Kitchens are the heart of the home, places for gathering, eating and enjoying the company of loved ones. In 2023 and beyond, floor plans should prioritize some key features to ensure successful kitchen design.
EXPANSIVE MORNING KITCHENS
Morning kitchens have been evolving for some time now. They’ve gone from a small counter spot in the pantry to full-blown second kitchens with standard-sized appliances, sinks and extensive storage. New plans should incorporate morning kitchens across a range of price points.
Offering direct access to the pantry and/or the garage is beneficial to the entire flow of the kitchen. Groceries can be placed directly into the pantry from the garage and all fresh produce that needs washing can go straight to the morning kitchen sink or a second dishwasher. When dinner is over and it’s time to catch up with friends, dirty dishes can be tucked away in the morning kitchen so hosts can avoid the reminder of the cleaning yet to come. Close off the space with a door to fully eliminate the distraction.
PRACTICAL PANTRIES
Organization, especially pantries, has become a top priority for buyers in the past five years. Popular television shows are dedicated solely to the topic of kitchen organization. The new standard is to be organized from day one rather than having to transform a failed space. Designing a pantry with different styles of organization is a sure way to win over buyers. It’s easier for them to envision the space without having to figure out how to organize it on their own! Even better, plans that connect the morning kitchen and pantry for ease of access will earn top marks from prospective homeowners.
INCREDIBLE ISLANDS
Islands have become so popular that they are the primary design requirement for new kitchens. They can incorporate so many functions: Cooking, eating, gathering, storage and of course, the hub for a terrific entertainment experience. Each kitchen design should accommodate an island that is appropriately sized, as large as possible without becoming an obstruction to circulation.
A great solution is a square island because it allows for plenty of casual seating for day-to-day plus enough space for prepping dinner, charging laptops, doing homework and more. A graciously sized square island effectively separates seating from meal prep areas like the dishwasher and sink. Integrating appliances (like microwaves or refrigerated drawers) provides an even more inclusive space for those cooking/cleaning in the casual setting.
FUNCTIONAL CABINETS
Cabinets also need a clear sense of purpose and organization. By utilizing different types of cabinet storage, items each have a specific home that makes sense. Extending cabinets to the ceiling not only makes the space feel bigger, but it offers additional storage for seasonal items or those that are only used occasionally. Display cabinets are a great option to highlight “hosting” pieces such as wine glasses or serving items, and display shelves can provide an efficient, effective option for daily use dishes and glasses without requiring much space. Cabinet design must offer a variety of storage options, display opportunities, and design interest – all while creating a functional sense of organization for the entire kitchen.
These projects were featured in Volume 12 of our inspire magazine. Check it out here!
