7 Tips For Designing A Low Maintenance, Easy-To-Clean Kitchen

[@veronikap9641]

I ordered stainless steel countertops with a welded-in sink, thus eliminating the sink-countertop seam entirely. It's gorgeous, entirely food safe and incredibly durable. I always recommend it, and for some reason no one mentions it.

[@freespirit5130]

This is the best kitchen design video I have ever seen.

[@mohdfirdaus9050]

Undermount sinks tend to capture moulds. Flush mount is the way to go

[@Alicia-ij6gt]

Not really any difference between the join on the benchtop and just inside the lip underneath.

[@Mahrimae]

They are right. Undermount sinks are harder to verify that they are clean and never really get there according to housecleaning professionals

[@lucybraun8969]

Open shelving does require more dusting, but their practical aspects, and with how they made my kitchen look bigger than the cabinets did, they are the way to go for me.

[@barygol]

Always a good idea to make it look bigger taking out things around. I do it too

[@lucybraun8969]

@@barygol Yes. My kitchen is small, and the upper cabinets were partially blocking views out the kitchen window from the living room and from the downstairs bedroom. The cabinets were also very dated, so now my kitchen has more of a modern vibe.

[@hagun6535]

When picking flooring, checking the slip resistance is also a factor.

[@anonz975]

You can also get commercial grade slip resistant clear coatings (roll on). Great or hardwood or other slick floors especially if people have older dogs.

[@MyCrownstar]

Great tips! I didn’t design my kitchen but the 1 item I despise is the square stainless steel sink (square corners in the sink). It’s truly a pain to keep the corners clean, a sprinkler head faucet is a must to get in the corners.

[@kitty_s23456]

Thnx for this. I was considering putting a rectangular sink (with corners). Now I'm having 2nd thoughts.

[@MyCrownstar]

@@kitty_s23456 you may like it, I just find I’m constantly using more water and time to get the food/gunk out the corners, also I do have 1 large/farm double sink. I’d strongly recommend doing more research.

[@kitty_s23456]

@@MyCrownstar I have a rectangular sink now in my apt. It's not big. And yes, it's hard to clean the corners. I was planning to use a big rectangular sink w/ 2 compartments for when I construct my house. Yes, I'll do more research. Thnx!

[@WabiSabi1959]

@@kitty_s23456 I have had my 2 compartment stanless steel sink for 17 years. I simply spray the corners with a cleaner at the end of use, let it sit for however you want. Then rinse. No need for scubbing or use of excess water.

[@jimjimgl3]

In our gut-renovated live/work space--we joined two adjacent buildings--we have three full kitchens. In one we have Silostone. In one granite. And in the third large format porcelain tile. The granite countertop is the one that requires the most maintenance--but also gets the most use since this is in our photo studio where food is often prepped. But I like the look. The porcelain tile is the easiest to clean, like you said, but we did get some slight hazing from acidic liquids. The Silostone I think is the most robust for us with stains and care. There is also Dekton which is also ceramic based and comes if really attractive finishes. That however, we told, is most prone to shattering. And for flooring we have oak flooring in one kitchen, large format porcelain tiles in another and polished cement in the third. All holding up pretty well but the porcelain tiles do show dirt the quickest.

[@barygol]

Where are you from?

[@queenzelenka]

I have Dekton in my kitchen - probably the most used thing in my home. If you do not approach it with a hammer and don't throw heavy pots (I'm talking about literally throwing, not even putting things energetically), it will outlast you.

[@ijaen]

We have a mirror splashback and love it. Yes, it shows dirt but also quick to clean and to see when it is really clean.

[@tbehar2932]

I like the idea, thz!

[@JoJo-iy9lv]

I LOVE my mirror splashback (silver backing), perfect for a small kitchen!

[@WordsPictures997]

Reynard, you're literally God sent! Thank you so much for doing this!

[@TSinRM]

Excellent tips. We used quartzite countertops and an undermount sink, which looks so much sleeker and makes cleaning the countertops a breeze.

[@TheGUNdalf]

Amazing timing, tomorrow I‘m getting the keys to my new home and the kitchen was my biggest problem. I will put all of your suggestions in good use good sir❤

[@alysononoahu8702]

Not a problem...it's a project

[@savanah1407]

Congratulations!🎉

[@anonz975]

Congrats!

[@Noah-Lach]

That gap above the cupboards is great for cats. Ask me how I know.

[@savanah1407]

Ugh mine too! Haha I won’t bring homemade food to get-togethers anymore because I’m worried about the possibility of cat hair getting in the food.😂

[@indianpatriot4444]

Wow! Thank God we had incorporated these kitchen design tips (by ourselves) while building in 2014. I am so happy now that we did what we did.

[@jeanettehansen4852]

What flooring, countertop, backsplash, and cabinet finish do you have in your kitchen? How have they worked long term? Thanks.

[@TH-eb5ro]

In Hong Kong we had a white Corian type counter top with mirror back splashes, loved it and easy to maintain. We also had white floors which were easier to deal with than I had thought.

[@EllaBella-76]

@TH-eb5ro •Recomended to me as well !Is it heat proof ?

[@_silentrose]

Definitely going to come back to this video in the future. Thank you so much for all the wonderful tips and for including the three most important considerations: easy to clean vs functional vs aesthetic - Also love how comfortable you look in front of the camera and your bow at the end ! ! 😇

[@meerimmoldali416]

Need video about bathroom 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@scrapingskies]

Can you share your thoughts on zellige tiles for backsplashes?

[@DaniOchannel]

Just found your channel. Love that you are based in Australia too so i dont have to wonder if i can get your recommendations or not. Thanks for your content😊

[@gmoney1664]

Ooo, a point missed on the topic of sinks - go for rounded corners. While a cube or rectangular sink looks lovely, those corners will be difficult to get into, to clean. Whereas rounded corners are more easily accessible, so easier to clean

[@callicordova4066]

Thanks for these videos. One thing I would mention about quartz countertops is that you cannot place hot pots and pans on them. Would love to see you do a video on kitchen appliances (if you haven't already done one).

[@Pompeii123]

Are granites ok with hot pots and pans? How can you rectify the marks left by hot pans on a quartz surface?

[@arickle]

Don't get granite, especially in black, unless you want to wipe it down with streak-free cleaner constantly, and wonder why no matter how much you seal it, it still absorbs water. Quartz is awesome. I hope they figure out how to manufacture it more safely.

[@annw1395]

We had a neighbor who installed a black granite countertop, and then accidentally got bleach on it. It left a permanent white spot, which of course, was very noticeable.

[@LambentLark]

Thank you for putting your links in the description. I'm following the bunny trails you left for me.

[@gamesinfoprofile]

Absolutely love your energy in this video, as well the wonderful kitchen interior designing tips.

[@leea3531]

You post at the perfect time.

[@katew4099]

Great summary!! Please make more of these types of contents. Just wondering what are the pros and cons of faucets which are more swan-like than others?

[@weird-guy]

In my country the standard is all mosaic around the kitchen besides the celing with different mosaic for the floor and walls, silver sink and , cabinets before were dark wood cabinets then ligher wood ,counter top are normal granite, nowaday with the rise of open concept and renters specials is varies but is more popular now large mosaic tiles on the floor, laminate with trendy colors like gray,,red,bege ect for cabinets and only tiles for the backsplash and silver,dark or gold faucet and sink,contertops are dark granite.

[@afef253]

Great content 👏🏻 as always brief functional tips 👌

[@joyofliving5352]

You nailed it. Can you please provide potential sources for these natural items? [it's a pitty that quarts are being banned...] for another video: could you talk about how to arrange any kitchen and pantry for the ease of using, cooking, cleaning, drying, storing, tidying? Because there's no point having the best kitchen and pantry if it's not easy to use, clean and tidy. for e.g. when access to cleanware storage is uneasy, then nobody wants to empty the dishwasher and then to keep an empty dishwasher for on going dirty dishes; also sink designs as well as the type of natural mats for kitchen area for low and clean keep. 9 out of 10 times, sinks are not fitted or arranged in a way that it prevents water spills or drying fast without putting additional efforts.

[@shesthebethest]

Great tips 😊 I would be interested in the same concept for bathrooms :)

[@reynardlowell]

Currently working on it!

[@selinamampo5676]

This makes much sense!...Glad I found this channel!

[@sylviaperez6871]

I have an unmount sink and I see mildew on the caulking. What types of sink styles do you recommend for easier cleaning-stainless steel or white, etc?

[@crazyliv]

I think stainless steel is easiest to maintain. I heard white stains very easily which is a shame because I was considering one too. But I cook with a lot of tomato sauce and spices like turmeric

[@WabiSabi1959]

stainless steel will not stain that's what commercial kitchens are made of! i use a small cleaning steamer for my undermount and it works perfectly without disturbing the mastic holding the sink in place.

[@robertabrigida2494]

Love your channel. Just one thing to add. Stop making square sinks! They should have rounded edges. So much easier to clean.

[@ashton8878]

Wow, thank you for your input. I wanted a square sink but ended up with a rounded edge one.

[@mengiequirante2460]

Love the content. Really helpful. Thanks 🙏 but can we turn off the faucet when we’re not using it 😩

[@azaliiakamalova2700]

Greetings from Russia ❤ You speak faster, than in you older videos. I need to reduce the speed) Thank you for useful information 😊

[@keren7327]

people lost their life and and suffered very serious health issues because of the processing of quartz countertops, so It’s very fortunate that it was banned in Australia, hopefully other countries will follow this example and put workers’ safety first.

[@erock801]

instead of outright banning a popular consumer-friendly material, could they have instead placed more stringent safety standards on manufacturers and contractors?

[@PlanetJenWu]

⁠@@erock801Quartz is essentially silica +resin(superglue) +pigments. Cutting and formatting it produces fine silica dust with superglue ready to stick to your airways.

[@PlanetJenWu]

⁠to make it w/o humans exposed, you have to make a sealed factory room with robots to cut Quartz and self-cleaning. Not sure if that type of manufacturing would make a “consumer-friendly” material in terms of price?

[@lucky2516]

Since no one is forced to work with quartz, could it be the fault of the employers not providing the protective gear required to work with it or simply not knowing about the risk at the time?

[@L0U1SE]

The ban had to happen. People will always take risks when it comes to meeting deadlines or managing materials. There is no real safe way to keep using silicon.

[@ninjal7588]

The beginning of this video was so out of my budget, moved into my first home last year. My countertops are some kind of plastic. Cheap and easy to clean, but not heat resistant. My splashback is some kind of very smooth and hard plastic board, but black with a pattern and being shiny, shows dirt easily. At least my sink is like an under mount sink and it's not metal so it doesn't "pop" when pouring hot water in it, which I like very much. The floor has taken some water damage so would like to change it, it's also dark brown which is not so great. Would like vinyl planks so I don't need to worry about getting the new floor damaged again.

[@WabiSabi1959]

The only time a metal sink 'pops' is if it's low quality thin grade metal.

[@mrslkungpowchikn1206]

If a kitchen, dining and living room are 10ft height ceilings, do you still recommend kitchen cabinets go all the way to the ceiling? Our house plan has high ceilings and told our architect and my husband I wanted that and didn’t care how high it is because I don’t want dust and grease collecting up there and I would put our less used stuff up there but then my husband said that’s what the large pantry is for - and overflow after that would be the garage! I would prefer all the cooking bowls, Pyrex, rice maker etc go up there on higher shelf vs a pantry that is behind the kitchen and use the pantry for extra food storage type items, flours, and other baking items. What kind of cabinets do you usually recommend for kitchen with 10 ft high ceilings with a a more casual modern look similar to the style you present? Also I love the looks of the ones you show - do you have specific brands and models you can recommend? We are also DYI people and have renovated homes before just in case that makes a difference? This house will be for our own family- a long time coming (20 yrs waiting).

[@janeb3024]

I have had laminate counters in my kitchen for over 20 years. One small nick, hardly noticeable. Easy to keep clean and affordable. The pattern is very forgiving and stains, dealt with immediately, do not set in.

[@lucybraun8969]

Get stuff up off the counters. Dish drains that spread over the sink opening enable you to wash & drain dishes right over the sink, & they free up counter space while looking neat & put away as the dishes dry. (I'm not a fan of dishwashers.)

[@Dem98]

I’ve just discovered your channel and I’m really enjoying your videos. I have just one question, why aren’t you doing videos about bathrooms also?😃

[@reynardlowell]

Oh just haven't got to it yet! It's in the pipeline.

[@ming6856]

Thank you. It is very helpful.

[@AaronTheHarris]

What about solid surface countertops?

[@marionandrews176]

Very useful information!

[@aeriefaerie1166]

At the 8.27 mark the sink appears to back onto the window. I like this look. What is happening there? Also, re exposed tops of cabinets, I lay plastic wrap on them so cleaning involves odd edges here and there and relaying the wrap. So pain free. Cabinets to ceiling on my next kitchen.

[@nohandle508]

Thank you!

[@jimmyquck]

What do you reckon of brass/ gunmetal / black tap and sink ware finishes Reynard?

[@WabiSabi1959]

In other videos he has said he like to mix metals so the eye isn't distracted by one color, such as black.

[@Ann-mq1uj]

Hi, what do you think of aluminum kitchen cabinets? Thanks!

[@anacoelho3829]

Really useful information, love your videos! Thank you very much :)

[@crazyliv]

I had an experience with my undermounted sink actually falling. The plumber who came to fix it said it's a super common occurance and he's always visiting the new condos fixing it. This worries me

[@WabiSabi1959]

Mine is 17 years old without a problem. If you use a sharp object to clean the seams then you're likely removing mastic and that would make the sink fall. or, it was simply installed wrong.

[@edd8460]

What about stainless steel countertops? it's a industrial kitchen look, imo it's the best in terms of non-porous and stain resistant,.

[@JudithBerman]

I would like to suggest that if you like cooking, a vinyl floor may be warmer and more forgiving to your feet. Alternatively, you can use vinyl mats. Horrible, I know, but much better for your feet.

[@TM15HAKRN]

V.practical tips Thanks 😊

[@djfunkyt]

Thank you for this!

[@drsiu77]

Can you do one of these low maintenance easy to clean vids for bathroom also?

[@reynardlowell]

Yup it's in the pipeline!

[@coxo9994]

Mid tone is the best

[@JudithBerman]

I would suggest that drop in sinks are better at keeping your dishes intact. My new kitchen has a drop in sink and I love it. Undercounter sinks must also be installed by an experts. The kitchen installers in Argentina know how to do it. The ones in South Africa don’t.

[@ps4402]

Great information. What are your thoughts on linoleum floors? It is an all-natural material, durable, soft underfoot, and cost effective. We are planning a harlequin linoluem tile floor for our kitchen.

[@crazyliv]

What's the difference between that and the vinyl planks?

[@thenae8572]

​@@crazyliv Vinyl is plastic, a synthetic product. Linoleum is made from natural resins and things like solidified linseed oil.

[@moocrazytn]

I wanted marmoleum. Sounds like a great product!

[@ps4402]

@@moocrazytn We're doing it in a harlequin pattern with an off white and dark gray.

[@anngodfrey612]

What about bamboo flooring, benches and cabinets?

[@jorgesmith2000]

Spot on 👍

[@mariar-v7128]

Kitchen cabinet to ceiling is expensive. Just use bulkhead if it's not too silly in height

[@chamodya.t.k]

Please do a vid for low maintenance bathroom design as well❤🙏🥺

[@reynardlowell]

It's coming tomorrow!

[@surajithkm]

Nice !!

[@lucybraun8969]

Get a wall hanging spice rack for easy access off the countertop.

[@HannahFortalezza]

I mounted my spice rack on the back of my pantry door. Incredibly useful and hides them away with ease

[@lucybraun8969]

@@HannahFortalezza Mine is more of a show piece than an eyesore, so I like it displayed on a floating shelf to complement my kitchen decor.

[@ninaotan7811]

I would disagree on under-mount sink. The connection between the countertop and sink collecting dirt and is difficult to clean.

[@orrikolaxus]

Regarding finishes, which is better for kitchen porcelain countertops glossy or matte?

[@kitty_s23456]

For me, better if glossy finish. Kitchen & bathroom are high traffic areas. Glossy = easier to clean. Matte = easier to get dirty & harder to clean. A contractor that I know recommends glossy too.

[@orrikolaxus]

@@kitty_s23456 ok, thanks

[@reynardlowell]

The other comment is right, generally glossy from purely easiest to clean perspective. But with porcelain they're non-porous either way, so I'd personally choose the colour/finish that suits the space better.

[@orrikolaxus]

@@reynardlowell thanks

[@orrikolaxus]

@@kitty_s23456 thanks

[@deenat8239]

Would it be possible to cover room dividers between the kitchen and living space? Open concept all the time doesn’t work for our family and it’s difficult to find ideas. Thank you.

[@ziyaquraishi1693]

Sir, i have 190 sq feet area for kitchen and dining , how much i should alot for kitchen and for dinind table from this 190sq feet

[@Alicia-ij6gt]

Will Corian also be banned as a benchtop material?

[@applesauceandhoney2407]

I like the traditional look but HATE that you can't get dirt.dust out of the grooves especially in the corners. Can shaker cabinets corners be cleaned easily? I hate flat modern but I also hate that you have dirty corners in the grooves. What is the workout please answer me as I have to order cabinets thank you

[@reynardlowell]

It’s a bit extra maintenance but not rly that hard to clean in my opinion.

[@applesauceandhoney2407]

@@reynardlowell I currently have grooves ( not shaker more traditional vanity in the bathroom) I can't clean the corners even with toothbrush r u saying shaker cabinets will be ok?

[@WabiSabi1959]

I hate seeing people cleaning dishes with running water. That coffee mug goes in the dishwasher without even rinsing first and will come out sparkling clean without water waste. I'm a clean freak, always wiping surfaces down, etc., but I DO NOT waste water or let it run while washing pots and pans that can't go through the dishwasher.

[@HomeFromFarAway]

Welive in Cape Town and have a septic tanks with a soakaway and rainwater collection so there's more water available than I've ever had in my life 😅 It's pretty liberating to never have to worry about water waste.

[@jessicapinto3817]

I know a laminated counter top and you can hardly use it. The sides get filthy easily and can't put anything remotely hot on it. I cannot work under those conditions!

[@Ckuo13]

Where can i buy the shirt you are wearing?

[@DrPriyamNeogi]

Can you please make a dedicated video for Indian Kitchen ?

[@donnadomingo4818]

God, I found a designer who understands how much I hate to clean!

[@Alicia-ij6gt]

You missed stainless steel benchtops.

[@LisaFladager]

Why didn't you cover stainless steel countertops?

[@jpcreativeimagery]

Imagine "displaying" your best cutlery and cookware....rich people crap. Although I will say the glass is a nice touch, but ultimately another thing to clean if you actually use your kitchen / have a family. I'll add that as far as undermount sinks, you want the no reveal option imo (counter overhangs sink a bit)..that reveal of the sink edge will collect all kinds of gunk and you'll see the molds etc over the years. Flush is nice but even that exposed silicone edge will show grime over time. Integrated looks great, but are expensive to impossible to replace if you have an issue.

[@donjohn2239]

I was thinking about this today. How the heck did you know?😂

[@gund89123]

I have seen porcelain counter tops, don’t like them. Edges don’t have pattern/design, it’s just white. When two pieces are joined at 90 degrees it looks ugly with a white line. Soapstone has almost 0% porosity, easy to repair has excellent heat resistance, but it is softer, easy to scratch.

[@tracyadom4121]

Can we have notes for the video please. Can’t hear the words properly for a first timer

[@TheShannie33]

Porcelain tiles on the kitchen floor. Just today i dropped a jar of jelly on the floor. Had it been Porcelain, thst tile would have been busted.

[@designclassics8990]

Haven't had any porcelain kitchen tile flooring crack or chip at all for thw past 12 yrs with toddlers n kids n dropping jars etc. In fact, our ceramic tiles in bathrooms cracked with steamer mop. Was fine on porcelain tiles.

[@ryanlaffan7064]

What kitchen cleaning products do you like to use?

[@lunix3259]

Tips for having a low maintenance and easy to clean up life when?

[@horaciot8277]

💪

[@rockshot100]

Reynard, that black lamp in the back looks crooked, making it look cheap. Love your channel. Thanks.

[@jreid2171]

I just saw your comment over a Benji Plant channel of the backyard transformation lol😂 I appreciate your constructive feedback and insight

[@rockshot100]

@@jreid2171 Very kind of you to say. I have been doing landscape designs for over 30 years, so when I see blatant errors, I can't shut up. Benji seems like a sweet soul, so I thought it would help. They did a very good job there, minus a couple of things. Thanks.

[@reynardlowell]

Yeah I just noticed that, thanks for letting me know! Unfortunately there are 2 more videos already shot with the crooked lamp 😬

[@rockshot100]

@@reynardlowell Nobody noticed, the camera can make things look crooked.

[@Kiki-wi7px]

AS far as Cabinet's go, WHY Don't They just Put In LARGE "LOWER" CABINET DRAWER'S and NO UPPER CABINET'S ? 🤔 Most People Can NOT Reach Shelve's Higher than the Bottom Shelf. There Definitely Need's to Be a Different and Better Solution ! ! !

[@ashton8878]

Definitely! 4’11” shortie here.

[@sara_387]

I have a step stool in my kitchen for this reason. Mine is an IKEA BEKVÄM step stool. Luckily my pantry has a reasonable space before the bottom shelf, so I store my step stool and some wooden crates on wheels for extra storage down there. But folding ones are available also. I just put less frequently used items in the upper cabinets.

[@anitas5817]

My upper cabinets go to the ceiling and I definitely can’t reach the upper shelves. But I love them. They look sleek and modern, and the upper shelves are great for storing things I don’t use often.

[@Kiki-wi7px]

@@anitas5817 We Have Cabinet's All the Way Around the Kitchen as well as In the Nook. I Only USE 1/4 of the Cabinet's. I Only Keep What we are Actually Using.

[@andreadevetak7167]

Thank you!!!