20 Kitchen Design Tips In 10 Minutes ⏱️

[@rockshot100]

Mr. Kitch, I have to tell you that you are head and shoulders above every other channel I have seen and I have seen many "kitchen experts". Wow, to the point, no clickbait and weird fake personality, and very knowledgeable PLETHORA of wonderful tips. A ton of common sense that I never stopped to think about. When you speak of cm's could you flash feet and inches on the screen because we Americans don't speak that language. Otherwise love you to death. You are MUCH appreciated. You have saved me from living with regrets already. Now I have to binge watch, but you are pleasant to listen to and very interesting. Thanks again.

[@cirrusclouds8295]

Great video. 10 mins well spent 👍🏻

[@ps4402]

So much good advice packed into 10 minutes!

[@thetheoryprincess3050]

No fillers. No fluff. Another jam packed video!

[@neilpickup237]

Concise and to the point. As for drawers - agreed. My housing unit should have come with a lower cupboard, but I had the fitter change it to a drawer. Best decision I made. Also, consider plinth drawers, especially if you are pushed for space. Yes, they are expensive for what you gain, but having somewhere to keep that oversized plate that only comes out for the Christmas turkey and other rarely used items is a godsend. Range cookers may be the fashion, but are often far more difficult to keep clean than integrated. Especially down the sides! Just don't get me started on those 'fancy' greasetrap knobs so often fitted. Rather than taking what seems to be the accepted default of the oven under the hob, I would consider that placement as the last resort - especially, if like me, you are getting older, and still have a few cast iron items! Oh, and if you insist on fitting the kitchen yourself, remember that a set square is a better friend than a spirit level. You can think that you have perfect levels, but without being perfectly square, forget about successfully aligning doors! Finally, empy space above items in a cupboard is wasted space - consider additional shelves.

[@barbaraeaton9266]

😢what is a plinth drawer?

[@neilpickup237]

@barbaraeaton9266 It is a drawer underneath the unit replacing a section of plinth, or kickplate depending on where in the world you live.

[@rockshot100]

@@barbaraeaton9266 He means "toe kick". So instead of that very bottom touching the floor empty, you could put a drawer there, for skillets. cookie sheets, silverware, etc. I love this guy. I have the most trouble with his centimeters, American here and I don't speak that language.

[@angiej4865]

Perfect, thank-you. As I prepare for my house renovation I now double dose on you and your "cornerman" Tobin!

[@trinaroe5132]

I’m short so I went around the house looking for something that hit at my wrist bone. I have to say that seems too short to me unless it was to be for kneading dough which I don’t do often. I think the US standard of 36” feels fine to me, even though it hits me about 2” below the bend of my elbow. I think being off on the tall side is probably better than being off on the short side, since the latter is more likely to cause back issues. Loved the little shout out to MTKD on the blocked corner idea.

[@MTKDofficial]

😉

[@Hoptoad4]

I'm 5'6" and this measuring method would put counters at the top of my thighs. He has to have misspoken. Also, having counters in a non-standard height can ruin the resale of a home. People don't want to buy a house if they can't function in the most important room in the house or will have to redo the most expensive part. Stick with recommendations from your designer.

[@JanG_GC]

Agree with you both. I stood up, found that was lower than our dining table (too low to work at).

[@chrish3540]

Check out Japanese pull down shelves

[@lauratempestini5719]

Thank you for your good work and thoughtfulness in the design process!

[@teri-joscott8279]

Wow, speed round of kitchen design. Love it!! I have never before heard of measuring to your wrist bone when standing straight to get the proper countertop height. I've always felt as though my countertops were too high--I prefer to roll things out on my dining table--but according to this method, my countertops need to drop by 3.5 inches (almost 9 cm). Very valuable information to have!! And, a point well made as I want to be in the room where it happens 😉 when any decisions are made for the countertop fabrication or anything, really. As always, thank you Michael for sharing your expertise. Wonderful content.!

[@ania7930]

Current trend is to make the countertops much higher- ca. 10 cm below elbows. It is better for literally anything but kneading the dough, in which case the dining table should do the trick. If you plan on lowering you countertops in the future really consider all activities you performin the kitchen. I know I dislike my low countertops (which are still much higher than this video recommends - 90 cm) and I absolutely detest my super low (83 cm) bathroom sink. And I am just 165 cm high, which isn't tall at all. I just wanna say you do you, but be mindfulf of all the consequences of the decision.

[@kirkellis4329]

Great tips, and rapid-fire without the babble. Most people under-estimate walkway space, but I think that stems from working mostly on renovations, trying to squeeze as much possible into an existing area. Definitely 48" walkways minimum and don't forget that refrigerators usually stick out as much as 12" further than the cabinets unless you plan ahead -- but even a typical "counter depth" refrigerator sticks out 4" into that walkway space and those fridges are more expensive and people complain they are too shallow for large trays. If the refrigerator sits against an interior wall check if it is load-bearing -- you may be able to replace the studs behind the fridge with a thinner wall structure just holding up the drywall to gain 3"-5" depth or even steal space from a closet in the next room or something. It is always worth looking at the rooms next to the kitchen to see if space can be stolen. If you really don't have space to put cabinets on both sides of a refrigerator, using a fridge that isn't side-by-side or french door can work but limits you to models that have the door opening the right direction or are reversible. A cost-saving tip is if you can arrange to have no corners in your countertop then you can buy prefab 9' pieces of granite at $25/sf instead of $65/sf for custom from slabs especially since you pay for the full slab, not just what you used from it. A useful walk-in corner pantry is going to take up a minimum 5' along two walls, but it does have the advantage of allowing straight sections of countertop and avoiding custom fab and seams.

[@DoronYoga]

Wow, amazing content, intelligent and to the point. Super helpful. Thanks.

[@MTKDofficial]

I give this 20 thumbs up and one bonus thumbs up! Great video!!

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks Mark! I hope you enjoyed your little cameo! 😃

[@jenniferkannapel9450]

Love your videos. ty. PLEASE don't recommend 36" for a kitchen with drawers or doors on even one side of a work space (as shown in your example). That 36" min is only if a passby with nothing that opens into it. No frig, no doors, no drawers. Having been in several kitchens that used that minimum I can confirm that it is simply not enough distance for kitchen usabiliy. An exception may be in a studio apartment with one person max ever in the kitchen.

[@cakedupkevin]

Lol have you ever been in a 1950s single family brick home’s kitchen? ZERO space to achieve even 12 inches of countertop space on either side of a cooktop area.

[@PaintingandExercise]

Yes!!! When we designed our kitchen we made the width 48 inches.

[@luisescamadonhamue4117]

You make an average Joe able to design his own kitchen. This is just perfect tips.

[@tamaramartin4015]

Great job, Michael, you made it with time to spare 🙂One thing i'm confused about, and i discovered this by accident (you'd think i would have figured it out much earilier #doh). On my range hood, the baffles only cover the back burners and lights cover the front. If the baffles aren't going to cover the burners most of us use the most, how is a hood any better than an OTR microwave?

[@pecanthecat]

great video! so many nuggets in a short time.. thank you! you and Mark are so helpful!!

[@tanyajd7005]

I'm 5'2" tall and I can't imagine finding kitchen counters that hit at my wrist, without going for all specialty ADA cabinets and appliances. Interesting idea, though

[@rockshot100]

6' 5" we have the same problem. LOL, YOU could remove the toe kick, there is 4", which would help more than you would think.

[@susancosnick3852]

I laughed out loud at this part. My over 6 feet crowd would not be happy with my short self.

[@marthaminich886]

Never have a problem at my Aldi! Produce is beautiful

[@Ircar47]

Thank You ! Find this video and blog ,just on time ! Lots of food for the thoughts and really creative and smart explanation ,that help to navigate in a sea of kitchen remodeling and even makeovers . Simple without pump and use of horribly expensive materials ,that not everyone can afford ,but to have right design a must .Subscribed .

[@marjoriebelt2842]

Thanks

[@kitchinsider]

Thank you! That's very kind.

[@SunriseShine-yn4zo]

Great video eye opening 🎉🎉🎉❤❤

[@valeriehancockdesmons833]

Loved this video! Thank you for all your great tips that I hadn't considered!!!

[@barbaraeaton9266]

I love your videos! I'm glad I'm finally getting them. Great tips as always. 😊

[@firstfruitcorban7070]

I really appreciate your KZbin channel. You are very clear and provide so much value. Thank you

[@YourBuddyDidi]

This was literally packed with useful information from the start to the end! I had to listen a couple of times. Thanks! ☺️🙏🏼

[@nelsonmoreira9039]

Great video. Well organised and packed with great insights. Thank you!

[@roserose8283]

To-the-point narrative with specific illustrations. Very *helpful* 👏👏👏

[@rusticrye5413]

I hear what you say about drawer units. We have an 18-year old IKEA Faktum kitchen which needs replacement fronts and side panels (currently being made by a company that uses Ikea's original Faktum templates). We'd have liked to convert most of our base units from cupboards to drawers, but the prices were eye-watering! We will be converting one, though, a 30cm wide unit that has always been difficult to use because it's so narrow. That should make the contents much more accessible. ☺️

[@kathydurow6814]

Maybe consider instead of a full drawer replacement, a shelf on the base (retro fit) with a slight lip that slides out? Not quite as good, but still more accessible than having to reach/crawl into the back of your lower cabinets.

[@leeannjensen2165]

I appreciate the information! Thanks

[@lsamoa]

That was an EXCELLENT video. Thank you!

[@kathigee]

Another good video. I'm looking forward to enjoying my kitchen build (once the walls are up). This planning part is definitely fun and I'm learning so much from you.

[@korayozbay9762]

Great video, mate, thanks for the effort!!! 👍👍

[@jobond3317]

Always informative and easy to listen to

[@RainBow-uj3zk]

Nice tips. Nice presentation.

[@kirkellis4329]

On ventilation for the cooker, there are two distinct types: 1 Fan and motor incorporated in the hood, 2) fan and motor are in the ductwork, possibly quite far away. The remote blower is much quieter, allowing higher volumes of exhaust but also require a separate makeup air system so the house isn't depressurized.

[@robertpurves3195]

This is awesome, thank you!

[@olgay555]

Very useful information. Thanks a lot

[@suecox2308]

Great advice!

[@pamelatadeo8036]

Hi. Thank you for creating very informative videos about home construction, particularly about the hear of the house - the kitchen. I hope you could also provide useful ideas specific for kitchens in hot climates (tropics) because, for one, white kitchens aren't practical at all. Also, assume that there isn't much help from automated assistance such as dishwashers. I am looking forward to this video content.

[@maggie2244]

Wow.. phenomenal video. Thank you so much!

[@dcoughla681]

My tips would be: How much you spend on a kitchen depends on how long you intend to live in your home. If it’s your forever home, you can go to town. If not sure, mid range or budget. Ditto with where you live eg a hipster area, an affluent area will have an impact on how much you spend & what design you buy. There is a ceiling on how much a kitchen contributes to house prices in certain areas and this year’s style can look different in 5 years’ time. We are always constrained by space. As long as you have room for all your appliances and ironing board, you can then sort the storage out. If you have a boiler in the kitchen, you may need to have deeper top cabinets for a smooth run. Boilers need ventilation. Practice living with your existing kitchen for a while & think about how you move in it day to day. Be honest about how you use the space eg a regular cook, never cook, messy cook, chef. Enough room for laundry or separate utility room? Can you maintain a white kitchen, marble or wood countertops? Do you like a working kitchen eg utensils out or everything hidden away? His tall are you - can you reach tall cabinets? If there’s an existing plan for electrics, plumbing etc, use it. If you have a large window you can open you may not need a vent. You may be happy with open shelving or a curtain over bottom cupboards. Do you need a large splash back? Small tiles/big tiles or slab in the kitchen? Do you really need an island, bar stools & lights over the island? Can you paint the kitchen walls or cabinets? This cuts kitchen & installation costs. Materials put in, cannot easily and cheaply be taken out. Supervise your kitchen fitter or builder, especially at crucial stages. Even if they’re the most experienced fitter on the planet. You may need to make last minute changes or things may come up. Think about proportions when designing. If the kitchen, dining, living room are open plan, the kitchen must complement the rest of the area. Ditto if the kitchen opens out on to the garden. Ensure your large appliances can be taken out easily if needed. Think about the context of your home eg is it a period building, a farmhouse, an ultra modern house or a builder grade box. This will determine the style of the kitchen you choose. Consider lighting, task lighting & light from windows. Avoid ceiling stud lights as they don’t direct light. If you have wood cabinets, countertops & flooring ensure the woods are matching or in the same palette tone eg cool, neutral, warm. If you can’t match them, ensure there’s a contrast with the flooring or else it will look odd.

[@felaella]

Loved your videos. Thumbs up❤❤

[@paulettepeterson4877]

Great ideas. Can you house an integral oven next to an integral fridge freezer?

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks! Yes you can. I explain in more detail here - kitchinsider.com/can-you-put-a-fridge-next-to-an-oven/

[@paulettepeterson4877]

Thanks that is really helpful.

[@lh2o383]

What do you think of corner pantry’s? We want to incorporate a pantry area but not sure if we will regret having a corner one?

[@tobsstone]

Great video, the only thing i disagree with is counter top height. I used to have mine at wrist height as advised here, i raised it by about 3 inches and now itss to much more comfortable

[@asyaruhi7818]

Thank you 😊😊

[@rianamohamed300]

Thanks so much for all the tips. Im about to embark on kitchen renovations, after my renovation to add 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. Daunting. Need all the help i can get. Thanks.

[@homeinspiration]

Good tips to consider. Thanks great video. 🙌

[@dolorescordell129]

Re counters next to stove: ABSOLUTELY agree. I have seen dozens of new kitchens with the stove in an alcove with little or no space next to it. What are those people thinking??? Do they pay ANY attention to how real people work in real kitchens???

[@reymalaret9664]

Great video, thanks🎉

[@zeveroarerules]

Get granite counter tops. Nothing else compares ;)

[@duewest9219]

You are so good. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@robbykidman]

Answers all my question in mind

[@vanjaprestberg]

Very good tips 😃🙏 Thank you 😃

[@DesireeGonza]

Great advice thanks ❤

[@liverpoollass8615]

Very helpful video 👌🏻

[@lauratempestini5719]

Question about the hood ventilation; can a hood be place above a steam oven? For space saving in my small kitchen, I ‘d Like my stove top oven below a steam combo oven, and the a hood above. Is this possible!

[@SuperZwezda]

Brilliant tops. Thank you

[@JaNouWatIkVind]

On countertops: I had the backsplash tiled on top of the countertop . Didn’t think much of it at the time, but it makes replacing the countertop impossible without breaking the tiling. I think I could have avoided this. Replacing the countertop is a cheap way of renovating your kitchen.

[@robbindohm3767]

I wish you could do a tiny house kitchen. I'm trying to fit a fridge, farm sink, and stove with cabinets for storage into a very very small kitchen area. It's hard to find small cabinets Even at Home Depot. Well we will be eating in our laps as it looks now. My washing machine will be a bathroom sink 😂 dryer Will be in the lines hanging from the trees. But I love living in nature ☺️

[@lovly2cu725]

Some wall ovens hinge on the side such as Frigidaire

[@robbindohm3767]

3:41 😊

[@CP-ww1nj]

YOU are amazing!!!! Do you do bathrooms?

[@igreque8996]

Excellenr video

[@thelouiebrand]

40-48” surrounding an island would require a huge kitchen!

[@threearrows2248]

Lol right?

[@kirkellis4329]

Or a Great Room where the kitchen is only a part of it. But a galley kitchen with an island down the middle as in his "lighting" shot needs to be a whopping 15' wide !

[@milaprskalo5777]

Fantastic video, thanking you. I wonder if you're available to look over kitchen designs to comment against your 20 tips. I would definitely use your service.

[@LuxicCardinal]

awesome

[@refrigeratortrimkits]

Island spacing is always something that seems to get missed in the design.

[@ladylyonteeth3952]

Nice to see you, and hope all is well. ❤ Thanks for the tips. It helps! 😊

[@tarassu]

I do not recommend dimmers! Split spots if necessary.

[@alvaroramiro8364]

With porcelain there's no peoblem to have 30cm overhang with 12mm thickness

[@threearrows2248]

So funny to see washer machines in a kitchen. If I had to find room for a washer in my kitchen I'd be in trouble

[@threearrows2248]

😂😂 my countertops hit my forearms almost at my elbows. And I'm not even that short.

[@nathalie_desrosiers]

What? You do your laundry in the kitchen in England?

[@kitchinsider]

Yes, very common in many homes in the UK.

[@kirkellis4329]

I am planning my kitchen here in the US that way. Big sink handy and island countertop to fold and sort so it seems like a fine place for laundry.

[@nathalie_desrosiers]

@@kirkellis4329 I'm speechless.

[@roderickfemm8799]

Several designs? That would cost a lot of money. Professional designers do charge for their work, after all, whether you end up using the design or not. It's a nice idea, but not practical.

[@melissaa8663]

Not always. I've had several designs done by some very premium kitchen designers. None of them charged.

[@roderickfemm8799]

@@melissaa8663 Why would they do that? What was their incentive for giving away their work?

[@melissaa8663]

@@roderickfemm8799 I guess in the hope that they will win the job. Also, if its the done thing in an area it sets an expectation. I totally understand your point of view, I'm just letting you know it's more common than you might think. I was surprised to begin with.

[@threearrows2248]

My architects just sent me three different versions of my new kitchen/addition. Didn't cost me any more

[@roderickfemm8799]

@@threearrows2248 I guess I'd like to live where you do. You won't find any of that around here.

[@clivewilliams3661]

Kitchen design companies only design what they know, they rarely show any flair or innovation.

[@iuliandumitrache7307]

Tip: Either remove de background music or make it more obvious

[@AL_aboutTown]

I like that it was not too loud.

[@garrygordon4680]

🙂 *Promo sm*

[@angelicalawrence2932]

I hate built in trash and recycling. Not everyone properly cares for them. I have found smells at the least, mold at the worst.

[@RonTodd-gb1eo]

remember an island is an option it is still legal not to have one.

[@mayadel3137]

🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@saltyroe3179]

Unfitted kitchen

[@tomwinston6758]

Great info. Thanks.