The fun and function of a family-friendly kitchen

COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS

BY SHEILA HELMBERGER

Today’s kitchens are so much more than just the place where we simply prepare our meals. They are command central for our lives and a major focal point of our homes. The popularity of today’s open floor plans means our kitchens are now more accessible than ever. They are more family-friendly than ever and have become a place where we enjoy entertaining others and relaxing with family. Our designs are starting to reflect just that.

New kitchen designs consider so much more than the important work triangle of the stove, sink and refrigerator. Now we look to include ample seating for guests, an entertainment space for our kids and even a feeding area for the family pets. Dining and entertaining are less formal than they used to be. Dining tables are often an extension of the cooking area and no longer in a room by themselves.

Sarah Waletzko, from Hy-Tec Construction, has seen the change in her own customers.

“There is a huge focus on island space in the kitchen,” she says of modern designs. “Typically, almost all the kitchens I am designing now have as big an island as possible or even a double island if the space allows.”

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Waletzko says customers are putting a lot of thought into making a space their family can. connect in and everyone can have a place to hang out together. “The idea is to get the kids to sit there while dinner is prepared with a place for them to work on their homework.” She also says customers are putting a lot of thought into the storage they need. “We have done a lot of pantry cabinets. Pantries are still a big thing. We need a place for all those Costco boxes,” she laughs. “We’ve also been putting in additional pantry style cabinets to keep snacks in reach.” Stained wood in the space is making a comeback recently too because it wears a little better. than some of the painted cabinets.

We strive to make the building process easy and enjoyable by getting to know our clients before the project begins.

With so many things going on in one area at one time, a smooth flow for traffic is an important part of a layout. If not carefully thought out, it could result in a daily traffic jam and people running into one another.

Renee Johnson, of Nor-Son Custom Builders, says double islands have become big for her customers as well. One will offer the needed workspace and the other will typically be used for seating. Some families are finding it handy to have two dishwashers if space allows.

A butler pantry adjacent to the kitchen offers an additional area for meal prep and can store bulky small appliances. Less upper cabinets in the kitchen is a trend that leaves the possibility for larger windows and more natural light.

There is a huge focus on island space in the kitchen. Typically, almost all the kitchens I am designing now have as big an island as possible or even a double island if the space allows.

The islands in our kitchens can be hard workers. Sometimes they serve multiple purposes. While some homeowners choose to put a sink or cooktop in one, a kitchen island can be the perfect place for a dishwasher, a beverage refrigerator, or additional cupboards underneath that allow for more storage. An island unit can also be used to house a microwave or as a place to tuck away a garbage can.

Bart and Lisa Taylor’s home in Crosslake was built over 20 years ago. Last fall the kitchen underwent a remodel.

“We decided we needed some updating and space changes,” she said. “It was a lot of talk first,” she says, but then, Covid hit, and after that there were supply chain issues. The couple finally had all the pieces in place and started construction last October. The home’s original design already implemented an open floor plan. So, no walls were removed.

“It was completely cosmetic, really,” she says. For the project the couple worked with Barry and Dennis from North Country Custom Builders and Melissa from Melissa & Company. “Before, everything really looked the same. We had cedar wainscotting and everything looked like cedar,” she laughs. “From the beginning my husband said he wanted it to resemble a ski lodge.” So, they discussed incorporating other materials into the new design. “We added wrought iron to our railings and wood beams on the ceiling. We changed out our granite.”

“I am no designer,” says Lisa, “so even when it came to color, I told Melissa to just surprise me, and she had the talent to do that. And my husband is very creative, too.”

“When we built the house originally, we knew we would entertain and we do. There was a cooktop on the center island of the home. The second island in the kitchen makes life a lot easier. My husband and I both cook,” she laughs, “and two chefs in the kitchen with people over make for a crowded space.” They added a second bar height counter. She wanted a place to serve food. We have a bar sink and a bar fridge to keep beverages out of the kitchen fridge.

When she cleaned out her house to make way for the remodel Lisa used the opportunity to get rid of some excess. “I didn’t realize how much stuff I had. I almost have too much storage now.” She has crystal and platters that belonged to her grandmother and says they are stored above the bar and used when people are over.

Lisa says she learned a few things during her kitchen remodel that she can pass on to others who are planning a remodel or new build. “My advice is to find somebody who knows what they are doing. I could not have done this myself and had it turn out the way it did. Find professionals that have a good eye. I couldn’t visualize any of it, so I trusted Melissa and Bart.

The couple both love the way their new space turned out, says Lisa. “It is warm, and it is inviting.”

We have become less formal, and it is no longer off-putting to share the meal prep before a meal, even when entertaining. It is now considered a part of the social experience, with some meals even purposely planned to be assembled as a group.

There is no limit to the design we can create for a kitchen today. Put a personal touch on the room by adding a desk or a window seat, a play area for smaller children or a beverage station. Don’t be surprised when the kitchen becomes your favorite room in the house.