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Kitchens
It's no wonder that kitchens are commonly named as the favorite room of the house. The space
provides literal nourishment, as well as nourishment for the heart and soul. It's the room where you
commune with family members and friends, 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 working on a new build or renovation.
Because it's vital to everyday activities, 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 from the kitchen triangle theory—with activity happening between the
range, refrigerator, and sink—to a more linear concept. The work-station sink, which incorporates
cuing 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 carefully 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 from these pages, and that they might spark ideas for your own kitchens,
or any room in your home.
Jaque Bethke
Jaque Bethke Designs
Scosdale, AZ
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