Home » Misc » Kitchen design for cooks

Kitchen design for cooks


10 ways to create a kitchen fit for a chef |

Chef's kitchens are the ultimate in luxury for any budding cook or food enthusiast. Technological advances in kitchen design mean that creating a professional or gourmet kitchen – once reserved for the best restaurants – at home is even easier to achieve than before. 

These chef's kitchen ideas are our very favorites – you can save the images you love, then start the hard work: looking at everything, from the best kitchen storage and ergonomically sound designs – to how close your pantry is to your stove or oven (after all, you don’t want to end up walking the length of the room every time you need an ingredient). 

Make sure your gourmet kitchen is chef-worthy with these tips and design tricks from the experts.

Chef's kitchens – everything you need to know to create a gourmet kitchen at home

If you’re using a kitchen designer, they will be able to advise on a professional design that looks good and works perfectly, too.  But, it always helps to go to them with your own kitchen ideas.

1. Plan for efficiency 

(Image credit: Tom Howley)

Complex cooking requires a kitchen layout focused on the economy of movement, with the ‘chef ’ at the center of the action. 

‘My perfect home layout includes banked appliances, at eye-level, an island for entertaining and a well-stocked pantry,' says chef Galton Blackiston, brand ambassador for Tom Howley.

A good kitchen designer will be able to come up with solutions for the trickiest of spaces but if you feel you want to explore the room’s potential further, and are perhaps considering structural work, it is worth consulting an interior designer or architect. 

2. Choose a double galley layout

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Double galley kitchen ideas and layouts – or a single galley with a long island running parallel – are efficient, requiring only a few steps between prep, sink and cooking. 

‘To make the cooking process seamless, every item should have a purpose and a place – you should be able to reach whatever you need almost without thinking about it so that you can focus on guests as well as cooking,’ advises Galton Blackiston.

3. Opt for fuss-free surfaces

(Image credit: Roundhouse)

‘When planning your kitchen countertop ideas, avoid materials that can scratch or stain easily,’ says Allison Lynch, senior design consultant at Roundhouse, which has made domestic kitchens for several chefs including Yotam Ottolenghi and Peter Gordon. 

‘We’d recommend man-made composite stone, like quartz or sintered stone, or stainless steel surfaces that are industrial in style and very hygienic as well as easy to use. This eliminates the stress of staining, and hot pans can go directly on them, too.’

4. Invest in a generous sink

(Image credit: Mel Yates Interior / Designer: Rosalind Wilson)

A well-equipped kitchen sink with space either side for draining is useful. ‘Get the largest sink you can fit,’ advises chef and food writer Judi Rose, brand ambassador for Franke. 

‘With today’s adds-ons like inset cutting boards, trivets and colanders, you needn’t sacrifice prep space, but a big sink can accommodate huge roasting pans and hide dirty pots when entertaining. ’ A double or 1.5 bowl model is more versatile than a single bowl, and an extra sink near the main prep area is useful for rinsing ingredients and washing hands.

The trend for industrial stainless steel countertops and sinks remains popular, particularly amid those seeking a professional cook’s kitchen, as chosen for this chef's kitchen by award-winning designer Rosalind Wilson, founder Rosalind Wilson Design .

5. Go for the best appliances you can afford

(Image credit: Franke)

Cooking for crowds requires at least two high-capacity ovens. Eye-level designs are easiest to monitor progress, but many chefs prefer the volume and robustness of a range cooker. 

‘Cook tops must be flexible and accommodate multiple pans. A combination of gas burners, steel plates and induction hobs will cover all bases, while features such as a teppanyaki and built-in grills are ideal for a dash of pro chef-style culinary theatre,’ says Camille Syren, chef de projects, La Cornue.  

When designing a chef's kitchen, Eggersmann Design’s creative director Gary Singer often includes high-tech appliances like built-in steam ovens and vacuum-sealers for sous-vide cooking.

6. Ensure your chef's kitchen is organized

(Image credit: Wolf)

Keeping a well-stocked food store is vital in busy restaurant kitchens and a generous larder cupboard or walk-in pantry is the perfect domestic equivalent. 

‘A good chef will organize contents rigidly, making sure everything is easy to see, at a glance, so that ingredients can be gathered quickly,’ says chef and author Peter Sidwell, brand ambassador for Symphony Kitchens. 

In the main kitchen, open shelves, wall-mounted knife blocks and ceiling-hung pan racks are similarly efficient in terms of speed and accessibility but do install a decent extractor to keep grease at bay.

7. Modernize with a metal backsplash

(Image credit: Alison Henry / Officine Gullo)

If you're looking for metal kitchen backsplash ideas that are hard-wearing, extremely heat-resistant and ultra-hygienic, a stainless-steel backsplash can withstand anything the busiest kitchen can throw at it.  

Naturally, these surfaces have antimicrobial properties, which make them a good option for a gourmet or chef's kitchen. 

8. Put kitchen lighting at the forefront 

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

Kitchen lighting ideas are an important part of any chef's kitchen, with functional and aesthetic illumination particularly important in a space that is used regularly for cooking and entertaining. 

Chef's kitchens will need to include task, mood and feature lighting. Task lighting is the most practical and covers hardworking areas like the prep space, cooking area and the sink; mood lighting creates different atmospheres and feature lighting is eye-catching and can simply introduce a bit of ambiance – perfect for entertaining. 

When choosing kitchen lighting close to food prep areas – and kitchen islands – it is vital that you get it right, first time. Getting it just right requires advance planning, especially on islands beyond two metres long. Determining what will happen on the island first will help plan exactly where you need illumination.

9. Maximize kitchen and pantry storage

(Image credit: Future/ Paul Massey)

Clever kitchen storage and pantry organization ideas will maximize space to make the most of your chef's kitchen. 

Getting a brilliant storage system in place will also mean that everything is always to hand so that you can access what you need swiftly. Tall, narrow pantries can be easily fitted into most kitchens and they're a good use of floor space. Alternatively, floor-to-ceiling shelving is a brilliant pantry organization tip. As long as you arrange them well, they will serve you well.

10. Provide a place for perching

(Image credit: Smallbone / OWO)

Galley kitchen ideas are celebrated for their cooking efficiency but they’re usually found in enclosed rooms and therefore not the most sociable of arrangements. If you have sufficient length available, a banquette-style nook is a great way to provide somewhere for people to chat, without interrupting culinary progress. The key is to choose a table that won’t impede access into the heart of the kitchen. 

Here, a built-in seat with storage above and below means the dining area doesn’t steal precious cupboard space, and the table and stools can easily be pushed in tight when not required.

What is a chef's kitchen?

The best chef’s kitchen will include kitchen layout ideas that focus on movement. A double galley layout with a long kitchen island running parallel is often the optimum choice for a chef. 

Every item in your chef's kitchen should have a purpose to make the cooking and prep process as seamless – and fuss-free – as possible. Keep appliances at eye-level and make sure that you kitchen storage ideas are up to scratch, and the pantry fully-stocked with everything you need to host the perfect party or family dinner.

Kitchen Design Ideas for the Serious Chef

You love to cook. And now you have a chance to design a new kitchen that suits your personal taste for good food and good design.

According to New York Chef Eric Ripert most residential kitchens today are “while sleek, are totally dysfunctional. They were built by an architect to be beautiful, not to be used by a cook.”

Today we have put together a list of design ideas from top Chefs, and interior design magazines to help you design the perfect kitchen for the serious chef.  We are also going to highlight some products along the way from the design world that you might just love.

Initial Kitchen Design

To begin creating your perfect kitchen design the first thing you want to do is think about the appliances and work surfaces you want most in your kitchen.

In a recent interview with Top Chef Competitor John Currence, by Gabe Guarente for Men’s Health Magazine, Currence said that his entire kitchen was designed around “a large wood burning dome oven and [then he] let the rest of the space flow from there”.

So what is your top priority? Do you have a dome oven; a Sub-Zero industrial refrigerator; sous chef-inspired 12′ long stainless steel countertop; an N’Finity Pro wine cooler. Or maybe one of each. Whatever your favorite appliance or work surface, figure out what it is, then design the rest of your space around it.

Space Planning

When it comes to a kitchen fit for a serious chef space is everything.  But you don’t always need the largest space. You just have to make good use of the space available to you. This means being able to control the clutter and the functionality of your kitchen.

Effective Space Management

Artfully placed clay canisters for utensils may look pretty set against the backsplash, but they are just going to get in the way. You can create attractive and accessible compartments to store all your utensils, minimize the clutter, maintain organization and always know where everything is.

Cabinet’s and Pantry’s

The right kitchen design is going to incorporate many different hiding spaces for your food products, appliances, and other kitchen items.  This includes pantry’s, lazy-susan’s, and plenty of cabinet space.

Depending on your own personal style, you might want to minimize open front cabinets and shelving, like this kitchen designed by Eric Ripert, Master Chef. Everything closed to maintain a clean and uncluttered space.

Or you may want to increase the accessibility of these items by keeping open shelving where you can grab what you need, like in this kitchen from HGTV.

The Chef’s Triangle

Chef-Owner Michelle Bernstein says that the right kitchen is “designed for the economy of movement”.

Think of the movement between your workspace, sink, and garbage as a triangle, and keep them within close distance of each. If there is a breaking point in your movement from these locations it makes for less than efficient prep and cooking.

Recycling

If recycling is part of your household system, be sure to incorporate space and compartments to store everything until it’s time to turn it out to the curb. The best design will hide recycling compartments within a walk-in pantry or cabinet. This design found on Apartment Therapy also incorporates a shredder, may be an ideal addition to a chef’s kitchen so no one gets a hold of your most coveted recipes.

Appliances

Work surfaces like your sink, stove, and refrigerator are the most coveted part of the kitchen.

Sinks with 2 or 3 basins in it are best for the serious chef to give you plenty of room to cut, clean, and store prep materials until you are ready to dispose of them. In some case, you may even have two sinks, one near the fridge where you can pull out and clean items, and then a second where you will store and clean dishes after use. Think about how you prep and how you clean up to decide which layout and which sink is right for you.

And when it comes to your ideal sink there are two elements that are a must-have for a busy kitchen — faucet with a sprayer like this one see on Remodelista.com.

And a hands-free faucet like this from Brizo features on Kitchens.com.

You will want a high-quality chef-style stove for your kitchen according to Cleveland based chef Zack Bruell. Gas stoves are preferred over electric stoves for their enhanced cooking ability. And they will feature multiple gas burners with continuous grates over the top, like this one from the BlueStar Cooking catalog.

And if you opted for a countertop range, your stove will be a separate decision. Look for double oven capacity and ideally self-cleaning capabilities — no explanation needed for that last one. Bruel also recommends an infrared broiler.

If you are a serious chef you probably have more than one refrigerator in your home. One to hold prep items, another for desserts — or whatever the combination might be. You probably picture most gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances. It is easy to clean and polish. But, if that is not quite your style, check out the new White Ice line of appliances coming out from Whirlpool.

When it comes to the fridge decide if you are going to freeze many items as this will determine how much freezer capacity you need. You might be able to meet your needs with a side by side fridge and pull out freezer.

If you are looking for more ideas for Restaurant Quality appliances for your kitchen visit this article from the Wall Street Journal.

Work Surfaces & Countertops

The countertop is where the culinary magic begins. There are a variety of work surfaces available today but professional grade stainless steel remains a top choice for many chefs according to Houzz.

But your countertops can also be a space for entertaining guests, while they enjoy a glass of wine while you prepare your meal. Don’t forget to incorporate space for guests, like in this kitchen designed by Tracy Hickman Designs. Double your countertop space so you can prep at one end and allow your guest to enjoy appetizers at the other end and keep out of the way.

Lighting

Lighting is an important element of your kitchen design. Consider your lighting needs once you have your kitchen layout confirmed as this will dictate what kind of lighting you need and where.

There are three types of lighting to consider

  1. Ambient Lighting: used for overall room illumination. You can dictate lighting fixture placement to get the best illumination and eliminate shadows and dark spots as you move around the kitchen.  This could include overhead lighting in the ceiling.
  2. Task Lighting: most important lighting for the serious chef. Incorporate task lighting near all your important work and cook spaces either from the ceiling or underneath counters and cabinets.
  3. Accent Lighting: this is more decorative in nature and might be in the form of a chandelier or other decorative lighting fixture above the island.

Read more about Lighting with Style from GE Appliances for more info.

Flooring

The flooring you choose for your kitchen will have a big impact on your comfort and ease of cleaning and maintenance.  Wood floors are a natural fit for a kitchen because they are stylish but also more comfortable underfoot than tile or stone.   The overall kitchen style you want to create will determine the type of wood flooring you will use.

Pine flooring like Eastern White Pine will create a relaxed and more vintage look.

Heart Pine flooring is ideal if you want something inspired by Southern architecture. Reclaimed Wood Floors are a great fit when you want a rustic floor. If you want the most durable flooring choice then solid hardwood floors or engineered hardwood floors are your best choice.

We also recommend using a wide plank board, at least 8″ wide. Not only is it more fashionable, but it’s more functional.  You will minimize seams between the boards which will make it harder to collect dust, dirt and other cooking by-products in between the floorboards. And if you want to minimize odors and off-gassing into your new gourmet kitchen consider a prefinished wood floor.

Now that you have a foundation of ideas to plan out your new kitchen, get started and bon appetit.

 – – – – – –

Have you designed a gourmet kitchen for yourself or for a client? What appliances did you use? What would you do differently next time?

Kitchen interior of a top chef's home

Marc Vetri, restaurant owner and Iron Chef winner, recently remodeled the kitchen interior of his home in Philadelphia. And the designer Michael Gruber, who is also known for designing Vetri restaurants, helped him in this. Special thanks to the chef Michael Symon.

Thanks to him, I was able to interview Vetri and learn a lot about the chef's ideal home cooking. And now I can share this information with the readers of the Kitchen Interior resource.

Restaurant owner, Chef Marc Vetri

Chef: Marc Vetri.

Address: Philadelphia.

Restaurants: Vetri, Amis, Osteria, Alla Spina.

Specialization: Italian cuisine.

I – interviewer.

Ш - chef.

I: What is your ideal kitchen? Does your home seem to have a large work area for culinary creativity?

W: We just redid our kitchen last year. Worked within the constraints of the old house where you can't always get everything you want. We managed to fit a fairly large island with a console on one side where 4 chairs fit easily. There I can immediately cook, and communicate with guests, spend time with my children.

Home kitchen Marc Vetri

I: Do you have the perfect arrangement of cooking appliances right now? What appliances do you use in the kitchen?

W: I have a fairly large oven, we chose the 1.5 meter Wolf model with four burners, a grill and a closed type French hob. These are two full-sized ovens, but they are lower than the cooking part. The whole structure is equipped with an external fan, this option is less noisy.

I: What do you think of the comparison between open and closed burners? And also about the choice between gas and electric stove?

W: It's good that in our country there are both types of fuel, and I can use a gas stove in a restaurant. And for the home, it seems to me that an electric oven is more accurate and easier to use. As for the burners, I don't have a strong preference, but I don't use the French closed version.

Sure, it's great that you can cook hamburgers directly on metal, but people are getting too obsessed with it these days. It's just a thick iron sheet that heats up. The same thing happens with a saucepan, the main thing is to know how to use it.

I: What additional culinary gadget would you recommend to a home cook?

W: I used to dream about an induction hob but couldn't find what I needed at the time. Now it seems to me that if a cook has a vertical steam oven, then this is great. But it is quite possible to do without it. Enough pots of water.

I: Would you suggest an induction hob as a replacement for a gas hob? Or as an addition?

W: I think they can be used for everything. In addition, such a panel on the kitchen island is safe when you have children.

Home cooking Marc Vetri

I: What kind of food do you cook for a test drive of a new appliance?

W: Yes, I cook the most basic food and just watch how everything works.

I: Which refrigerators do you recommend?

W: I have a stainless steel Sub-Zero that is 1.2 m long. But if the kitchen space allowed, I would prefer a size of 1.5 m.

I: what is your ideal cleaning area location? Sinks in the first place?

W: The best option for me is the kitchen island sink. And a dishwasher, of course.

I: What about taps? Few, in fact, think about how much they can make life easier depending on their design. I appreciate, above all, functionality, but I can't stand an unattractive faucet.

W: Honestly, I never even thought about it.

O: I was pretty sure you would say, "The one that sprays water. " I know quite a few homeowners who struggled with faucets for the first few weeks after purchase. I tell people all the time that chefs don't give a damn about these things.

Home kitchen Marc Vetri

I: What is your favorite material for a kitchen backsplash?

W: Antique tile or natural stone variant like in subway.

I: What are your favorite finishing materials: countertops, islands, work areas and baking areas?

W: All I know is that I like the option of wooden cabinets, storage spaces, on the top row. And I love a thick layer of marble on a kitchen island like mine.

I: Which flooring materials do you prefer?

W: In the house, of course, it is a wooden floor, it is much easier to stand on it all day.

I: What is your opinion on the ideal lighting for the home kitchen?

W: Recessed luminaires that can be rotated to adjust the light direction. I love the hanging lamps we made above the table from old Campari bottles.

DIY dumplings

I: What ingredient could you not live without?

W: Oil.

Restaurant owner, chef Marc Vetri

Photos courtesy of Mark Havens, Steve Legato.

Chef Design: 10 Ways to Make a Bright Kitchen :: Design :: RBC Real Estate

adv.rbc.ru

adv.rbc.ru

adv.rbc.ru

Real estate

TV channel

Pro

Investments

Events

RBC+

New economy

Trends

Real estate

Sport

Style

National projects

City

Crypto

Debating Club

Research

Credit ratings

Franchises

Newspaper

Special projects St. Petersburg

Conferences St. Petersburg

Special projects

Checking counterparties

RBC Library

Podcasts

ESG index

Policy

Economy

Business

Technology and media

Finance

RBC Company

adv.rbc.ru

adv.rbc.ru

Hi-tech in turquoise tones, sterile monochrome, painted rose petals and other ideas for non-standard kitchen design

Photo: Timofey Bandurkin

Even the smallest space can be turned into a comfortable and functional kitchen. This is evidenced by the experience of designers who have developed dozens of interesting and unusual kitchen interior projects.

At the request of RBC-Nedvizhimost, Russian designers have collected the most striking and non-standard ideas for decorating kitchens. Submissions included an interior with cherry blossoms and a deer painted on the wall, and a cheerfully colorful kitchen that pairs turquoise walls with a red refrigerator and polyurethane moldings.

Football fan interior

adv.rbc.ru

Project by Ekaterina Aksenova

Colorful design with stucco

Project by Alena Gorskaya

Kitchen in beige tones with brickwork

Project by Stepan Bugaev 0 Ultra-compact kitchen in bright colors

Project by Lyudmila Verba

Boho-chic gypsy motifs

Project by Victoria Pashinskaya

Kitchens combined with living room

Projects by Archpoint studio

Film strip on the wall

Maria Zimnyaya project

Cherry blossoms and rose petals cherry blossoms and rose petals 3

Projects by Olga Savchenko and Artem Popov

Sterility and monochrome gamma

Projects of Arch.

Learn more