“Forget arranging”: what to do if there are two housewives in the kitchen Experts told how to share the kitchen with the mother-in-law

In order to avoid conflict and scandal in the kitchen between the two housewives, experts suggest that the kitchen set should be chosen and designed together, based on the personal characteristics of the housewives. First of all, we are talking about age, physique and possible restrictions. Designer Pavel Osipov notes that it is very important to consider in advance the height of the kitchen set, which is comfortable for both housewives.

“According to design and ergonomic standards, the optimal height for the bench is about 86-91 cm. This applies to upper drawers, open shelves, additional mezzanines for storing food and kitchen appliances. Everything should be easily accessible to all participants,” he explains.

Also, designers advise to draw up a task description for the development of a headset, taking into account the scope and life rhythm of the hostess.

“By understanding the busyness of housewives during the day, it is possible to determine the frequency of cooking, which means the required dimensions of kitchen furniture, the amount of relevant equipment and household items,” explains Veronika Antelava, head of interior design. Mr Doors.

Pavel Osipov adds that if the housewives are in the kitchen at the same time, an additional kitchen island can be the solution, which will help to avoid unnecessary fuss and intersections in the cooking process.

When planning a kitchen, experts also recommend making a checklist of what every housewife plans to store in cabinets and use in the cooking process. This applies to household appliances, appliances, dishes and the products themselves. If the lists are very different, it is worthwhile to provide, if possible, different storage areas where the hostesses will not intersect and interfere with each other.

“You should not neglect the area and dimensions of the work area – the tabletops, so that the hostesses do not rub their elbows while cooking, but on the contrary, they can conveniently place everything they need on the surface. You can also spread the stove and microwave in different spots, so that one hostess can do something on the stove, while the other can use the oven, ”says Veronika Antelava.

Pavel Osipov emphasizes that the presence of double sinks in the kitchen greatly facilitates the situation.

“This is also convenient if there is a mistress in the apartment. The presence of such a sink will allow you to separate the dishes and wash them in a timely manner, without mixing them.

But even an ideal design project will not help prevent discomfort. Therefore, psychologist Lana Volokhova is sure that whatever the circumstances, you should first of all try to ensure that there are two kitchens and living areas.

“The first question you should ask yourself is how the kitchen is divided and what can be done so that it is not shared. Differentiate over time, try to overlap processes as little as possible. You can help, but keep the chain of command,” he advises.

The second question is legal: if the apartment belongs to you, then you are the chief, and the psychologist believes that the mother-in-law has adjusted. Nevertheless, according to him, one should be prepared for the fact that concessions will have to be made: even if the mother-in-law is a golden person, taking into account the lack of flexibility in age and spirit.

“If this is your mother-in-law’s kitchen, forget about arranging it: remember how and where everything is and never move it. Again, understand that even if the relationship is great, you are invading and crowded here. Your task is to minimize the inconvenience and “benefit” to you, the specialist is sure of this.

The third question worth asking yourself regularly, according to Lana Volokhova, is whether it’s really worth fighting to mark your territory or prove your case. He said that the main priority should be peaceful coexistence, or at least neutrality, even if these were achieved through your concessions.

“If it is really difficult and you are constantly “learning to live”, you can apply the method of paradox: constantly ask questions and seek advice on what and how to do and to the smallest detail – how to cut carrots, how to salt water, how to fold a towel. Have patience to practice regularly If there is, the recommendations will become less and less,” he concludes.