Everyone has one element in their homes that they absolutely love. For some people, it is the master bedroom that includes a king-sized comfortable bed or heated floors.
For others, it is that spare room they can turn into what they want, from the perfect home gym to the best theater room.
However, for chefs, the most loved area in their house is the kitchen. The kitchen of professional cooks needs to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Nowadays, chef’s kitchens are the ultimate luxurious option for each food enthusiast or budding cook. And because these kitchens are so practical, they can be considered by plenty of people, even by those who don’t think they can cook more than some scrambled eggs.
A chef’s kitchen can be described as a cooking space with everything a professional needs. This kitchen comes equipped with abundant storage, high-end appliances, and space to accommodate numerous guests in preparing the food.
In this article, we will offer all the needed details to help you create a kitchen that even the most picky cooks will approve.
Plan for efficiency
A complex cooking space requires a layout that allows free movement and has the chef at the center of all actions. The kitchen should have a design that is created according to the kitchen work triangle, which represents the perfect distance between the cooking area, the refrigerator, and the sink. Although sometimes it is kind of hard and geometrically impossible to respect this configuration, which happens with a single-wall kitchen, this concept is good to keep in mind, as it will maximize the ease of movement and functionality.
For the perfect chef’s kitchen, it will be good to choose a double galley kitchen layout or just one galley with a long island running parallel. These ideas are efficient, requiring just a few steps between sink, prep, and cooking. Furthermore, to make cooking a seamless experience, each item needs to have a place and a purpose, and you should be able to reach anything you want anytime. In this way, you can focus on cooking and guests, and not on finding ingredients.
Consider a fuss-free surface
When you plan your kitchen countertop ideas, it will be best to avoid materials that stain or scratch easily. Cooks use their kitchen at a maximum capacity, and this is why the space must be very functional. For countertops, it would be better to opt for composite stone, like sintered stone or quartz. Stainless steel surfaces are also a good idea, as they are industrial in style, are very easy to use, and also hygienic. They will remove the stress of staining, as the hot pans and food can go directly on them.
Opt for a generous sink
To create a chef’s kitchen, it will be great to choose an equipped kitchen sink with space for draining. Opt for the largest sink you can have, if you are a food lover, you probably prepare plenty of delicious meals. However, the pans need to be washed, and this is when the sink comes to help. A 1.5 bowl or a double model is more versatile than a single one, and an extra sink near the prep area will be useful for washing hands and rinsing ingredients. The trend for industrial stainless steel sinks and countertops is still popular, especially for the ones looking to create a functional cook’s kitchen.
Buy the best appliances you can afford
Cooking for crowds requires numerous appliances, including at least two high-capacity ovens. Some cooks prefer eye-level designs, as they are easier to monitor progress, but others also wish to have the robustness and volume of a range cooker. Cooking tops must accommodate numerous pans and be flexible. A combination of gas burners and induction hobs will be able to cover all bases, but a pro chef could also want other features like built-in grills and teppanyaki.
Don’t forget about a metal backsplash
If you are searching for backsplash ideas that are extremely resistant, hard-wearing and ultra-hygienic, then a stainless steel backsplash is everything you need. These stainless-steel options can withstand everything a busy kitchen can throw at it. Furthermore, these surfaces also have antimicrobial properties, which are imperative for a chef or gourmet’s kitchen.
Lighting needs to be at the forefront
Kitchen lighting ideas are also essential features in a chef’s kitchen. In a space that is regularly used, there is a need to have aesthetic and functional illumination. This type of kitchen will also need to include mood, task, and feature lighting. Mood lighting creates different atmospheres; task lighting covers hard-working areas, including the prep space, being one of the most practical alternatives; feature lighting is eye-catching and will introduce some ambiance, which is perfect for entertainment.
Maximize kitchen and pantry storage
Clever pantry organization and storage ideas will make the most of a chef’s kitchen. Having an excellent storage system in place means that everything will be within reach so that you will not lose time searching for the ingredient you need. Narrow and tall pantries can fit into most kitchens, and are a great alternative, as they will help with storing all the required products. Floor-to-ceiling shelving is also a great option, as it is a fantastic organization bonus. And as long as these shelves are organized, they will serve you well.
Concluding thoughts
A chef’s kitchen is not only a cooking area but a culinary heaven for the ones interested in the art of cooking. If you want to create the perfect chef’s kitchen, you need to think about functional elements that will become practical in this space, including stainless steel appliances, as they are known for their sleek appearance and durability. A professional chef will surely appreciate granite countertops and a striking metal backsplash that will add character to the kitchen.
Task lighting is also a great feature to keep in mind, as in this way, everything you stir, chop, and garnish will be done under optimal visibility.