The Heart of the Home

    This is going to be a shorter post, but straight to the point, with advice you can start implementing immediately if you wish. Or maybe it will inspire you and serve as a nudge of motivation to finally tackle that kitchen/dining room reno you've been postponing for ages.

    For many, the kitchen is the true heart of the home—a place where people gather, where important conversations unfold over a cup of tea, and where simple moments turn into cherished memories.

     Here are some simple ways to create a kitchen that’s both beautiful and functional:

➳ Less, but Better – Every element has a purpose. Thoughtfully placed open shelving, handcrafted ceramics, and natural wood textures create warmth without clutter.

➳ Wabi-Sabi Charm – Celebrate the organic. A stone countertop with subtle veining, a wooden dining table that tells a story through its grain—perfection lies in the imperfect.

➳ Japandi Balance – Scandinavian efficiency meets Japanese serenity. Clean lines, earthy tones, and soft lighting turn the kitchen into a harmonious retreat.

➳ Function First – Smart storage solutions, multi-functional surfaces, and a flow that makes movement effortless. A minimalist kitchen isn’t about having less; it’s about having better.

    Speaking of flow, there's one more really important thing I'd like to mention, and it concerns kitchen ergonomics. The so-called kitchen triangle is a fundamental concept that focuses on efficiency and functionality. It refers to the optimal arrangement of the three main work areas in a kitchen:

1. Sink 
2. Stove (or cooktop) 
3. Refrigerator 

The Principles of the Kitchen Triangle

• Each side of the triangle should be between 1.2 to 2.7 metres (4–9 feet) to allow easy movement without crowding.
• The total perimeter of the triangle should ideally be between 4 and 8 metres (13–26 feet).
• There should be no major obstructions, such as kitchen islands or furniture, blocking movement between these points.

Why It Matters

    The kitchen triangle improves workflow by minimising unnecessary steps and creating an intuitive cooking space. It is particularly effective in traditional kitchen layouts such as U-shaped, L-shaped, and galley kitchens. However, in modern open-plan designs, zones (e.g., prep, cooking, and storage areas) may replace the strict triangle approach.

    Hope you've learned something from this article, and if you feel like you could use some professional guidance, book a design consultation with Studio Haustor, my interior and garden design company.