Cecille's Creativity

Designing a kitchen needs considerable planning and creative thinking. Work surfaces, floorings, cabinets, kitchen appliances and even lighting and ventilation should be well planned.

There are variety of materials to choose from for work surfaces, floorings and cabinets. They range from wood, ceramic tile, laminated plastic, butcher block, brushed steel to marble. With the available varying styles, colors and pattern, the selection of materials depends on the style of service offered, the type of establishment and the budget of the owner of the food service establishment.

In the choice of kitchen appliances, like the range, refrigerator, and other modern gadgets, the size of the kitchen and the group using the kitchen should be considered Self-cleaning and readily removable parts is an advantage and ensures energy efficiency.

Lighting arrangement in the kitchen should illuminate the entire room, with extra fixtures for special work areas. Lighting needs are determined by room size, wall color, ceiling size and eyesight.

An adequate ventilation system is a requisite part of kitchen design. Installing a ventilation system depends on indoor/outdoor air flow. Generally, the ventilating system is located in the hood above the cook top unit or in the wall. Ceiling fans may be installed, but they must be powerful enough to absorb heat and odors. There aer two types of ventilation fans available, ducted and non-ducted, which vary in size, style and price.