A kitchen should be used for more than just cooking and eating. Designs of today feature amenities that not only make life more convenient, but make the best use of the space available as well.

If you are building a new home or remodeling an existing home, consider the ideas below when designing the kitchen of your dreams:

 

1. Small Desk Area

Many people find themselves multi-tasking in this busy world. By incorporating a desk area in your kitchen, you can easily watch the food on the stove while writing out bills or doing work on the computer. This is also an excellent place for children to do their homework near their parents while dinner is being prepared.

A post from Better Homes And Gardens shows how you can create a small desk area in almost any space. Utilize vertical space above the desk or counter to store important books or paperwork in a cabinet or in baskets that are placed on shelves.

Another great tip is to place cork on the wall behind the desk to pin reminders and keep the surfaces free of clutter. Chalkboards are also very handy and currently quite popular.

 

2. Breakfast Nook

An article by Huffington Post suggests turning an odd shaped area or corner into a quaint little breakfast nook.

Consider placing your little seating area near a window. The sunlight will feel comforting and cozy while sipping your morning cup of coffee. If the area is large enough, a window seat may be an attractive addition to your space.

Booth style seating is a fun option for families. On the other hand, a small table and two chairs gives a more intimate feel.

 

3. Wet Bar

If your home doesn’t have the space to install a full fledged bar, why not add a wet bar to your kitchen?

An article from This Old House recommends a Butler’s Pantry Bar. This built in area fits nicely into the kitchen and wood cabinetry can store and conceal your glassware and beer steins.

There are many features that you can add to your pantry bar, such as: an ice maker, wine refrigerator, or bottle cooling drawers. A small sink with workable counter space is a must for mixing and serving cocktails.

If you don’t have the wall space to add a Butler’s Pantry, you may want to think about turning a small closet or existing pantry into a wet bar area.

If you are unsure about the many options available, consult a professional who can determine your needs and preferences.

 

4. Pantry

If you don’t currently have a pantry, you may want to add one that is built in and recessed into the wall. A pantry will keep your food neatly out of sight and make food preparation more efficient because the items are easier to locate.

An article on HGTV states that adding Lady Susan shelves will make accessing ingredients quicker and keep them more organized.

Another great tip is to avoid adding shelves that are too deep, as it will make it difficult to find the items that you are looking for.

 

Conclusion

If you are bored with your current kitchen or designing a new one, be creative and discover how you can make the best use of your square footage. Small, unused areas in the room can be designed for functionality instead of wasted space.

For more reading on how you can update your current home or design a new one, check out the following articles: Kitchen Storage Part 1: Optimal Layouts For Cabinets and 5 Rustic Kitchen Design Ideas That Will Make You Believe In Love At First Sight.

 

Image: Flickr