Zone In On A More Effective Kitchen

What’s not to love about the holidays? It’s a hectic, magical time that offers a year-end opportunity to break away from the routine. It is a chance to connect with friends and family. and it’s a great opportunity to try out new recipes and indulge in some amazing meals.

But, it’s also a great time to look ahead and think about your kitchen as the center of family activity. If you were constructing a kitchen remodel wish list for the coming year, what would you include, change, expand? How can your kitchen/dining areas better support and enhance your lifestyle during peak use times, as well as every day of the year?

Think about the events of the past few weeks. What areas or kitchen zones could use some improvement? Would it have been more enjoyable if you had a separate baking area for preparing those five dozen gingerbread men and half dozen fruitcakes?  Could more of your guests have participated in the “banter” if you had a bar or side seating area to accommodate kitchen kibitzers? Start the planning process by gathering input and ideas from all the family/household members.

Food Preparation Areas
A recipe for success in this kitchen zone probably encompasses a sink or two and ample counter space. Nearby drawers and shelves can conveniently house the implements, bowls, boards and other equipment you need for chopping, mixing, peeling, deboning and skinning. Plan for trash receptacles, and provide seating areas for smaller helpers.

Cooking Zone
What is your ideal cooktop? Maybe you want to accommodate a grill area or a specialty item such as a deep fryer. Include ample space for the pots, and pans you’ll need, as well as the spices, herbs and sauces you routinely use in preparing those favorite dishes.

Bakers’ Delight
If pies and cookies and cakes are a routine part of your week, make sure you have a “baker’s corner” built in to any kitchen remodel. A marble countertop and or rolling pin might be nice. And don’t forget handy nearby drawers, bins or shelves to hold mixers, baking pans, whisks, flours, sugars and spices.

Beverage/Entertainment
When entertaining is more than a once in a while occasion at your home, a fully equipped bar/beverage center could be a key zone for a well-appointed kitchen.

Or, maybe one of the gifts you received this season - an espresso maker, wine glasses, a notebook computer - will suggest a work or entertainment area that could be included in a kitchen makeover. Focus on those cooking, entertaining activities you most enjoy. Take that step and you will be on your way to designing the kitchen you’ll love living in all year.