What are the options available to you when creating your granny flat kitchen design? What should all granny flat kitchens include? At the end of the day, this will come down to what the space is being used for – accommodation (long or short term), functions or even simply storage. Lets assess some of the important design considerations below.
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Design For the User
We recommend considering the kitchen layout in your granny flat. It is important to note that the space will be more compact than that in a regular sized home. That’s why it is crucial to consider every inch of the space. With clever design, you won’t be missing anything you need! You may want to consider whether the below items and features will be needed.
- Appliances – oven, cooktop, dishwasher, fridge and/or freezer
- Sink & tap – with or without drainer, single or double bowl
- Cabinet storage – doors, drawers and overhead cupboard, how much storage is required
- Pantry – for storing food or other everyday items
Assess the Whole Layout
Once you have established what is needed for the kitchen, you can begin to work on the overall granny flat kitchen design layout. It is important to consider the layout in relation to the rest of the space. Once again, being that a granny flat is a more compact style of home, it is important not to waste any space. What we find often works well is an open plan design. It will certainly make the dwelling look and overall feel more spacious. This will also allow for better interaction for those in the space – whether cooking, sitting in the dining area or relaxing on the couch.
Choose The Colours
After completing the design, you reach the exciting task of choosing the materials and finishes. Remember that light, bright colours will create a sense of openness and space.
Countertops
The countertop material will shape the overall style of your kitchen. It is so surprising what something as simple as adding a contrasting countertop finish can do! If you love cooking, and using ingredients with potential to stain, or are prone to resting hot pots or plates down, a hardy surface will suit you best. Natural finishes such as granite or stone will provide more durability. Although the choices are certainly not limited to laminate, stone & engineered stone, metal, timber or even concrete.
Sinks
A sink can be one of the most utilised elements in a regular kitchen. From washing hands, food preparation and clean up, a sink is a must need for a kitchen designed to be cooked in. We do offer many options for you to choose from – whether that be single or double bowl, with drain or without and even top or under mount. Your sink selection will be affected by your decision of whether or not to include a dishwasher. For example, those with a dishwasher find that a double bowl sink is unnecessary.
Power Points
Power point inclusion and placement will be crucial when considering appliances. Typically, points will be located behind the proposed fridge location, microwave, oven (if electrical) and above the bench for small appliances like toasters and microwaves. Consider how many you will require for the space to work efficiently.
Splashbacks
A splashback is a very practical addition and will work to prevent grease and food from reaching the plasterboard wall and can prevent against heat damage. Similar to the benchtop selection, the splashback will add personality to your granny flat kitchen design. Do you prefer tiles, glass, stainless steel or another material?
Appliances
Do you prefer gas or electric appliances? If you are choosing to design your granny flat for off grid living, gas will be an excellent selection. Gas is often the preference of chefs too – due to the ability to heat consistently and quickly. Electric cooktops provide gentle heat and create a sleek, modern aesthetic. The most standard width of cooktop and oven are 600mm wide – but will come in 900mm sizes as well.
We are all very fortunate to be in an age with great technology with so many choices available. We hope that your new granny flat will become a place to make memories. When the design is thoughtfully considered and planned, the space will make life easier and help you to live comfortably. It is often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home (well, granny flat in this instance) – that’s why we believe the granny flat kitchen design is so important. It will shape the overall function of the space.
Chat to our team today if you are interested in beginning your own granny flat building journey. You can read more about our build inclusions here.