arclinea_logo.gif

Arclinea Boston

At Arclinea Boston custom designed kitchens are meticulously crafted to give every homeowner the chance to cook at a professional level. But even if you’re not up for a full-scale kitchen renovation, there are things you can do to make your space more efficient and pleasant for cooking. For example, think about functionality and consider innovative options for cabinetry and appliances.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Placement. A dedicated cook can accumulate a whole lot of “necessities,” from pots and pans to all the other accessories of food preparation. And, that can overwhelm the workspace. To get the best kitchen layout, pretend you’re a chef in a high-pressure restaurant. Everything you need must be within arm’s reach and whatever you use the most should be the most readily accessible. In the design business, we call this the concept of rotation. Once you’ve weeded through your collection and donated those rarely-or-never used items to charity, put your less-used items on the top shelf where you can retrieve them for next year’s holiday dinner. Now, you’ve got more room for your everyday utensils and accoutrements.

Storage improvements. Do you often find yourself reaching into the back of dark cabinets to find what you need? Consider eliminating cabinets and replacing them with deep drawers that make reaching items easy. And, find extra uses for space. For instance, a sliding cutlery drawer placed at the top of a deep drawer for pots and pans is a smart double use of space. Innovative, hinged-corner units—replacing the old “lazy Susans”—offer easy access to typically unusable space in the back of corner cabinets. And under the sink, cut-out drawers add lots of storage space to an otherwise wasted area.

Workstations. Think about your kitchen in terms of separate, but adjacent, areas that serve individual functions: cooking, cleaning, and prep. Placement of these distinct workstations should be planned so you don’t waste a step and are able to move comfortably. Place your prep area near the pantry and refrigerator. Ideally, from here, your stove and cook top are close at hand. Finally, the sink and disposal area should be within easy reach of both prep and cooking stations.

Think linear. Clean, crisp lines create a plane that relaxes the eye and perception of space. Integrated or grooved handles on your cabinetry and appliances may seem like a small detail, but in a tight space these handles can make a huge difference in how the room is perceived. Horizontal grains on wood “stretch” the surface and make a small space look bigger.

De-clutter. This is one of the easiest steps to accomplish. Countertops are your primary workspace, so it’s best to remove everything you can from this precious area. Shuttered wall units (also known as “appliance garages”) are a smart spot for small electronics like toasters, juicers, and coffeemakers that otherwise take up valuable countertop real estate. Utensil rails along the backsplash are another simple addition that increases available counter space.

Innovative space-saving appliances. Some of the most exciting technologies combine oven/microwave functions, taking one large box out of the kitchen. Because of ergonomics, there has been a move from traditional ranges to a cook top and wall oven, placed at comfortable heights that don’t require bending and lifting. And smooth countertop cook tops, when not on, can also be used as prep space.

Functional islands. If you’re considering an island, make sure you use that space to accommodate lots of functions. The best-designed islands offer plenty of storage space; lots of countertop prep area; room for a prep sink, oven, or other appliances; and seating for casual dining. If you have an open kitchen/living area, an island is an excellent bridge between the two spaces.

Gravity. Traditional kitchens are designed to be top-heavy, with weighty plates and other items stored in upper cabinets. Lighten up by replacing boxy cabinets with open shelving, or glass cabinet doors. Notice how radically your perception of the space changes! And be sure to move those heavier items to a more ergonomically friendly location.

—Philip Guarino, president, Arclinea Boston

Arclinea Boston is the first flagship showroom in the United States for Arclinea—an industry leader in the manufacturing of luxury, contemporary kitchens, designed and coordinated by the acclaimed Italian architect Antonio Citterio. Arclinea kitchens are differentiated by their innovative design, creative technology, and exquisite materials. The Boston showroom showcases examples of the entire Arclinea Collection, and offers consumers a full-service, turnkey solution to their kitchen design process.