There was a time when the kitchen was just a confined space, small and to an extent, separated from the rest of the house. It was a space for mom (and in some cases dad) to prepare meals and then be closed off to hide all the cooking mess. Over the course of the last few decades, the kitchen has evolved into the heart of one’s home.
Heading into the holidays, we have great expectations for our time with friends and family; fun time, quality time together, time to catch up on recent events and milestones. Just like other festive holidays throughout the year, Christmas offers many opportunities for family time together at home entertaining and hosting gatherings.
In many cases, the kitchen soon becomes not only the center for baking and cooking, it doubles as the entertaining hub. Often times the kitchen tends to be a magnet for everyone who enters the home. The reason for this could be the delightful aromas filling the air or the hyper activity that seems to take place there. Regardless of the reason, kitchens seem to have become everyone’s gathering place for social and family functions in the home. This is a trend that has been developing for a long time. So instead of fighting it, go with the flow and convert your kitchen to a socially welcoming place that is culinary functional, comfortable, and fun.
Whether you are a gourmet chef looking to create your dream kitchen with top end names including WOLF, SUB ZERO and VIKING appliances or you are looking to create a luxury kitchen for your family to enjoy meals together, there may not be a better time than now to consider the options.
One of our recent projects (shown below) included new cabinets, custom quartz countertops with new appliances including and induction cooktop. The kitchen was a typical 1980’s kitchen which was closed off to the adjacent family room and dining room. The new plan starts with removing 2 kitchen walls to open the kitchen space to the family room. This also allowed space for a large island that helped define the kitchen space while offering additional cabinet storage, additional counter space, and a great place for guests to be entertained while food prep is underway.
Plan now to design the changes for your culinary/entertainment center before your next family event. Perhaps making a few minor changes to the kitchen “foot print”, some different seating arrangements, additional lighting, granite or quartz countertops, and new cabinets can reap many rewards the next time family and friend gather in your home.
At your next holiday gathering, instead of shooing guests out of the kitchen while you cook, you can welcome them into the space and let the festivities begin.