Building the Kitchen of Your Dreams
Natural stone or engineered quartz? Sleek tile to rustic hardwood? Designing a kitchen today brings many difficult decisions. Today, there is new consumer mindfulness for living smarter.
The National Association of Homebuilders reports this generation’s homebuyers prefer features that enhance comfort and convenience over square footage.
Welcoming living spaces that efficiently accommodate friends and family are equally important as professional kitchen designer and owner of Cabinetry Pros, Aaron Walter notes, “Most homeowners seek clear sight lines and large great rooms combining the kitchen, dining, and family areas.”
A study conducted by Nielson suggests this generation of consumers ranks environmental sustainability as a key factor in determining the products and services they purchase.
Inspirational Ideas for your New Kitchen
Smarter Storage Spaces
Although under-counter cabinets are a common staple in older homes, they aren’t as convenient as other options. As a more practical alternative, consider installing deep drawers that roll out with ease for a quick overview of their content.
Appliance “garages” are another storage perk. Designed for the height and width of the toaster, mixer, or crockpot, for example, these small counter-level mini-cabinets provide easy access to the appliance and conceal it with a door or a roll-top cover when not in use.
As recycling becomes more of a priority, a single counter-height drawer designed with two compartments for recycling and trash containers can make the process more efficient and tidy.
Coffee Nook with a Bar Sink
Many of us have established a love affair with caffeine that merits a special place in the kitchen. These convenient counter-top nooks offer enough space for the coffee pot or espresso machine and all of the trimmings for a good cup of java or tea. This area can include a bar sink for convenient access to water and also serve as a prep sink when cooking for a crowd.
Bonus tip: The area above the nook can include a wine-rack that spans the length of the counter area with glass-doored cabinets above to display a collection of wine glasses and coffee cups.
Pocket Office
Another smart hide-away kitchen option, the pocket office, is a shallow closet that features a built-in desk for a laptop. This area can include file drawers, cubby holes, and bookshelves to help manage household business or make the work-at-home experience more efficient.
Bonus tip: Your pocket office can be easily concealed by French or folding doors when not in use.
Island Bar with Gas Cooktop
Consider creating a large island space that serves as the primary hub and dining area for family and guests. A counter-height island wrapped around a propane cooktop invites good conversation as food is prepared and convenient serving of hot entrees as the meal is underway.
Bonus tip: You can design this area with two levels—a bar-height counter for seating that wraps around a counter-level space with your propane cooktop. This will add an extra level of character and dimension to your kitchen and can serve as a great area for quick meals on the go, for kids and for extra seating when you’re entertaining a crowd.
Propane Performance
A propane-powered cooktop stove can enhance the cooking experience in this island area. 96% of professional chefs prefer gas heat over electric for managing cooking temperature and consistent surface heat.
Propane is more efficient, more environmentally friendly and more reliable. Propane-powered appliances function during electric power outages and can easily be incorporated into a home. Hopefully, your new kitchen will soon become a reality combining smarter living and comfort with appealing colors and textures in a space you will enjoy for many years to come.
Visit your local propane dealer to learn more about building your dream kitchen and taking advantage of all the benefits of propane.