How to Design an Open Kitchen
To create a kitchen with a spacious and open feel, choose a design that has a raised or vaulted ceiling. Installing additional windows and a large central island with seating around it can also help. If the cook and other family members can talk freely and see each other from all areas of the kitchen, this gives the room a very inviting atmosphere. All areas of the room should flow together naturally. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Sketch different floor plans for your kitchen. Figure out the best place for an island, but make sure the sink and stove are close together. Try to install more than one sink in the kitchen plan. Place one sink in the island for washing fruits and vegetables and another sink near the dishwasher.
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Use wall space around the kitchen's perimeter to place appliances, cabinets and storage units. Leave the central part of the kitchen space open for cooking and preparing at the island area. Measure doorways to see if they can be widened. Opening doorways of adjacent rooms gives the kitchen area a more spacious feel overall.
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Sketch places in the kitchen where you might display family treasures. Favorite dishes or pots add a lot of charm. Hang copper pots and other attractive cookware from an overhead wooden rack or metal unit. Use old rolling pins or antique pots to add atmosphere to the kitchen.
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Plan to use plenty of wood, stone and tile. Design the kitchen to feature your favorite colors and textures. Include bar stools at the central island that reflect your taste in fabrics or leather. Arrange seats to invite conversation during food preparation.
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Include a television and other media players in your kitchen. Use cooking time to watch the news or listen to music. Design the space to enjoy all sorts of activities while food is being prepared. If you have room, place chairs and a computer desk off to the side of the kitchen. Make it accessible space for a part-time home office for family members. Use the home office to pay bills or check email while dinner is being prepared.
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Tips & Warnings
Adding skylights and plenty of windows on exterior walls can open up kitchen space.
Light-colored paint can make the space seem larger and more inviting.
Make sure the kitchen flows into extended living spaces, such as a living room or family room. You want the kitchen to be very accessible from all other spaces near it.
Include a sliding glass door to open onto a patio or deck from the kitchen.
Adding a fireplace is a good idea to provide additional ambiance. You can build the fireplace off to one side and include a sitting area.
