HomeOur Kitchen Renovation Journey: FAQs and Lessons Learned
yinwilshome
2 homebodies living in a resale 4A HDB • Minimalism & Functionality
Our Kitchen Renovation Journey: FAQs and Lessons Learned
1561
- Scandinavian
- HDB (Resale)
- ~1,100 sqft
- 3 br
- Couple Living
Renovating a kitchen is one of the most exciting yet challenging parts of creating a home that truly fits your lifestyle. We made some distinct choices when renovating our 4-room HDB flat, and our kitchen setup has sparked a lot of curiosity and questions! And here’s our responses to them: 
1. Why Did We Choose to Skip the Hood? We opted out of having a hood for a number of reasons: - maintain a clean, minimalist aesthetic in our kitchen. In our experience, hoods are often neglected and don’t function efficiently without regular cleaning. 
We also seldom do heavy cooking, as we mainly use our Ninja Foodi, and oven. For the rare occasions of heavy cooking, we rely on our Steigen system and keep the windows open for proper ventilation. This approach keeps the kitchen uncluttered and well-ventilated. 
2. Why Did We Opt for Both an Induction and a Gas Stove? Another common question is about our choice to have both an induction stove and a gas stove. Why not stick to one? 
We opted for both to enjoy the benefits of each: - the induction stove is energy-efficient and great for quick cooking, - while the gas stove is ideal for dishes that require precise heat control. This combination gives us flexibility and meets all our cooking needs. 
3. How Do We Manage Without Top-Hung Cabinets? Without top-hung cabinets, many people wonder if we have enough storage. The answer is yes, but it required some strategic planning. Utilising open shelving for frequently used items has kept our kitchen both functional and clutter-free. 
We maximized our lower cabinetry with deep drawers, pull-out shelves, and pantry units. 
For pantry items and appliances 
1. What are some kitchen design choices that make cleaning and maintenance easier? Keeping a high-use kitchen well-maintained can be challenging, but certain features help simplify the process. - Smooth, Non-Porous Countertops: we have quartz which is non-porous and stain-resistant, making them easy to wipe down and maintain. 
- Handleless Cabinets: These are easier to clean than handles or knobs and prevent grease and dirt from accumulating in detailed crevices. 
4. Would We Change Anything About the Kitchen Design? If we were to redesign the kitchen, we would raise the countertop height to better suit our taller-than-average height. A higher countertop would have provided a more comfortable and ergonomic workspace. 
Any questions we missed? Do let us know in the comments below.
