In the 70s and 80s, kitchens became "machines for cooking" - lined with cabinets and counters, they resembled showrooms for kitchen cabinets. Full of straight lines and hard gleaming surfaces, this type of kitchen demanded constant cleaning and straightening up. Now the children of baby-boomers are growing older and there is no longer the need to clean up baby food or constantly prepare meals. Although some homeowners prefer the minimalist kitchen, most families tend to use the space as a hub of activity - for dining, homework, watching TV, paying bills, and just plain interaction with one another. Designers have noticed this trend and are starting to treat the kitchen more like a home and less like a showroom - decorating with furnishings and design features that befit an important room of the house. Here are some ideas for avoiding the "storage-box" kitchen:
- Incorporate design elements that bring in a more homey feeling such as box beams, mouldings, and actual light fixtures (instead of holes in the ceiling). - Reflect the history and interests of the family with artwork and family artifacts, like grandma's hutch.
- Pantry closets provide for a larger and better array of storage than bunches of cabinets alone. Avoid the impression that someone sold you as many cabinets as they could fit in the room.
- Add comfortable sitting areas as well as spots for casual perching and chatting.
- Use a variety of counter surfaces - some are best for food prep, others are better for homework or just hanging out with a cup of coffee.
- The cabinets don't all have to be the same type or color - or even have to match for that matter.
Keep in mind that kitchens are not just for showing off cabinets - they really contribute to making a house a home.
This article was originally printed in "Remodeling" magazine published by Hanley Wood - February, 2007
The kitchen is one of the main gathering areas where families gather and guests mingle so planning a kitchen renovation should be well though out. Finding a home renovation contractor that has experience is important and they can be a good source for kitchen renovation ideas.
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