particle board (cheaper but more resistant to water and humidity) and medium-density fiber board (an imported item which has the drawback of deteriorating relatively easy in humid tropical air).

Harry advised people to be especially careful in choosing construction materials for their kitchens, especially imported materials that can be specifically designed to suit certain climates and conditions.

Cabinet tops can be embellished with various materials to fit personal tastes and budgets. Among the materials are laminated plywood, high-pressure laminated wood, a solid surface material such as artificial stone, which requires little maintenance as it has no pores and is more resistant to spills and cleaning solutions, and natural stone like marble and granite.

"Natural stone still requires proper maintenance mainly because it has pores, so any spill should be immediately wiped up," he said.

For functionality, it is advisable that kitchens in smaller houses be equipped with a counter-table, where meals can be served.

"A similar counter-table in larger houses is very practical for serving a quick breakfast or a snack for coffee time," he said.

With proper maintenance, Harry said, compact kitchens can remain in good condition 10 years after construction. But house owners must pay attention to possible leakages and termites. The latter can be avoided by treating wood with an antitermite solution.

"The most important thing is to keep the kitchen clean and dry by wiping up spills from surfaces during cooking," he added.