In twenty-eight years of building custom homes of all sizes I found that more than any other room the Kitchen was the center of the home. Not only was it used most often and where family gathered but my customers would tell me it was where they entertained the most because guests would gravitate to the kitchen at parties. I learned a couple of things to make the kitchen more functional;
- Make sure there is lots of light both natural and electric. This is first and foremost a work area.
- Select lighter colors makes the room brighter and seem bigger. That black granite top and dark cabinets may be beautiful but it make the room darker and less inviting.
- Don’t make an island too big. A kitchen island can be a great feature I have seen too many people try and force one into too small a space limiting circulation space. Make sure you have at least 3 feet between and island and other cabinets and appliances. If not it is likely not the right choice. One time when a customer insisted they wanted a island and I knew it would not work I “built” and island out of cardboard boxes and place it in their kitchen. They decided not to install an island.
- If you have a peninsula cabinet and top installing an overhanging top and creating a breakfast bar can be a great addition. Not only is it a great place for guests to gather it is also a convenient homework desk for kids while dinner is being prepared.
- Make sure the refrigerator, stone and sink are in a convenient triangle. We found that no more than two steps between these items was a good rule of thumb.
