The Kitchen: More than Just a Place to Cook

By Matthew Kerridge

In many homes, the kitchen serves as more than just a place for preparing meals and grabbing a quick bite to eat. For many families, the kitchen is the hub of the home, the place where they meet, spend time together, and entertain guests. It is therefore important that this space is a place where people feel comfortable and welcome. Sometimes, this is easier said than done though. Your kitchen size, layout, design, and appearance all weigh heavily on creating an environment that is appealing and relaxed, rather than cold and uncomfortable.

Part of knowing when you have a kitchen adequately styled, is by the way you utilize and feel about it space. Feeling comfortable in your kitchen and wanting to use it as a place to gather can be an indication you have the right balance of form and function. However, this can be a difficult balance to create and it can take time to figure out exactly how to get there.

A large part of determining how your kitchen will be used will depend on just who will be in your kitchen on a regular basis. If you live alone, then all you have to worry about are your personal needs. However, if family members will be utilizing the space as well, you must also take their wants and needs into account. In certain instances, style and design must be sacrificed for space, or function must be substituted in place of form.

Choosing the right kitchen accessories can make a huge difference in how you feel about the space. The little features, such as cabinet hardware, towel racks, dishes, and similar items can brighten up the space, make it feel more cosy, and add almost any feel you're looking to create to make your space uniquely your own. It doesn't always take a complete remodel to modify your kitchen.

Even the smallest of things can add your personal touch to a kitchen. Dish towels, chairs or stools, cooking utensil containers, and all those little extras can put the exclamation point on your kitchen and make it your own. If you don't have the resources or the time for a complete kitchen makeover, accessories are an easy and affordable way to personalize your space.

Sometimes, no matter what you do to make a kitchen look good, the size of the space just doesn't seem to work. At times, it can be beneficial to take certain design steps that make a small space look large or vice versa. Making use of lighting, paint colours, furniture size, amount and spacing of accessories, and similar design elements can achieve the perception of spatial modifications without having to change the overall space itself.

If you decide you would like to restructure your kitchen, there are several things you might want to consider. Taking down a wall, creating a pass through, adding or removing a centre island, and moving appliances or furniture, are often quick, and relatively easy layout changes that can significantly alter the overall appearance of your kitchen. These changes can quickly make your kitchen more functional and/or appealing without necessarily requiring a complete kitchen overhaul. - 32406

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here