Versatile Cooking Options

A true chef's kitchen traditionally includes more versatile cooking options as compared to the standard home kitchen. In most cases, this means a separate range or cooktop area, in addition to one or ideally two ovens. Wall ovens which are located in a separate area from the cooktop can add a lot of convenience. This is especially true for families or couples who enjoy cooking together in the kitchen. Most serious cooks prefer a gas range or cooktop, while electric is often the preferred choice for ovens.  Cooktops should include a minimum of four burners, although six burners are generally preferable. In addition to the cooktop and ovens, you should also make sure you design the kitchen to accommodate a convection oven, microwave and other cooking features if you use them.

Kitchen Layout

When designing a chef's kitchen, a convenient and efficient floor plan and overall layout is extremely important. Countertop area is crucial in the kitchen. If multiple family members enjoy cooking at the same time, make sure that you've got at least two feet of countertop per person. Designing the kitchen to include separately designated work zones is also a great way to maximize the room's efficiency and usability. For example, if you designate the area close to the ovens as the baking zone, you won't interfere with another family member who is working in the food preparation zone close to the sink. Think in terms of traffic patterns and kitchen equipment usage when you lay out your overall floor plan. By minimizing the number of steps you need to take, you'll find it more efficient and enjoyable to work in the kitchen.

Good Lighting

Since it can be difficult and annoying to cook in a poorly lit area, you'll want to pay careful attention to the lighting features added to the kitchen. Although good overhead lighting is important, cabinets can create shadows on the countertops, making it difficult to work. Under-cabinet lighting can be the perfect solution to this problem. If you have a kitchen island area, consider installing pendant lights for added convenience and proper illumination. In the kitchen, good lighting is not only a convenience factor, but is also crucial to one's safety.

Storage Considerations

Adequate storage is extremely important in a well-designed chef's kitchen. Pots, pans, kitchen equipment and utensils should be stored in an accessible and safe manner. Ceiling or wall-mounted pot racks can be a handy addition. However, if you prefer the neat and tidy look in the kitchen, custom cabinets designed to store even large pots and pans can help keep the kitchen clean and well-organized.

Artist, Jessica Ackerman, is a consultant with WallDecorandHomeAccents.com and describes how to decorate with iron door toppers and southwestern wall art.