Kitchens Are Not Solely Meant for Cooking
Many of us have indeed grown up watching our parents or other family members prepare delicious meals in the kitchens.
Living rooms and dining spaces were separate spaces. The kitchen has become a place where many of us relax and sometimes even entertain ourselves.
Instead of visualizing kitchens as small spaces separated from the rest of the house, designers began incorporating the living spaces. As a result, the size of kitchens has increased.
They turned out to be living rooms where many people can gather to have delightful conversations. Or, simply to talk while preparing their favorite dishes. It’s why designers today leave sufficient room for kitchen islands or big tables in kitchens.
The Kitchen Can Save Some Monthly Expenses
Food is one of our biggest expenses, and if we eat out every day, we’re likely to be racking up huge bills. But from experience, we can say that households are more likely to cook for themselves when they have a decently sized kitchen at home. The motivation to cook is necessary to lessen the number of times we eat out.
Almost 36% of Americans cook their own weekly meals, thus making food expenses more affordable while eating healthy at the same time. In fact, if you replace eating out twice a week with your own cooked meals, you can save at least $1000 each year!
Modern Kitchens Serve More Than One Purpose
Kitchens have seen major improvements to their utility over the past centuries. It was only when they were first being modified in the early 1900s that the idea of an individual workspace, separate from the rest of the house was introduced – The Frankfurt Kitchen.
The concept allowed for simple but effective designs aimed at improving cooking speed and efficiency. Then, after the 1920s, technology was introduced into kitchens in the form of refrigerators, ovens, and more. It was only towards the late 1930s that kitchens moved away from being the sole place for “home cooking”. It transformed into the place where goods were stored, readymade food packages were created for re-selling, and much more.
Since then, modern kitchens have become a multi-purpose and multi-functional environment. A modern kitchen consists of the typical space meant especially for cooking. And you will also find a spacious dining area inside the kitchen. The space can accommodate around six people – an ideal place for your friends and family to hang out.
Kitchens These Days Are Quite Spacious
Want to get more money from your house sale? Focus on your kitchen and functionality. It’s not just about the bedrooms, the décor, and the bathrooms. The bigger and well-decorated the kitchen is, the higher will be the resale value.
Modern multipurpose kitchens are spacious. Since these modern kitchens serve more than one purpose, it is not surprising that they tend to be so roomy. Many buyers too prefer to buy houses with large kitchen spaces. They do not like small kitchens anymore.
The relative size of houses being built has slowly been increasing since the 1980s. The average size has increased from 2,000 square feet to 2,600 square feet. Due to the availability of space and new open-concept designs that designers bring to the kitchen, the average size of a kitchen is now around 400 square feet. This is a sizeable chunk of the whole house, but since the kitchen is not solely a “kitchen” anymore, it works well for the overall design.
Modern Kitchens Are Evolving Continuously
Kitchens are in a state of continuous up-gradation and evolution. Almost everybody, including designers and architects, tends to recognize this fact. It’s why designers are coming up with new ideas and designs, focusing their attention on what will come in the following years.
Kitchens are gradually becoming more eco-friendly. In the UK, for instance, composting has been made compulsory in every household. Kitchens today have been turned into living rooms and dining areas as well.
The Top 10 Reasons Kitchens Are Especially Treasured
The kitchen holds a special place in every home, often regarded as the heart of the household. Its significance goes beyond being a space for cooking; it embodies warmth, togetherness, and nourishment, making it the most important room in the house.
- Social Hub: The kitchen is where families and friends gather, creating memories while sharing meals and conversations. It fosters bonding and strengthens relationships, making it a social hub where connections are nurtured.
- Culinary Creativity: It is a space for culinary exploration and creativity. From experimenting with new recipes to indulging in favorite dishes, the kitchen allows individuals to express their love for food and showcase their cooking skills.
- Health and Well-being: A well-equipped kitchen promotes healthy eating habits and well-being. It is where nutritious meals are prepared, encouraging a balanced diet and promoting overall health for everyone in the household.
Spending time in the kitchen with family!
- Functional Utility: The kitchen’s functionality extends beyond cooking. It serves as a multi-purpose area for meal prep, storage, and organization, streamlining daily tasks and enhancing efficiency in managing household routines.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Modern kitchens are designed not just for functionality but also for aesthetics. They reflect personal style and preferences, adding beauty and charm to the home. A well-designed kitchen enhances the overall ambiance and value of the property.
- Entertainment Space: Many kitchens today double as entertainment spaces, with features like breakfast bars, islands, and seating areas. They become inviting spaces for hosting guests, celebrating occasions, and creating enjoyable experiences.
- Emotional Connection: The kitchen holds sentimental value, often associated with cherished family traditions and memories. From holiday gatherings to everyday moments, it becomes a place of comfort and nostalgia, enriching the family’s emotional connection.
- Investment Value: Renovating and upgrading the kitchen can significantly increase the home’s resale value. Prospective buyers often prioritize the kitchen’s design, functionality, and appliances, recognizing its importance in daily life.
- Lifestyle Center: Kitchens adapt to various lifestyles, whether it’s a busy family with children, a couple who loves to cook together, or individuals who enjoy hosting social events.
- Neutral Ground: The kitchen is a place where everyone is welcome. It’s neutrality gives everyone in the home a sense of ownership while also an understanding that it is for everyone. Yes, the mother of a home or “head cook” may have some distinct “territorial” vibes, but for the most part, the kitchen belongs to the entire family!