Choose These Kitchen Unit Doors To Complete Your “Dirty Kitchen”

If you’ve been seeing the term “dirty kitchen” more often over recent weeks and you’re not exactly sure what it means, we’re here with all the details as well as some top tips to help you create a functional space that works for you.

What is a “dirty kitchen”? 

A “back kitchen” or a “dirty kitchen” is a highly functional space that sits behind a home’s primary kitchen. “Dirty kitchens” feature a sink, fridge, oven and work surfaces, and essentially allow the main kitchen to remain in pristine condition and/or function purely as a space for entertaining. 

“Dirty kitchens” are certainly a luxury, however their popularity has been increasing recently, particularly amongst homeowners who enjoy open-plan kitchen and living spaces but don’t want to see any of the mess that comes along with preparing meals.

Can I actually benefit from a “dirty kitchen”? 

As a “dirty kitchen” will need everything from appliances and countertops to plumbing and enough cabinetry to provide ample storage, the associated costs are something to think about very carefully. 

If space is at a premium in your home, investing in a “dirty kitchen” may not be the smartest use of space. Similarly, if you’re planning to move to a new property within the next 10 years, investing money into other areas of your home could provide you with a better return.

However, if you have room for a “dirty kitchen” and you really enjoy entertaining, then you could experience a great deal of value from creating this kind of space in your home.

What does a “dirty kitchen” need? 

In order to be a functional space that’s worth the investment, it’s important that your “dirty kitchen” has space for everything you need to prepare food for your family, friends and guests. Think of it as somewhere you don’t need to immediately clean as you cook because you can simply close the door behind you and serve the food you’ve prepared in your main kitchen or dining area.

So, let’s consider some of the must-have features of a “dirty kitchen”...

1. Plenty of storage options and counter space 

Highly functional “dirty kitchens” have plenty of countertops and integrated cabinets with stylish and functional kitchen unit doors. 

If you enjoy modern style, opting for slab or handleless doors can help you to achieve a clean, sleek and streamlined look. This is also a great option if you don’t have a huge amount of space to work with, as you won’t keep getting caught on door or drawer handles as you’re cooking. 

Pro Tip: Our Jayline Handleless kitchen unit doors are a great option, particularly in a supergloss finish which will reflect light and make the room look and feel more spacious.

2. Your go-to appliances

You’ll also need plenty of space to comfortably house all your go-to appliances, including your dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven. To maintain a streamlined look, you may want to conceal large appliances behind the same kitchen unit doors you’ve used throughout your space, which will help you to stay organised and ensure that your “dirty kitchen” is as productive and functional as possible. 

3. A sink and a high quality tap

Every functional kitchen needs access to water, so we recommend incorporating a spacious sink with a high quality tap. Although more expensive than a standard model, choosing a tap that can provide instant hot water will make your cooking process even more efficient. 

Pro Tip: Sticking to a similar finish or tone throughout your kitchen’s hardware will create a space that feels cohesive and thoughtful. So, try to match your tap to your drawer handles and hinges.

Refresh your kitchen with Happy Doors kitchen unit doors 

Whether you want to incorporate a “dirty kitchen” into your home or you want to give your main kitchen a much-needed makeover, Happy Doors kitchen unit doors can help you to achieve a high-end look without breaking the bank. As well as unit doors, we've also got a complete range of accessories including hinges, handles and end panels to make your life easier. Please get in touch to find out more!