There's no doubt that the kitchen has evolved. It has become the heart and central nervous system of a busy home, becoming a place that encourages interaction when people are doing different things. The kitchen is a radically different space than it was 20 years ago, transitioning from a utilitarian room to a true gathering spot. It has turned into the one area in the house that brings people together and developed into a room where meals prepared and homework is done. Friends and family are entertained, games are played, and TV is watched. Rooms that can entertain one night and feel cozy for a family the next are en vogue. Kitchens still perform their normal functions, but now they do so much more.
According to The American Institute of Architects, the kitchen remains the focal point of the American home. It drives residential home planning and improvement. Some of these luxury kitchens are standard in new homes, but more often than not, they are the result of remodeling. This is not a surprise as kitchen remodels, in particular, yield higher returns on home improvement dollars according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report. Kitchen remodeling is a trend that continues to grow as many homeowners seek kitchens that work efficiently and live casually.
As the kitchen evolves into more of an integrated space, bigger has become better. Trends have called for a union of kitchen and living space resulting in a larger, more open, single dining area. Living room elements are becoming integrated in the kitchen with islands, peninsulas, and built–in tables. There is also an increased demand for creative storage in the right places and the inclusion of high–performance, time–saving appliances. The walls of cabinets we grew accustomed to are removed in favor of an open, more spacious design, lending itself to an atmosphere that encourages conversation. Homeowners desire cabinets that are convenient to the kitchen but out of site to block any views. Additionally, there is an increased demand in minimizing clutter with built–in appliances, functional islands, walk–in pantry space, pull–out trash and recycling bins, convenient cabinetry, designated areas for baking/prepping/cooking, and specialized spaces such as work stations with computer access.
Taking a kitchen from "bland to grand" with an open kitchen design is the easy part. Consequently, designing a kitchen which functions well for cooking as it does for hanging out is another matter entirely. To make the metamorphosis from old to new, such a space needs an assessment of the client's specific needs. Consider the following before getting started on your kitchen remodel:
- Will your design include structural changes?
- How do you want your kitchen to feel?
- What kind of cooking do you do (basic, gourmet, for large groups)?
- What type of appliances are you interested in?
- What other activities take place in the kitchen?
- Do you plan on having a seating island, peninsula, or bar?
- How many people do you need to seat?
- Do you need special areas in or near your kitchen for food prep, bar, extra storage, home office, and/or computer?
- What do you like best and dislike the least about your current kitchen?
Today's clients gravitate toward the streamlined, popular design trends that lean toward clean lines with cabinetry and floors that will segue seamlessly from kitchen to family room. Solid wood cabinets are a popular pick as they can add texture with the ability to withstand a slammed door or two. Consumers have a large range of styles to choose from with so many new exotic woods coming on to the market. This includes the vast sea of door styles, hardware, and finishes. Popular design choices for countertops include granite or natural stone as they yield a softer look but have a more forgiving surface. In today's market, consumers have many more choices of color or style when it comes to work surfaces. Appliance options abound as the old tradition of buying the standard set of appliances has been traded for mixing and matching based upon your personal needs offering consumers more flexibility. Today's homeowners want convenience and ease with focused work zones. The newest kitchens offer more than a plus–size refrigerator or double oven. Newer appliances include separate drawers for heating and cooling, combination red and white wine storage units, microwave convection ovens, and products offering a wide range of cooking options such as steam and speed cooking. For the coffee drinker, special coffee systems can be installed.
Refrigeration has also evolved. It's definitely not your typical refrigerator anymore. The individual components of refrigeration can be separated out into the general layout of the kitchen with this appliance becoming available in drawer form. It is not unusual to have a set of drawers for fruits and vegetables right next to a prep sink or a freezer near your pantry with your refrigerator in an entirely different location. Dishwashers and microwaves are also now available in drawer forms. The traditional refrigerator–freezer combos are still available; however, these too have advanced with separate chill zones, defrost drawers, and in some cases, are programmable so the appliance can alert you when the food inside it is on the verge of expiring.
Infusing beauty, comfort and convenience in your kitchen along with your individual personality can truly finish out an entire home. Remember, new kitchens are never inexpensive, but of all household remodeling projects, they pay the most dividends.
