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Kitchen Spaces
I
t's no wonder that kitchens are commonly named as the favorite room
of the house. The space provides literal nourishment, as well as nourish-
ment for the heart and soul. It's the room where you commune with fam-
ily members and f riends, and it offers a spot to decompress and share
events of the day.
I consider a few key points when designing a kitchen, whether I'm work-
ing on a new build or renovation. Because it's vital to everyday activi-
ties, the kitchen has to function well and should be built specifically to
fit the homeowners. Do they entertain? Are there young children? What
are the ages and abilities of the family members? Are they foodies or
oenophiles? Then I pinpoint who primarily cooks in the home and cater
to that. The major prep area needs to be oriented toward the gathering
space in the room or adjacent area, so that the cook never feels isolated
or left out of activities.
The final thing I consider is what work space would serve the cook(s)
best. Kitchen trends evolve, and recently families have moved f rom the
kitchen triangle theory—with activity happening between the range,
ref rigerator, and sink—to a more linear concept. The work-station sink,
which incorporates cutting boards, colanders, and accessories, has risen
in popularity and changed the traditional work flow. These work-station
sinks are typically located in a center island and allow several people to
be involved in, or observant of, the cook's activities.
The most satisfied homeowners work with an interior designer to care-
fully consider these points, and balance the choice of appliances with
their culinary level—all while considering budget and real estate prices.
Kitchens must work on all levels to have a lasting appeal.
I hope you can pull inspiration f rom these pages, and that they might
spark ideas for your own kitchens, or any room in your home.
Good luck!
Laurie McRae, NCIDQ, AKBD, GA Registered Interior Designer
Laurie McRae Interiors
Augusta, GA
see page 388
Gavin Green Home Design, page 386
GreyHunt Interiors, page 387
CF Interiors, page 384
