Masterchef Your Kitchen

The kitchen is typically the center of the home and its most used space, so they tend to be designed to integrate seamlessly with other rooms. They are often oriented toward the backyard to allow homeowners to easily check on children or to the rest of the home. Families with children can add a work area or a small library, while those who like to entertain can incorporate a bar or build an outdoor kitchen, observes Viktor Barta, managing director at Minka Joinery. But Liza Neil, a director at Gomango Architects, recognizes an emerging group she dubs “masterchefs” who prefer enclosed kitchens. These individuals “have suddenly discovered cooking and have a passion for cooking, but they’re not ready to expose themselves to people while they’re cooking,…” she explains. Similar to kitchens from the 1960s, enclosed kitchens can be opened up if necessary with built-in screens. Another strong trend in new and renovated homes is the butler’s pantry. In the past, a butler’s pantry indicated a short hallway between the kitchen and dining room meant for storing pots, glassware, and silverware and used by servants. But today it is largely another room that can help reduce kitchen clutter; is generally larger than a walk-in pantry; and is equipped with a sink, refrigerator, dishwasher, and other appliances. | Read More