The kitchen has always been the center of the home. It’s where sleepyheads convene to break the fast. It’s where loving hearts feed hungry bellies. Where full days wind down with togetherness. Where full minds share over full meals or simple leftovers.
Anyone hosting holiday events is acutely aware of the levels of functionality and comfort their current kitchen provides. And those who are considering a new-home purchase are uniquely positioned to create their future kitchen during busy times.
Planning the perfect center of the home means blending modern aesthetics, functionality, ease of movement, practicality, technology and energy efficiency.
Start with the layout. Does the traditional triangle-kitchen layout make sense for everyone? Often it does, but some people may benefit from adjustments. In organizing a kitchen with this layout in mind, a builder focuses on three key work areas — the refrigerator, the sink and the stove.
While the refrigerator, sink and stove may be the main points of the functional triangle, the layout should allow for foot traffic and workspace between them. In other words, avoid placing any of these three in a spot that intersects a major traffic path.
Also consider how your next kitchen can embrace open-concept living features without feeling like part of the living room. The idea is to facilitate interaction between as many people as possible.
Some may be watching TV, doing homework, snacking or socializing with guests while others are preparing to serve or cleaning up after a meal. Strategically placed seating makes everyone feel at home.
Leverage the use of a breakfast bar with added storage and outlets in the cabinets below. Or choose a counter-height kitchen table with comfortable, taller chairs to make the table feel like an extension of the island or peninsula.
On the topic of islands and peninsulas, some households may enjoy the sink or the stovetop on an island, while other households may find that they prefer more working counter space in a central location such as an island or a peninsula.
Your builder’s design center will ask you specific questions to gauge what arrangements will work best for your habits in your kitchen.
Next, embrace technology. Even if you might only say “maybe” to some new technology, that’s enough of a reason to adopt offerings that integrate your new home’s features.
Touchless features around the kitchen can add ease to tasks from food prep to simply grabbing a beverage, for instance. Any ServSafe-certified food handler can tell you the kitchen faucet handle is one of the greatest culprits in cross-contamination from raw food microorganisms.
Not having to touch the handle allows hands to get cleaner between tasks. Some new kitchens might even offer touchless soap dispensers. Ask the builder’s design center experts.
Other new-kitchen technology includes smart refrigerators and ovens that are remotely programmable and allow you to see inside them without opening the doors. If your counter space allows, ask about built-in smart scales that simplify food measurements.
A smart-kitchen hub can provide a central spot for connected appliances and their users. Your builder can help you determine where to position the hub.
Beyond layout, technology and the high-quality materials offered by the builder, be sure to incorporate light from all angles. For natural light, take advantage of the kitchen’s orientation to the outside and add new or larger windows if possible.
Sliding doors or walls of windows can open up a room beautifully. Could you add a pass-through window to the patio?
Another way to add wow factor to the new kitchen is to find statement lighting. Look for fixtures such as pendants, sconces, chandeliers and charms that hang on, from or within fixtures.
Finally, remember to submit all the rebate forms for all the Energy Star kitchen appliances your builder will install for you. With that money back you can add colorful kitchen accessories, accent items, canisters, countertop appliances and some more really good food.
