Kitchen is the New Living Room
Is your kitchen a hub of activity for things unrelated to cooking? You’re not alone. Today’s kitchens must be designed for who will use them and how. This changes everything about the way kitchens should be designed.
The average working adult in America sleeps about 8 hours a day and works about 8 hours a day. What about the other 8 hours? Even though you sometimes feel as if you live in your car – commuting or carpooling – we’re guessing that a good deal of time is actually spent in your kitchen doing more than just cooking.
At Metro Building & Remodeling, we know this and so we consider things beyond traditional kitchen design principles. So what do you need to consider when designing your kitchen?
What Else Happens in Your Kitchen?
Kitchen remodeling now means creating space not only for meal preparation, but also for entertaining, coordinating family schedules, homework, bill paying, TV watching, internet surfing, and even tele-work. The kitchen design needs to incorporate smart new ways to give this hard-working room the features, functionality, and comfort of a true “living room.” If you’re thinking about remodeling, here are a few kitchen remodeling ideas we think are perfect for homes in our area.
Layout Makes the Difference When Remodeling Your Kitchen
In a kitchen that’s used for cooking and so much more, the layout needs to enable smooth traffic patterns and make it possible for family or friends who are not cooking to feel comfortable gathering there. A casual floor plan that is open to the family room, breakfast nook or dining room will allow traffic to flow easily in, out and around the space. Sufficient room outside of the work area for the kids to be under your watchful eye without also being under foot is important. An island can house a second sink for kitchen helpers or be a convenient spot to entertain buffet-style.
Photo courtesy Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.
Multiple Countertop Heights
With the kitchen accommodating so many different activities, it’s smart to have countertops at varying heights. Just match the height to the activity most often done in that area. For example, lower levels work best for food prep or a homework center, while higher counters are ideal as a breakfast bar. Having a variety of countertop heights also makes your kitchen more accessible to all the sizes, shapes, ages, and abilities of people who use your kitchen.
Beverage Center
This great element takes morning coffee to a whole new level, and is becoming a must-have item in today’s kitchen. It brings together what’s needed all day long to store and serve everything for your morning coffee or smoothies, afternoon protein shake, or glass of wine with dinner. Cups, stemware, silverware, and beverage accompaniments are all organized alongside a coffee maker, blender, and any other equipment required. An under-counter refrigerator provides easy access to ice while keeping wine, beer, juice, and soda perfectly chilled. Beverage centers can even include a bar sink with instant hot water.
Photo courtesy KitchenAid
These ideas and trends are just the start. If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, we’d be delighted to help you combine the best of what’s new with tried-and-true solutions for the dream kitchen that fits your busy life. Contact us today.
