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How To Plan A Multi Functional Kitchen

As working, socialising, and relaxing from home becomes the new norm, homeowners want to understand how to plan a multi-functional kitchen, so they can tailor their space to cater for more activities. Whether that is creating a social area for entertaining, making room for a hot desk, or simply investing in fixtures with added functionality, this guide explains some of the best ways to make a space highly functional and human-centred around modern life.

10 steps to planning a multi-functional kitchen design

Before starting your transformation, it is important to understand how you want to use your room and what space is required. This will allow you to plan in features, like a stud wall or a partition, that are tailored to your needs and will help you set realistic goals for your project.

1. Be clever with colour

From bold shades to cooler hues, the right colour can craft a cohesive look in a multi-purpose room or divide zones for different tasks.

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1. Be clever with colour

Neutral tones, like white and cream, keep a space feeling open and airy and offer everlasting style. They are also versatile - easy to coordinate with other areas of a home to create a consistent scheme throughout. Alternatively, colour can help zone a space, dividing food prep from dining areas, or separating a workstation from the rest of the room, to set the right mood for the activity ahead.

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2. Find functional finishes

With more tasks being completed in the same space, a multi-functional room can get messy quickly, so look for fuss-free finishes for an easy-clean interior.

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2. Find functional finishes

Opting for low-maintenance finishes in a multi-purpose room is a simple way to cut down on mess. Glossy units have a smooth surface that is easy to wipe down with a damp cloth, which is great for enthusiastic chefs or those with young children. Meanwhile, matt door-fronts tone down the appearance of marks and fingerprints to keep a space looking hygienic for longer with minimum effort.

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3. Invest in simple style

Multi-functional rooms require careful planning to ensure there is good flow between areas. The right door-front style will keep a space clutter-free.

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3. Invest in simple style

Thanks to the one-piece construction, slab fronts have an unobtrusive look that will blend in with surrounding features, creating a serene space that is best for study time or relaxed dining. Integrated handle units are a good alternative as they have a built-in handle that reduces visual distractions to create a simple backdrop. For those wanting to create a large multi-functional kitchen design, shaker cupboard doors are the way to go, as they add character to a room and have a classic look that will stand the test of time.

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4. Explore different layouts

A multi-functional kitchen needs to work hard so it stands up to daily activities. That is why choosing a layout that maximises space is essential.

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4. Explore different layouts

L- shaped configurations offer plenty of counter space that can double up as a casual place for hotdesking, food prep, or simply having fun with the kids. Many homeowners are also opting for a popular island design, as it provides a dedicated zone for cooking and a hub for socialising, making it the ultimate entertaining area for friends and family. Peninsular formats are a hybrid of the two, maximising storing areas and work surfaces for a layout that offers room for a wide variety of activities. For compact areas, single wall styles can free up valuable floor space that suits open-plan living.

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5. Plan in smart storage

With the room being used for many tasks, storage will maintain an organised space. The right options will also ensure items are in reach.

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5. Plan in smart storage

Drawers are a great choice for a multi-purpose layout as they maximise all available space, while offering a dedicated area for essential cookware. Meanwhile, larders allow condiments and groceries to be stacked high and give a view of your inventory at a glance – great when trying to whip up a quick meal. Waste units are also a practical option, as they ensure mess is kept to a minimum, they will also free up floor space compared to freestanding models, allowing the remaining room to be used for other activities.

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6. Maximise surface areas

Surface areas, like breakfast counters, are more than an area for food prep. When designed correctly, they can double up as a space for work, rest, or play.

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6. Maximise surface areas

When planning a multi-functional kitchen, we often think that we need to increase the square footage to make way for more activities. However, increasing the surfaces within a layout can simply mean choosing a longer length or adding a compact counter in an awkward area to convert an interior for various tasks. We believe a breakfast panel is the unsung hero of multi-purpose designs, as it increases the room available for everyday jobs, whether that is spreading out when preparing gourmet meals or providing a place for the kids to perch for arts and crafts. Taking up little floor space, they are also a great solution for small schemes.

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7. Embrace hardy materials

Multi-purpose spaces are high-traffic areas. Choosing hardwearing products, like composite sinks, will ensure your room stands up to daily use.

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7. Embrace hardworking materials

Adding durable materials is one of the easiest ways to ensure your multi-functional kitchen design will stand the test of time and meet the demands of modern life. Composite sink-bowls are a good example, as they are heat, stain, and scratch-resistant. They also have a smooth, non-porous surface, which prevents water ingress and stops bacteria from growing, making them a hygienic option that will look good for many years to come.

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8. Cater for convenience

A well-planned, multi-functional layout makes life simple. Items, like combination microwaves, will create a human-centred space.

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8. Cater for convenience

Choosing cooking equipment with dual functions, like a combination microwave, is a great way to save counter space, as you only need to find room for one device rather than two. This makes it a good idea for a small multi-functional kitchen design. It also means there is more surface area for other activities, like casual meetings or weekend brunches. A cooktop with an integrated extractor is another practical addition to a multi-purpose layout, as it means extra storage can be added in the area usually reserved for the hood and creates a clutter-free look.

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9. Keep a consistent style

In a space with separate functions, it is important that the style is the same. A consistent feature, like flooring, will prevent the room looking cluttered.

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9. Keep a consistent style

As well as helping to tie different areas together for a uniform look, having matching elements will make everything easier to clean. Try running the same floor across a space for a cohesive design. Vinyl is a good option for a multi-use interior, as it is durable and scratch resistant. Whereas engineered stone is easy to clean and is 100 per cent waterproof – good for cooking areas and laundry rooms.

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10. Zone it out

Defining zones with flexible partitions in a multi-functional room will help you navigate the space and adapt it to suit your needs.

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10. Zone it out

Room dividers made from sliding door gear and internal doorways make it simple to create a flexible interior. Available in different configurations to suit various layouts, these features can be used to cordon off an area for privacy or extend it for parties and gatherings. Our collection from PC Henderson is a more accessible option too, as the track is fitted to the top of the partition, preventing trip hazards and removing unsightly hardware from view for a safe and stylish space.

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