A kitchen where you cook with pleasure for family and friends

In recent years, more and more culinary websites or shows have appeared where a chef, a star or someone less well-known teaches you how to cook. Watching cooking shows has become a passion for many of us and from here to cooking was just a small step. And so the kitchen has found its purpose in 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, pots, bowls and other stainless steel accessories, appliances - modern and sometimes complicated, sockets - at hand. Fortunately, now all this is possible, with supply sometimes beyond imagination.

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

• be so organised that it allows you to move around easily inside, even if it is small;
• there is as much storage space as possible so that you have everything within easy reach;
• access to storage spaces is as easy as possible.
• to have as many facilities as possible around the hob;
• access to sockets to be made easy;
• the sink should be generous, possibly with 2 bowls and enough space for the washed dishes;
• if possible, have a dishwasher that you can easily access.

SHandling patisserie is vital in the kitchen. 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 room to manoeuvre without anything and anyone being cramped. If you can't manage to move around freely without tripping over a table sitting in the middle of a tight space or all sorts of appliances that don't fit in the cupboards, then you might as well give up, because it won't be a pleasure. That's why I think it's good to have furniture 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 can tell how you want your kitchen and who can make a sketch suitable for your space. You'll 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 hands and knees to look for something in a cupboard, or if drawers open with difficulty, they're not much help. That's why it's best not to skimp on opening systems or those that make it very easy to get into 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 ingenious ways to store spices, work pallets, oil bottles and more. I recently saw a very ingenious system for putting hot pots on as soon as they are taken off the fire. It's called metal protectors for hot pots. These are actually hemispherical stainless steel bars that are recessed into the wooden worktop near the hob. So if an ingredient needs to be added, but not when the pan is on the stove, it can be placed next to it without the risk of the very high temperature affecting the top.

Another aspect that needs to be very well thought through is where the sockets are placed. There are many appliances in the kitchen that need electricity - cooker hood, electric oven, microwave, mixer, food processor - and the existence of a single socket or several sockets, but placed in places far away from the space where the appliance is usually used will make the kitchen full of cables. And you certainly won't enjoy getting tangled up in them. The solution is to think about their position from the start. In addition to wall sockets, there is also the option of embedding the socket in the worktop. For example, you can opt for Twist gripspecial for integration into kitchen countertops. It is a compact socket system with an ergonomic design and stainless steel finish, including 2 Schuko sockets. They are fitted with covers that ensure the sockets close and open with a single twisting movement. So when not in use, the socket stays covered by the cover. Assembly is quick and easy.

A generous sink is of real use in your kitchenbelieve me. And if it's a double, you'll be very happy. I switched from a single to a 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 again today. For the dish draining area you can find all sorts of accessories to help you make the most of the space.

No matter how you think your kitchen will look, wooden or derived board, rustic or modern design, don't forget that accessories will make it easier. Take advantage of their help and always think of their price in relation to the benefits received.