The kitchen is arguably the heart of your home. It’s where family & friends gather and memories are made. That’s why it makes sense that kitchen renovations are a key focus for Sydney residents. A well-designed kitchen bench should offer clear zones for cooking and circulation, and a minimum of 1200mm of leg room. A professional Sydney kitchen designer will recommend working to these guidelines for optimum ergonomics.
Kitchen Benches Sydney
A staple of bustling restaurant Kitchen Benches Sydney, thriving makerspaces and sleek home studios, stainless steel benches are the hardest-working hero of the modern workspace. With their flat, seamless surface and hygienic quotient, these mighty workbenches are suited to everything from creating culinary masterpieces to crafting bespoke jewellery. The secret to a long-lasting, high-performing stainless steel kitchen bench is a simple cleaning routine. Avoid abrasive scouring pads and steel wool, and instead stick with microfiber cloths (the Batman of kitchen cleaning tools) and natural oils – like olive or coconut oil – to keep your benchtops shining.
When it comes to bench height, the key is finding a balance between ergonomics and practicality. For example, the distance between the fridge, sink and oven/cooktop should be no more than 1200mm to allow for easy movement around the space when multiple people are working in the kitchen. If you have kids, consider a height-adjustable cooktop to keep them safe while you’re cooking. Also, don’t forget to install overhead lighting that highlights decorative elements and creates a brighter work environment. This will reduce shadows and make it easier to read recipe books, notes and other paperwork. A well-lit space is also more inviting and can help set the mood.
Kitchen Island Bench
Kitchen island benches are highly beneficial and offer endless options for both food prep, cooking and dining. They can be fitted with everything from cooktops to sinks and extra storage. However, it’s important to understand the rules that apply so you don’t end up with a design that will hinder your workspace or overcomplicate your kitchen layout. For instance, if your kitchen island bench is designed to be the main food preparation area then it should include a sink, cooktop and storage for pots and pans. If you want to create a more casual dining space then it’s best to limit the inclusions to seating and possibly a breakfast bar with stools.
It’s also important to ensure there is sufficient room between the benchtop and the most-used appliances so you can comfortably move around without obstructing work areas or impeding traffic flow. A minimum of 900 mm should be allowed for a preparation benchtop. If the island bench will be used for dining then a seated area should be positioned at 1,100 mm from the floor.
It’s worth bearing in mind the longer the benchtop the more likely there will be a join. If this is a concern then it’s worthwhile talking to your supplier about oversized slabs as these can help to minimise unsightly joins.
Kitchen Island Bench Sydney
A Kitchen Island Bench Sydney can bring so much functionality to a home, providing a workspace for food prep or simply a cosy spot for family meals. With so many benefits, it’s important to ensure you design your new kitchen bench correctly to maximise the space and get the most out of it. The first thing to consider is the length of your island bench. A standard kitchen bench is around 2400mm but they can be as long as 3000mm if desired. The longer a bench is the more likely there’ll be a join and this can be more noticeable with natural stone benchtops than engineered stones.
Storage is another must-have for kitchen bench designs. Make sure you plan enough space to store all of the essentials – think integrated rubbish bins, extra-large drawers for Tupperware and crockery, bar fridges and more. And remember to utilise the back of your bench – this is a great place for high-use appliances like the dishwasher or microwave.
Also, don’t forget to include enough legroom for diners. Ideally, aim for at least 600mm of clearance behind each person sitting at your island bench.