Over the past two months we have all developed a much closer relationship with our kitchens. There is no denying the fact that this room became more than just the heart of the home, it became everything we needed to survive.
Every meal. Every day. And boy, did we all suddenly get a whole lot hungrier!
We all started baking, creating, finding numerous ways to fill in time, break up the day, and perhaps unwittingly preparing ourselves for the next masterchef audition.
According to one Cambridge study, our longevity and health increases when we cook at home more frequently. Children also benefit immensely from eating home cooked meals as well.
Not only is the kitchen a centre for family conversation, it is a place where children learn social skills and manners that will help them connect with other people throughout life.
As the pages in our favourite recipe books got dog eared and smudged with sauces and sugars, so did our realisation of how much we actually liked our kitchen. Is there enough bench space, storage, and power points?
Is the flow right?
Interior designer Shannon Walker* says the, “Flow of the kitchen is key.”
With a butlers pantry, there is definitely enough storage and space @ 10 Callicoma Road, Seaforth.
Not only taking into consideration the “work triangle”, it’s the smaller details that can make a kitchen easy to use. Ensure kitchen storage is placed where needed. Cups near the coffee machine, pot and pans near the oven and cook top. Position the dishwasher so it’s central to unpacking plates.
When it comes to colours, Shannon states, “Clean white lines and natural wood tones are always popular, but the use of dark colours creating a sense of drama are right on trend.”
Dramatically beautiful @ 3 Isobel Close, Mona Vale
Steer clear of over styling the kitchen with too many “on trend” features, which can be hard to change. A better option to keep your kitchen fresh and fashionable, is to add pops of wow with accessories such as pot plants, copper bowls and pendant lights.
This stunning kitchen is found in an equally stunning dual level penthouse @ 5/3-9 McDonald Street, Mortlake
And even though we all would love to have our dream kitchen, the most important role a kitchen plays, no matter how it looks, is its ability to bring and bond together family and friends.
So, what are you cooking tonight?
*Shannon Walker, interior designer specialising in kitchen and bathroom design – 0418 272525