CanopyOffice Kitchen Design Woes? Follow These 5+ Tips
Just a microwave, kettle, a sink, and a few chairs. That’s all an office kitchen needs right?
When fitting out a new office or upgrading an existing one, it’s easy for business owners to make an office kitchen the last priority. What many don’t realise is that the kitchen is an important space that influences team morale and wellbeing. With thoughtful design, office kitchens transform quiet coffee break areas into spaces of camaraderie and collaboration.
Below, we'll give you 6 tips to help you design an office kitchen that’s functional, space-saving, and naturally fosters a sense of community amongst your team. Let’s get into it.
1. Creating Flow
Design starts with purpose, then aesthetics.
The idea of “the kitchen triangle” was created by architects in the 1920s. In summary, it explains that the primary workstations (refrigerator, sink, and stove) should loosely be within arm’s reach of each other. The idea stuck, and almost a century later architects still use this concept to inspire kitchen design.
Building off this idea a well-designed office kitchenette should have adequate space to house all of these stations. Additionally, the space should be split into four zones that flow into each other.
- Cooking
- Sink/Wash Area
- Food Prep Area
- Storage
It also goes without saying that each zone should completely serve its purpose. Utensils should be within easy reach of the cooking area. The fridge should be in the storage zone, along with any pantry/cupboard storage. The prep zone should have enough space for at least 1-2 people to prepare meals, coffee, etc. Taking inspiration from restaurant kitchens, this setup reduces the likelihood of staff double-backing and accidentally bumping into each other during mealtimes.
2. Choosing The Right Materials
As with your entire office fitout, it’s essential to choose the right materials in your kitchen space. You should opt for materials that are easy to clean and moisture-resistant.
Benchtops usually come in 1 of 3 finishes: laminate, stone, or timber. There are various advantages to each. Laminate is usually the more cost-effective option and comes in a variety of styles and colours. Stone is durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean. Timber is a sustainable choice if you want a more natural look in your office kitchen. Keep in mind that it is more prone to stains and scratches and will need to be sealed to maintain its quality.
A steaming kettle. A running sink. Food cooking on the stove. Kitchens are a hotbed for moisture. When looking at cupboard design, the internal structure is equally as important as the outer aesthetic. The carcass (the raw internal framework that houses all cabinets and drawers) should be made of moisture-resistant, low-chemical boards.
Antimicrobial finishes can help reduce the spread of germs and foodborne bacteria. Copper and its alloys (e.g. brasses, bronzes) are naturally antimicrobial and can also elevate the look of your overall kitchen fitout.
Not sure where to start when it comes to materials? We can help. Book a complimentary consultation to discuss your office kitchen fitout needs today.
3. Office Kitchen Appliances
Depending on your team and office size, kitchen appliances don’t necessarily have to be full-size. If you're worried about space, shrink things down a bit. A smaller oven, dishwasher, fridge, or sink can do the same job as a full-size version.
Do you ever find that doorways and entry points are hotspots for a casual office chat? To optimise break time flow and prevent accidents, avoid placing kitchen appliances in high-traffic, impromptu meeting areas. This will optimise flow during lunch times. This suggestion may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised to find that many offices will plug in a fridge wherever it fits!
4. Creative Ideas for Storage
Home kitchens tend to be small spaces. And in an office, they’re usually smaller kitchenettes. Getting creative with storage can help you maximise area limitations.
Nowhere for employees to sit during a lunch break? Consider installing a kitchen island. While the idea sounds like it would use more space instead of less, an island can serve multiple purposes.
- Food prep area
- Eating area
- Storage (with cupboards/drawers under the benchtop)
- Meeting/breakout space
It’s an easy fix for creating space in office kitchens of any size.
Here’s another space-saving idea: appliance cupboards. Fridges, kettles, toasters, and more can be built into custom cabinetry, complete with dedicated plug-in spaces. Installing appliance cupboards frees up bench space and also makes the office kitchen look clean and well-kept. This is especially important if your office kitchen doubles as a client meeting space.
Lastly, pull-out pantry drawers can help optimise any remaining space. They can also help you avoid having lost items go off in the back of the cupboard.
5. Injecting Personality into Your Design
Business owners sometimes underestimate the importance of a quality office kitchen in a fitout. Kitchens are spaces for team members to cultivate social capital. In order words, it’s where the impromptu moments happen that don’t happen at the desk or while working from home. Conversations start, and people learn about each other's lives. Maybe ideas arise to further a business goal. This type of camaraderie that bolsters employee retention centres around egalitarian spaces (like the office kitchen).
To further develop social capital amongst your team, consider spending more time on creating a kitchen that truly reflects the “vibe” of your company and its culture. Take this office kitchen renovation for example. It doesn’t feel stock standard and reads like a reflection of the company and the type of people who work there.
Look into our recent fitout for SBA Law to see how specific design choices can encourage collaboration naturally amongst your team.
6. Office Kitchen Essentials
Lastly, don’t forget the basics:
- Silverware
- Trashbags
- Tea towels
- Serving platters (incl. Spoons, tongs, and forks)
- Napkins
- Paper towels
- Spongers
- Dish soap
- Hand soap
- Cleaning supplies
- Oven mitts
- Condiments and basic seasonings
Purpose-Led Office Kitchens With Canopy Fitouts
An office kitchen isn’t just a space for microwaving food. It's a place where community is created. A space for your team to relax and recoup in between long sessions in front of a computer screen. Like with every other aspect of your office design, its design should be optimised for your team’s wellbeing.
At Canopy Fitouts we create spaces that inspire meaningful work. If you're in the process of moving into a new space or want to upgrade your existing one, we can help. We have years of fitout experience across multiple industries and can work with you to create a design that is fresh, welcoming, and functional.
If you have any specific questions or are ready to get started on your office kitchen fitout, speak with our knowledgeable team today. Initial consultations are free and fully transparent.