Hello, we are KH & MS from @hwashan_, and we’re so happy you’re here with us!
Our kitchen has been a work in progress, and we’ve made a few changes over the past year that have really transformed how we use the space. When we first moved in, we thought we had our workflow figured out, with wet food prep near the sink and dry food prep on the other side. But as we got more into cooking, especially with our trusty airfryer, we found ourselves switching things up all the time.
The galley layout has been great, especially with KH’s Rinnai stove and its tornado flame, perfect for achieving that “wok hey” dream. We’ve learned to balance functionality with aesthetics, keeping our countertops as clutter-free as possible. We keep all our smaller appliances—like the air fryer, rice cooker, blender, and even our pots and pans—tucked away in the cabinets. While it can be a bit of a hassle to take them out and put them back, having a clean countertop makes the space feel so much more organized and inviting.
KH also took the lead on selecting the wood-colored laminates for our cabinets. He chose a material that’s resistant to fingerprints and easy to clean, which is a lifesaver in a kitchen that sees a lot of action. The vibrant wood grain pairs seamlessly with our metal and white appliances, creating a clean, cohesive look.
We’ve also added some practical touches over time, like a kitchen towel holder, bread box, and a dishcloth hanger. But it’s the little pops of color—like our flower sponge and colorful dishcloths—that really add personality to the space.
One of our favorite additions is our drinks trolley island. Initially, we weren’t sure about dedicating a space just for coffee and tea, but now it’s become an essential part of our routine. The best part? It’s on wheels, so we can easily roll it into the living room when we have friends over. Plus, when KH is ready to get serious in the kitchen, he can easily wheel out the trolley to make space for his wok hey sessions, keeping the oil splatters contained.
Our countertop, made of classic white sintered stone with a clear glass backsplash, provides extra prep space and serves as a handy spot to unload groceries after a supermarket run. We occasionally write our recipes or menus on the backsplash, and it helps us keep track of our inventory as well.
Oh and not to forget KH's other love - The condiment drawer! We splurged a bit to get the Blum soft-closing feature, and it's really worth it! It is these little upgrades that really elevate the cooking experience for our aspiring chef. :D