The Significance of the Kitchen as the Heart of the Home
Kitchens are more than just places for cooking – they serve as the center of domestic life.
Kitchens are more than just places for food preparation: they serve as gathering spaces where we share information about our day, work from, gather with friends to drink coffee or wine and celebrate special occasions.
Kitchens provide new homebuyers the chance to express their own tastes (quite literally!) and add touches that reflect their individuality.
Home buyers place great importance on having an amazing kitchen, according to Cameron Kusher, Executive Manager – Economic Research of REA Group.
Cameron notes that when people view homes for purchase or rental purposes, their first attraction is often the kitchen.
“Having a high-quality kitchen that people will enjoy cooking in and congregating around is absolutely crucial.
Here are a few elements that contribute to making the kitchen the hub of modern home life.
Before the Kitchen was the Hub of Household Social Activity
Before becoming the social hub it is today, kitchens weren’t always at the heart of daily household activity. Traditionally they were small rooms tucked away out of sight – not always visible!
Once considered an utilitarian room hidden from view, today the kitchen has evolved into the center of homelife and an integral component of living, dining and alfresco spaces.
Keith Fuller, senior designer for Porter Davis Homes. Kitchens today are more open and integrated into everyday life; families use the kitchen more for entertaining themselves as opposed to just keeping food cooking.
Keith believes that modern kitchens are designed to serve as fluid living spaces.
“They blend seamlessly with the dining/living area to provide an easy flow for visitors coming and going,” according to Mr. Williams.
Islands in the Stream
Modern kitchens must serve both purposes – functional and social.
The island bench is at the heart of all these functionalities, as it allows food preparation to happen right in the centre of the kitchen rather than on its outskirts.
While configurations have changed over time, modern island benches now can be equipped with USB and extra power connections as well as hidden storage areas and even integrated wine fridges for maximum convenience.
Substantial progress has also been made on top, including seamless rangehood options, built-in stove tops and sinks, stylish material options such as marble or trendy terrazzo, as well as seamless integration between appliances.
Keith says selecting an island bench shouldn’t just be about aesthetics – one key aspect in finding the ideal seat is considering how it feels in use.
“Where are you looking, what are you seeing, and where does everything sit in relation to where you sit and perform these actions?” asks Keith.
Not Just an Afterthought
Given all that’s on display in modern kitchens, butler’s pantries provide invaluable secondary storage space – and should never be an afterthought!
“Perhaps we’ve come full circle,” Keith suggests, as their kitchen has moved beyond being hidden away into more open areas and into public view, “and now need somewhere where they can hide some of the clutter that’s created.
Butler’s pantries, walk-in pantries and galleries provide the ideal solution for entertainers looking to add style and convenience in their kitchens. By hiding away all of the working components that could compromise its aesthetic beauty, butler’s pantries, walk-in pantries and galleries help create a sleek kitchen environment.
