5 things to think about when designing an easy-to-clean kitchen

If you’re thinking about updating your kitchen, it’s worth considering your design choices in terms of how easy or difficult it will be to keep the renovated space clean. After all, the kitchen may be the heart of your home, but it’s also the room most prone to spills and messes. Here are five aspects to carefully consider when redesigning your kitchen.

1. The floor
Linoleum holds up well to frequent cleaning and has the advantage of having no grout lines to scrub. If you prefer ceramic, choose large tiles and make sure the grout lines are kept thin.

2. The paint
Satin and high gloss paints are formulated to stand up to humid environments and are a cinch to wipe clean. Stay away from matte finishes, as they can stain easily.

3. The counter
Manmade materials like laminate and engineered stone can stand up to almost anything and require very little upkeep. Stay away from counters that are too pale or too dark, as these show dirt more than others.

4. The backsplash
The area behind the stove tends to get stained and greasy and can be difficult to clean. If tiles are used in this space, the grout lines will require frequent scrubbing. Instead, opt for a covering like stainless steel or glass.

5. The cabinets
Open storage may be trendy, but items kept on open kitchen shelves will quickly become grimy. Choose neatly organized cabinets with doors that are easy to wash instead. If you design them to reach right up to your ceiling, you’ll never have to wipe down the tops.

Tidy spaces are easier to clean than cluttered ones, so try keep your counters bare. Store your pots, pans and small appliances in cabinets.