Home Interior Content // The Domestic Goddess’ Guide to Creating the Perfect Kitchen*

Let’s face it, being a domestic goddess in a busy family home isn’t always easy. When the washing’s piling up, the kids are under your feet and you’ve got a list of chores as long as your arm, you might feel less Mary Poppins and more regular, rundown, overworked mum. The good news is, there’s a simple way to make your life more straightforward. By creating the perfect kitchen, you can make a whole range of everyday tasks easier and quicker, and you stand a better chance of impressing your friends and family with your domestic prowess.

Include lots of storage
One essential in family kitchens is storage – and lots of it. If you don’t have enough drawers, cabinets and shelves, you’ll find it impossible to keep the space clean and tidy. To make the most of the square footage on offer, consider investing in full-height cabinets. Meanwhile, expert kitchen suppliers Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets recommend using L-shaped corner units complete with carousels to create added storage. Make sure you have enough space for your recycling boxes as well. Ideally, you’ll be able to keep these containers out of sight.

Choose robust worktops
Top-quality worktops are a must in hardworking kitchens too. Steer clear of any materials that easily chip, stain or warp. For an attractive, practical solution, it’s hard to beat solid wood. Timber has a natural charm and beauty, and as long as you care for it properly, it will stand the test of time.

Create a sociable space
Whether you’re preparing family teas, making breakfasts, putting together packed lunches or cooking up a storm for dinner parties, you might spend hours working away in the kitchen. So that you don’t have to turn your back on everyone when you’re chopping, mixing, rolling and stirring, it’s useful to position your main cooking spot so it’s facing your seating area. For example, if you have an island unit, a great idea is to place a breakfast bar complete with storage on one side and put your hob on the other so you can talk to your family and friends as you prep.

Consider the kitchen triangle
You’ve no doubt heard of the fabled kitchen triangle. This term is a favourite among kitchen designers, and it’s often bandied around when people are planning this part of their homes. But what exactly does the expression refer to? Basically, in the 1960s, efficiency experts tracked the steps people took in kitchens and found that there was a natural pathway between the cooker, sink and fridge. Since then, specialists have recommended that these three essential elements should all be easily accessible. It’s also advised that the distances between them should add up to somewhere between 12 feet and 23 feet.

Make sure you get the right gadgets
Let’s face it, no matter how hard you try, without the right kitchen gadgets, it’s impossible to be a domestic goddess. There are certain products that all busy mums simply must have. These include a decent washing machine and preferably a dryer too. If you’re lacking space, consider getting an all-in-one machine. A dishwasher is another essential, along with a good sized oven and a spacious fridge-freezer. You should also have a decent selection of cooking equipment, including a blender, mixer, chopping board, set of scales and measuring jug. Some sharp knives and a range of pans and cookware should feature on your shopping list too, along with handy cooking extras like a pasta maker, juicer and espresso machine.

By following these design basics, you should be able to create a kitchen that helps you to show off your domestic skills.