In the first part, Miki Honma, a leading kitchen journalist, introduced the theory of the kitchen as ``a place for self-expression that allows you to live your own way.''

In the second part, we will introduce tips for creating your ideal kitchen, along with more specific tips and examples.

1. Interior kitchen theory: “Trust your intuition”

As I visited many kitchens during my research, I found many common words. That is a surprising word. One of them is ``trust your intuition.'' When planning a house or kitchen, many people give up on their dreams because they are overwhelmed with loans, contracts, and practical tasks, but many people ``value the image that they thought was good at the beginning''. He told me.

Contractors often give explanations that emphasize cost, functionality, safety, and convenience, and design and material feel tend to be the last thing you choose. Even if I agree with it in my head, I somehow don't like it in my heart. Something like that can happen. This is especially important for women who value color and texture in their daily lives.

Rei's kitchen design actually began with her desire to create the ideal door. When I consulted with a construction company, they told me it would be difficult, but I trusted their intuition. After doing some searching, I found a kitchen company that allows me to order everything from the door to the kitchen exactly as I want. When he took the plunge and went to meet him, he seemed to be able to understand the image he had in mind, and decided that he could continue to trust his intuition.

The worktop used for cooking is made of solid oak to match the floor. Generally speaking, many companies do not recommend using wood in plumbing areas, but Rei says, ``My ideal would be to enjoy the aging process of wood and create a vintage kitchen.'' I'm looking forward to the day I can cook.

2. When you look at it from a distance, the way you think about the kitchen changes.

As I mentioned in the first part, one thing that is often overlooked in the kitchen is to think from a distance. When you go to a kitchen showroom, many companies will only explain things like sink joints, range hoods, and gas stove maintenance. Instead, I want you to take a breather and look at the kitchen from a distance.

Jun and Kei decided on a color theme of matte white, oak, and brass, and planned the kitchen and furniture within the overall interior. The custom-made design we requested was an original design with brass lines on a clean white kitchen.

It's not just about looks. The two, who are both working and raising children, share the housework, as is typical of modern-day couples. The kitchen is filled with favorite colors and materials, and has two rows so that two people can share their cooking duties.Equipped with a dishwasher, a high-calorie gas stove, and a large drawer-type tableware storage, the kitchen is perfect for families even on busy days. We make it a place where you can have fun.

3.Modern storage that makes use of things rather than storing them away

And the way I think about storage has changed. Storage that makes use of items rather than storing them away is common sense in modern kitchens. What you look for in kitchen storage is not how much it can fit, but rather having only what you need and storing it in the right place. Kako's kitchen was designed to minimize unnecessary movement, from tableware to chopsticks, stationery, trash cans, cutting boards, detergent, and coffee makers.

Kako, who enjoys tea ceremonies, considers cooking to include everything from preparation to entertaining and cleaning up, and has applied the flow of a ``tea ceremony'' to her kitchen. I wrote down all my belongings and daily household chores in notes and organized them. Therefore, there is nothing missing or unnecessary, and everything fits perfectly in the kitchen, so there is less clutter.

We are looking at the generation of parents who valued material possessions during a period of high economic growth and suffered from dead goods filling their homes. There is a lesson there. Having favorite things and good tools, using them for a long time, and sometimes being able to properly say goodbye to things that have reached the end of their lifespan. I feel that the decisiveness and judgment of smart families is changing the way kitchen storage is done in Japan.

4.There really is no such thing as a perfect kitchen.

Lastly, I would like to introduce some words that I came across during my interviews that resonate with many people.

That is, "There is no such thing as a perfect kitchen, everyone is growing." No matter how much you think about it, there are times in every house that it turns out to be different when it's completed. The future of hard-working families is amazing. If it's 80% okay, it's okay. They have the wisdom and love to come up with a solution to a slightly troublesome part and live a satisfied life.

Isn't this a theory that applies not only to the kitchen but to all aspects of life?

→How to create your ideal kitchen (Part 1)

(Titles omitted)

Miki Honma

After graduating from Waseda University's Faculty of Letters, he joined the editorial department of the interior magazine ``Indoor''. After becoming independent, he specializes in reporting on design-based living from an interior perspective, from kitchens, furniture, homes, home appliances, and kitchen tools. He has conducted over 300 interviews on architect homes, focusing on interviews from both sides, including users and manufacturers. He also conducts many interviews overseas, including in Germany, Italy, and Scandinavia, and his seminar activities are also increasing. His books include ``A New Way to Choose a Designed Kitchen'' (Gakugei Publishing) ``INTERIORKITCHEN that Changes Your Life'' and ``Real Kitchen & Interior'' (Shogakukan)

https://realkitchen-interior.com/