What to Consider When Designing Your Kitchen

Workspace, Hangout, and Dining Area

The modern kitchen incorporates not just a place to eat but an open design that includes lots of storage and comfortable seating for family and guests, a workspace for projects and hobbies, as well as an efficient place to prepare meals.

Unlike older homes with an isolated kitchen, the modern kitchen is open and often includes the traditional meal prep along with a bar, prep area, island, workspace, and a dining area. The family room may be adjoined to the kitchen, so the design needs to fuse together to create a cohesive look and inviting feel.

Things to Consider

Ergonomics

The less movement required during meal prep, the calmer the chef, and the more focus that can be placed on preparing the meal. Design the kitchen with the chef in mind so that the stove, island, prep area, and refrigerator are all positioned for the easiest access possible.

Comfort

Adding comfortable seating at the bar and work station invites all kinds of collaboration and interaction with the busy cook and their friends and family. Allowing space for a casual kitchen table with comfortable bar stools says “come on in!”

Storage

This is a must for any kitchen but especially for a busy one. A pantry, upper and lower cabinets, and even some solid organization inside like lid holders, grid systems, pull-outs, and bins can keep items handy and easy to find even when they’re stored.

Sinks, Faucets, and Prep Areas

The type of sink that’s best for your kitchen depends on the frequency of use, primary purpose, and how many people are being served. For large families or those who love to entertain, a separate prep area on the kitchen island can be a lifesaver, and pull down faucets make clean up easier. Pot filler faucets near the stovetop can be a huge time saver when cooking for a large group. Large farmhouse sinks can accommodate even the largest pot for cleaning. For smaller families, an under-mount stainless steel sink might be just the thing.