Don’t miss it! Scientific methods for kitchen renovation

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Although the kitchen is not a space that requires excessive attention to decoration, it remains a key focus in home renovations. Whether it’s the installation of water and electricity systems, or every pipe and element of the design, a proper plan must be developed before work can begin. Since the kitchen is a functional area, it’s absolutely unacceptable to focus only on aesthetics while ignoring practicality. 1. Outlets: With an increasing number of electrical appliances in the kitchen, it is necessary to plan their proper locations in advance and install outlets accordingly. It is advisable not to use the same outlet for the refrigerator and other appliances. Common appliances in the kitchen include refrigerators, microwave ovens, food processors, rice cookers, range hoods, disinfection cabinets, dishwashers, soy milk makers, etc. Outlets should be installed separately based on each appliance’s power consumption, to avoid connecting several high-power appliances to a single power strip. Additionally, all outlets should be equipped with electrical protection devices.

2. Gas: There are many pipes in the kitchen, and these are often concealed behind cabinets for aesthetic reasons. However, it is important to note that gas pipes must not be hidden; they need to remain visible. The gas meter must also not be moved, and consideration should be given to the convenience of reading it. Ceiling and walls 1. Ceiling: It is best to install a ceiling fan to facilitate cleaning. Ceilings are usually made of PVC or aluminum-plastic panels. It is important to use materials that are resistant to aging, as kitchens are exposed to smoke and heat throughout the day, which accelerates the aging of decorative materials. 2. Finishing the ceiling: It is best to cover it with tiles so that it can be easily cleaned. In some residences, the kitchen tiles are installed only up to a height of 1.8 meters, which is not sufficient; they need to be extended all the way to the ceiling. Flooring: 1. Flooring: It is best to use non-slip flooring, with narrow seams to minimize the accumulation of dirt and make cleaning easier. Kitchens should have floor drains to facilitate cleaning and drainage. 2. Lighting: Chinese cuisine places great emphasis on colors; therefore, kitchens need sufficient lighting. The lighting at night should also be bright, and the color of the light should be white, as otherwise it will affect the ability to judge colors and make it difficult to control the cooking temperature of the food. Additionally, shadows caused by lighting should be avoided, so spotlights should be used as little as possible. 1. Countertops: Countertops should be made from fireproof and waterproof materials. If constructing cabinets, it’s best to use ready-made ones. The height of the countertops should be determined based on the height of the person who cooks most often in the household. Typically, the height of a work surface is 80–85 centimeters; there should also be countertops on each side of the sink, each measuring 40–60 centimeters long – one for placing unwashed dishes and the other for washed dishes. If the dining table isn’t located in the kitchen, then there should also be a countertop next to the stove, 40–60 centimeters long, for temporarily holding dishes that have just been cooked. A water barrier should be placed at the back of the cabinets, meaning the back surface should be slightly higher than the countertop, to prevent water from reaching the back of the cabinets and causing the underlying material to expand, leading to cracks or detachment.

2. Dining area: There should be a dining area in the kitchen where utensils can be stored, so as to keep them out of sight. There are many different types of utensils and containers in the kitchen, and if they’re left exposed, they tend to get dirty and are difficult to clean. Therefore, cabinets should be kept as enclosed as possible. Since utensils and kitchen tools come in various sizes – such as large spoons, small spoons, wine glasses, chopsticks, etc. – storing them all together makes it inconvenient to retrieve them. Hence, cabinets should have partitions, and drawers should also have divisions of different sizes, allowing utensils to be stored neatly and systematically. Range hoods: 1. Range hoods: Since Chinese cooking involves frying, stir-frying, boiling, and deep-frying, which generates a lot of smoke, it’s necessary to choose range hoods with high power. There are some range hoods on the market that can be attached directly to stoves, which is very convenient; their sides are equipped with glass or metal partitions that not only prevent smoke from spreading but also create a relatively enclosed space, enabling the range hood to remove smoke more effectively. If necessary, an exhaust fan can also be installed to ensure that all the smoke is properly removed. 2. Refrigerators: It’s important to plan the location of the refrigerator in advance, so as to create a proper working triangle. Be careful not to place the refrigerator next to the sink, to avoid water splashing or electrical hazards. Free design consultation! Worry-free! Comfortable! oceano.com.cn