It is easy to get carried away when you are designing a new kitchen. Since it is a major investment, it is not just about looks. It is critical that your kitchen works for your lifestyle. Lately, magazines are taking this approach when it comes to kitchen design.
First, there was the March 2010 issue of Dwell who explored kitchen design from people who really cook at home. The March 2010 of Living etc. showcased several kitchens with no upper cabinets. These kitchens look like someone really live there. You can see if it fits your tolerance to clutter and how easily you can reach things when cooking. In April, Living etc. continues with an article where form and function meet in smart kitchens, plus expert advice on flooring and appliances.
Even though I am not moving or renovating my home, I often think about what would be my ideal kitchen layout. I analyze what I like in my own kitchen and what I wish to change. I know that finding the right design that fits into my lifestyle is a work in progress and that it will evolve in time. But by thinking about it, I think I would get a better idea of what I really need when it comes the time to redo my kitchen.
I would like a walk-in pantry to limit the number of cabinets. A roomy space where to keep and plate the food when I entertain would come handy. I lean towards no upper cabinet on at least one wall but I am not sure if I could live without them completely. What about you? What type of kitchen layout do you prefer? What is the perfect work plan for you? What are your must-haves in a kitchen?
+ photos: March 2010 of Living etc.
Sabina DeShazo
March 4, 2010 at 13:57Oooohhh…I love all of this Kim!!! I’m alway mulling over kitchen designs in my head – although I have no current plans for remodeling either. Still there is always room for dreaming and improving the current organization and decor. I’m on my way to “you might also like these posts” next!!
🙂
Fera Rosalina
March 4, 2010 at 18:18Geee Kim…I saw this and I should renove my kitchen…love it the simple and very neat design
Julie
March 5, 2010 at 07:19We just moved to a new home with a new kitchen (that I did not design myself) and I would GLADY give it up for my old bungalow kitchen with my walk-in pantry. Oh I miss it so much. I now have a center island, granite countertops, new appliances – but I would give it al up for my dearly beloved storage space.
Angela@spinachtiger
March 5, 2010 at 09:30Kitchen with space for four bar stools, one marble counter top for pastry, pasta, pots hanging at waist level (I have that), two walk in pantries, one for food, one for dishes, serving plates, appliances. Deep sink (I have that), bottom freezer. Gas stove (I have that), lots of windows for natural light (I have that). Natural light is one of the most important things to me. Lots of good lighting for night time, so that kitchen is always cheery. NOT dark cabinets, NOT dark counter tops, which all absorb your light. Modern and clean, not formal and stuffy.
Brianna
March 5, 2010 at 10:47Like you, I would want (and currently have) a walk in pantry. Love being able to see all the food/staples organized. I would also love to have a butler’s pantry with sink/dishwasher/storage for glasses and dishes and a small fridge for beverages. Essentially, I would like to create three separate zones in the “Kitchen” 1)Food/Supply Storage. 2)Cooking & Cooking Tool Storage. 3)Clean-up/Beverages/Dish Storage
I hate having to dig in cabinets for pots and pans so open bottom shelving of an island or lower cabinets by the stove would be awesome.
I HATE white cabinets. They show all the dirt and fingerprints. I will never again live with white kitchen cabinets. It will go immediately on the list of things that MUST be changed if a future home has them.
Otherwise I like a lot of counter space, arranged so that more than one person can work and I like to have a single bowl wide/deep sink for prep and a second if at all possible for clean-up.