Think beyond just making meals when designing your kitchen. In many homes, the kitchen is the central gathering place. Cooking often brings people together, and the kitchen has become a dining, task, meeting, and multipurpose space. Maybe you enjoy hosting dinner parties, conversing over cocktails in the kitchen as you prepare appetizers. Or maybe you help your kids with their homework in the kitchen while squeezing in a snack fix. No matter what type of lifestyle you lead, here are tips on how to make your kitchen multifunctional.
Get in the Zone
From the 1930s to the 1990s, the standard American kitchen was designed using the “triangle theory”, which is defined by the National Kitchen and Bath Association as an imaginary straight line drawn from the center of the sink, to the center of the cooktop, to the center of the refrigerator and then back to the sink. At that time, the triangle concept was made to work for a 10-by-10 foot room, and did not have enough space for eating, was practically closed off from the rest of the kitchen and didn’t safely allow for two cooks in the kitchen (Side note: studies show that couples who spend time together in the kitchen have stronger relationships, so keep that in mind when designing your kitchen space).
As the size of the typical kitchen began to grow, the triangle theory became less effective, and led to the introduction of the “zone approach”. Kitchens designed in zones cater to the desires of their dwellers. The must-have areas, such as a prep zone, cook zone, and cleanup zone, should be included. However, you can also customize your kitchen to suit your lifestyle with certain spaces for special activities such as a bread-baking zone or garden prep area. The lines between the zones are not set in stone and generally overlap.
Preparation and Serving Place
Maximize your kitchen by creating a space where food can be prepared and served. Look for counters that can work as an area to make the food, as well as a place to eat. An adjoining counter could also create a go-to dining spot with the addition of chairs or bar stools. Visit our Countertop Basics page to learn more about the wide-range of options available, such as wood or marble countertops, which enhance the look and add another layer of flexibility or productivity to your space.
Leisure Meets Learning
Consider integrating open shelving for coffee table books, cookbooks and any other books that spark your curiosity to get inspired and discover your next delicious recipe. Add some comfortable yet chic chairs near the book shelving display, and strike up an engaging conversation or enjoy reading that book you’ve been dying to finish while you wait for your meal to cook.
The options are limitless when creating a multifunctional kitchen. For the ultimate inspiration boost, check out this Reico design, which used cabinets that serve many designs, including home entertainment, a dry bar, wine storage, seating nook, bookshelf and home office space.
