That spare room next to the kitchen is coming in handy for that modern-day family.
Kitchen Tips and kitchen styles
At one time, kitchens were precisely what you would expect them to be – merely functional spaces where meals are prepared. However, today’s kitchens are becoming more where families can relax together rather than eat their food. Again, the spare room next to the kitchen has come in very handy for this new trend of keeping kitchens as social centers within homes. Here are some tips on preparing your kitchen for modern-day living:
Give yourself plenty of counter space. No matter how big or small your family is, having enough counter space for meal preparation should not be an issue with today’s kitchens. Kitchens today are outfitted with plenty of counter space and cabinet storage for even the most prominent families. If you do not have enough counter space in your kitchen, one easy way to add some room is by installing a couple of decorative spice racks on the wall.
Countertops come in a wide variety of materials ranging from granite and marble to concrete and stainless steel. There is no “best” material for countertops; it just depends on your personal preference or what you think will look good with the rest of the kitchen’s design. Another option growing more popular each day, especially among homeowners who like to cook, is butcher block counters. These counters are usually made from hardwood planks and provide an old-fashioned but very functional cooking surface for your kitchen.
Install at least one sink in every kitchen. For those who like to cook, having a second sink – especially one that has garbage disposal built into it – is also becoming more of the norm than not. Kitchen sinks provide many different functions, including washing vegetables and hands and allowing dishes to air dry (instead of using a dish rack). If you want to make sure your kitchen stays spotless, consider installing an additional hand washing sink near the stovetop. This will aid in keeping germs away from food preparation surfaces and make clean-up after meals much more accessible for all involved.
Do not forget about lighting. When cooking or eating breakfast in a modern-day family setting, you need to have plenty of lighting. The type of lighting you choose for your kitchen is essential. When it comes to table lamps, do not overthink about design and decor – keep function in mind by finding a lamp that provides ample light but does not take up too much space on your counter or tabletop.
