Today's kitchen is multi-functional and multi-generational. It's where homework is done, work emails checked, pre-dinner drinks mixed, and party guests entertained. Of course, it's also where family meals are whipped up and, quite often, eaten.
"Ever since Covid-19 we have seen a big shift in people looking closely at their home and how they can optimise its usability. Homes have become our sanctuary and, increasingly, a place of work. A lot of our clients are renovating key areas, such as the kitchen, to get the most out of those spaces and to tailor them to their needs," says Felicity Page, senior designer at Freedom Kitchens.
Likewise, the housing crunch has led to changes in what we need from our kitchens. "With more people living in shared homes now, and adult children living at home longer or returning to the family home, there is a demand for spaces that can be used in different ways and by people of all ages, and that includes the kitchen," says Tracie Platz, design consultant at Kitchens U Build. "People want kitchens with ample bench space for multiple uses, creative storage, and different functional work areas allocated for use by family members of all ages."
This growing demand for multi-use kitchens has led to some real design innovation over the past several years, adds Karen Kunst, director of KJK Interiors. "Adaptability is key within kitchen design today," she says. "From incorporating a wine cellar, bar, drop zone or study to the inclusion of space-saving integrated appliances and pocket-door appliance cabinets, many more multi-functional elements, in some form or another, are now being implemented into standard kitchen designs. In particular, it's not uncommon for people to use their kitchen as a home office or a homework space for their children.
This story is from the Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly 31.1 edition of Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly 31.1 edition of Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DARK AND DARING
This kitchen has undergone an incredible transformation from its original 1920s laminate iteration.
HEART OF THE HOME
This formerly tucked-away kitchen is now truly the heart of the home.
CUSTOMER REVIEW
This satisfied homeowner shares her journey with Crystal Bathrooms
WATER CONTROL AT ITS BEST
Autoflo / AutoAqua was the first company in Australia to develop and produce electronic tapware in 1985.
MASTER SHOWROOM
Hardware & General first opened as a corner hardware store in 1960, and has expanded along Winbourne Road, Harbord Road and Pittwater Road into 20 specialist sales centres in Brookvale.
PIONEERING INNOVATION
It is the industry news that's on everyone's lips.
FLAWLESS FUNCTION
More than just a kitchen sink, the Boutique collection from Abey Australia is a multifunctional food preparation station, cleaning and entertaining area.
CONERO: EXCLUSIVE TO HÄFELE
Assemble your perfect outfit in just a few movements of the hand - everything is conveniently accommodated in a walk-in wardrobe.
TURN SMALL SPACES INTO BIG PLACES WITH REVEGO POCKET SYSTEMS
Homeowners are always considering ways to maximise the practical space available around the home.
MEDITERRANEAN MEETS COASTAL
This outdated, cramped 90s kitchen was struggling to service the needs of the homeowner's family of four and their pooch, so she set her sights on giving it a revamp as part of a broader renovation of the entire home.