The Blueprint for a Social Kitchen
Designing a kitchen that meets all the needs of a household is no easy feat. Aside from accommodating meal prep, most families today require space in their kitchens for entertaining, storing and completing paperwork, and surfing the Web – a truly “social” environment. How can you make your kitchen more social?
Open up the space – with care. Be judicious when eliminating barriers. Using half-walls or arched openings can create a sense of openness while maintaining traffic flow. Color can be a great connector between the kitchen and the larger living or dining room area.
Bring back the eat-in kitchen. Built-in banquettes are making a comeback. Casual dining is integral to the social kitchen, and it’s good for resale value. It’s also a place to do the bills or help with homework, and its base can provide additional storage.
Add an island. This central counter will give people a place to sit while the cook prepares the meal. Just don’t let it clog traffic – there should be 42 to 48 inches of clearance on all sides.
Build in charging stations. For many people, the kitchen is where their electronic devices live. Charging stations can be tucked into a cabinet or drawer that’s fitted with docks and electrical outlets for maximum utility.
Source: Consumer Reports