All-in-the-Family Part III – Open up your Kitchen

We recently discussed the importance of a good layout and good design when planning for a new kitchen remodel.

When renovating a kitchen, most families want openness – meaning a connection to an adjacent room like a family room or great room. Especially in families with kids – mom or dad can keep their eye on the kids watching TV, doing homework or on the computer. It also adds lightness or airiness to the space. The kitchen itself is being a “family room”.  Sometimes we add fireplaces and sofa or chairs to the room. A trend is to limit the upper cabinets and add more windows to the kitchen, making the kitchen look more like the other rooms in the home. Walk-in panties are one of the most sought after features, reducing the number of cabinets need for storage.

Things to consider when planning the kitchen remodel “great room”:

1. Do you really want total openness? Think about the amount of light, noise and odors that tend to travel.
2. Openness may offer the intimate feel that you may desire.
3. Take care with light – you’ll need more task lighting vs. general lighting in a large open space.
4. Consider the use of half walls or pass-through – offer openness but still some separation.

Proper planning is always the key to getting best kitchen possible. And hiring a professional!