Creating a Kitchen Perfect for Cooking

When television programs show houses and apartments they always show the very best living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms. If everyone’s kitchen looked like it should be on the cover of a magazine perhaps they would want to cook and entertain friends more. Creating a kitchen that is perfect for cooking and entertaining can be easy with the use of some really lovely furniture and good planning.

First decision to be made is the paint color for the walls. Nothing creates a cheery atmosphere better than brightly colored paint. It is the basis of creating a kitchen that guests will want to sit in to eat and perhaps linger over conversation, dessert and coffee. The typical cheerful colors are sunshine yellow, bright white, soft greens, and warm oranges. Depending on how bold you want to be, choosing the correct color is key.

Once a paint color is on the walls it’s time to think about furnishing the room. Shopping at yard sales and vintage stores can serve as inspiration and maybe help to find a decorative trinket or two that will complete the look. Smaller accessories can easily be traded and others bought according to the seasons or mood. Paintings, knickknacks and even the decorations on the table can go a long way. Don’t forget that the dining table and chairs are the focal point of the room so they should be chosen with care to fit well with the chosen theme.

A major part of an efficient kitchen design is the storage space and shelving. If everything is easily reachable but also stylishly displayed it makes for an environment that wants to be used. Shelving that is carefully planned and thought through is essential. Extra thought and expenditure should be put into kitchen storage to include pantry items, non-perishables, breads, wines, and even trash bins. Creating a walk-in pantry would help minimize having to display food items that can look messy.

Another necessity in the perfect kitchen is the counter. The extravagant homes displayed on television usually have an island counter. The island counter separates the room and breaks up the monotony of the kitchen. This counter can include the stove or only the sink as per the design and space available.

Counter space is key too as this is where the tasty meals will be created. Plenty of free space to work is essential, for cutting and prepping food, making pastry, etc.

Consultation with someone else is another factor on the road to designing and creating the perfect kitchen. Sometimes not being the only person involved constantly looking closely at the project all the time is more constructive. To have a second set of eyes can be helpful in identifying problem areas or ways to be more effective. The experienced consultant could be a designer or interior decorator with designs already in mind. This will also make for ideas to be talked over thoroughly before final decisions are made.

Dave, Guest Blogger