A kitchen where you cook with pleasure for family and friends

In recent years more and more culinary websites or cooking shows have appeared where a chef, a celebrity or someone less well known teaches you how to cook. Watching cooking shows has become a passion for many of us, and from there to cooking was only a small step. The kitchen has regained its role of bringing the family together around a table full of home-cooked goodies. But now cooking is no longer done anyway, it follows directions and recommendations watched on TV or other devices, and we need the latest and most sophisticated kitchen accessories. Drawers that open at the touch of a button, stainless steel pots, bowls and other accessories, appliances - modern and sometimes complicated, sockets - within reach. Fortunately, all this is now possible, sometimes beyond your imagination.

But let's first think about what a kitchen should look like so that cooking doesn't become a chore. And I'm not thinking of a big, fancy kitchen, but that kitchen where you can enjoy cooking for family and friends. My idea of such a kitchen is this:

• be so organized that it allows you to move easily inside, even if it's small;
• there should be as much storage space as possible so you have everything within easy reach;
• make access to storage as easy as possible.
• as many facilities as possible around the hob;
• easy access to plugs;
• The sink should be generously sized, possibly with 2 bowls and enough space for the dishes;
• if possible, have a dishwasher that you can easily access.

Sthe kitchen's vital maneuvering board. The trick in smaller kitchens is to use the existing space very well and not only to integrate all the important appliances, but also to create enough maneuvering space without anything or anyone being cramped. If you can't manage to move around freely without tripping over the table sitting in the middle of a tight space or all sorts of appliances that don't fit in the cabinets, then you should pretty much give up, because it won't be a pleasure. That's why I think it's good that the furniture is made or adapted for the existing space and not bought just because we liked it. It would be good if you talk to a designer or architect who you tell how you want your kitchen and they can make a sketch to suit the space. You will be grateful later.

The more storage space the better. That way you'll be able to have everything around you without it getting in the way. But to fully enjoy access to them should be as simple as possible. If you have to get down on your knees to look for something in a cupboard, or if drawers open with difficulty, they're not much help. That's why you'd be well advised not to economize on opening systems or systems that make it very easy to access difficult areas. There are now systems that make it possible to get into difficult corners or that manage to use spaces you wouldn't even think of. And push-to-open systems make opening doors a breeze.

Having all sorts of systems around the stove can be very useful. There are very ingenious ways of storing spices, work pallets or oil bottles and more. I recently saw a very ingenious system for putting hot pots away as soon as they are taken off the heat. This is metal protectors for hot pots. These are actually hemispherical stainless steel rods that fit into the wooden worktop near the hob. So if an ingredient needs to be added, but not while the pot is on the stove, it can be put next to it without the risk of the very high temperature damaging the cooktop.

Another aspect that needs to be well thought through is where the sockets are placed. There are many appliances in the kitchen that need electricity - hood, electric oven, microwave, mixer, food processor - and having a single outlet or several outlets, but placed far away from the space where the appliance is usually used, will make the kitchen full of wires. And you certainly won't enjoy getting tangled in them. The solution is to think about their position from the start. As well as wall sockets, you can also recess the socket into the worktop. For example you can opt for Twist grip specially designed for integration into kitchen worktop surfaces. It is a compact socket system with an ergonomic design and stainless steel finish that includes 2 Schuko sockets. They are equipped with covers that ensure that the sockets can be opened and closed with a single turning movement. So when not in use, the socket is covered by the cover. Assembly is quick and easy.

A generous sink is of real use in your kitchenbelieve me. And if it's double, you'll be very happy. I switched from single to double sink many years ago when I decided to change kitchen. I chose this option at the suggestion of the person who designed the kitchen and I can tell you that I thank him to this day. For the draining area you can find all sorts of accessories to help you make the most of the space.

No matter what you think your kitchen will be, wood or derived tiles, rustic or modern in design, don't forget that accessories make your work easier. Take advantage of their help and always think their price in relation to the benefits you receive.