subject: Display Decor Manager Melissa Bennett Discusses Kitchen Storage Solutions [print this page] The kitchen is the hub of the home The kitchen is the hub of the home
In the past, kitchens were positioned to one side of the home off a central hallway but today the kitchen has become the hub of the home where families unite and spend most of their time.
We now design our homes with the kitchen as the central focus. It is generally positioned towards the centre or rear of the home to provide a clear visual link to other areas. Todays kitchen needs to be cross functional a social meeting point, a home chefs delight and practical for parents to keep and eye on their children whilst entertaining and preparing meals.
Kinds of storage devices
We design our kitchens today to compliment Australians love of food and entertaining. It needs to have as much storage space as possible without compromising on aesthetics. The latest designer features include open shelf units above fridges, stylish overhead cupboards surrounding rangehoods and built-in wine racks so your favourite wines are within arms reach.
Drawers are fast becoming the preferred storage option over cupboards; full extension draws make the most of storage space with a clear view to the back of cabinetry. Strong metal tracks support the draws, necessary for large and heavy weighted pots and pans. Another advantage of full extension pot draws is that it alleviates ones back having to reach or crouch into to dark corner cupboards.
Butlers pantry
The butlers pantry is for those serious about entertaining and making a statement. It is the ultimate in secondary storage that serves as an excellent food preparation area and ideal to prop all the appliances we cant live without, from the juicer to the bread-maker. The Butlers pantry can include a sink, additional bench room and plenty of additional cupboards.
The pantry also hides any kitchen mess after entertaining with family and friends.
Some of our floor plans even provide direct access to this area from the garage so heavy shopping can be carried into the home straight into the kitchen, easily and conveniently
Appliances
Appliances are no longer just a functional item in the kitchen. The trend is to include stainless steel appliances that will suit the overall contemporary design of your home.
We have designed some of our kitchens to incorporate an espresso machine thats built into the wall, creating a seamless look.
Niche areas for fridges, dishwashers and microwaves also maintain a neat and tidy appearance. Some of these appliances can be integrated into your kitchen completely by matching the material used on the rest of your kitchen cabinetry. Microwaves can be finished off by a stainless steel trim kit, again contributing to the uninterrupted streamlined affect.
