Thomas Buckborough specializes in remodeling residences for homeowners who are passionate about their homes. Creating Living Kitchens is a specialty as is any space that reflects the owners specific taste, needs and lifestyle. Thomas is also an avid chef and wine master.
What is a Super Kitchen?
Recently, the term “Super Kitchens” has become popular in design articles. At first, it makes one think of an extra fancy kitchen design that you only see in architecture magazines. However, that’s not really what the term is referring to. It really refers to a much more homegrown kind of trend, which refers to how kitchens are being used by people these days.
For decades, kitchens in new homes have been “open” in concept. Typically having no wall between a family room, a dining room or both. But often the kitchens themselves still don’t reflect how well people use their kitchens. They remain hallways and circulation space, they lack social areas, and they have pinch points. Nearly every home I visit, the homeowners talk about issues that present themselves when family and friends inevitably gather in the kitchen.
Key Elements to Super Kitchen Design
If you are interested in converting your kitchen into a far superior “super kitchen”, you will need to know the key design elements. In general, super kitchen design is based on optimal functionality and utility for the whole family. Now by utility, we don’t only mean for cooking. We are talking about creating a gathering space with plenty of seating, counter space, and of course room for cooking! Let’s break down the specific elements.
Easy Access to Technology
These days, homeowners are looking for places where their kids can sit and do their homework while parents are at work in the kitchen. Super kitchens often contain hidden outlets, USB charging locations, and places for laptops. This adds functionality to the kitchen beyond cooking which will further entice your family to gather.
More Surfaces, Seating, & Storage
Entertaining is great and as families grow over the years it’s good to be able to have a place where you can gather. Super kitchens feature loads of seating, as well as multiple surfaces to cook, do homework, or enjoy a snack. Most times you will see super kitchens featuring a large islands for additional storage, seating, and extra counter space.
In addition to more surfaces, every super kitchen has ample amount of storage for your pots, pans, and smaller appliances. If you have ever lived in a space with a smaller kitchen, you know the struggle of trying to find enough space to store everything without taking up precious counter space. This is why in all of our remodels, we highly encourage planning for ample storage space. When you have enough space, you will have a much easier time keeping surfaces clear to be used for other purposes!
Clean, Modern Layouts & Designs
New trends often found in super kitchens are clean lines and modern design trends. In many ways, super kitchens are similar to Scandinavian style that embodies minimalism and functionality. Not only does it look modern, but every corner of space is used for something. You will also notice super kitchens have an open layout with plenty of space to roam.
While super kitchen design typically feature more modern features, this does not mean you can’t have the design style you prefer. Remember, super kitchen design is really about embracing functionality and utility for the whole family.
Smart Appliances
No matter the appliance it can be optimized to run more efficiently and effectively. Many super kitchens incorporate only the best of the best with high rating efficiency. Not only do these smart appliances easy on the utility bill, but they are also great in terms of functionality and user experience. While this might sound silly at first, but not everyone knows how to run the dish washer. These smart features and easy to use interfaces make it easier to get everyone in the house hold to pull their weight.
In addition to smart appliances, many super kitchens utilize custom cabinetry to seamlessly blend appliances in with the rest of the kitchen. This is a great option for those who want all of the features of the latest appliances, but don’t want to disrupt the style.
Start Designing Your Super Kitchen
Is the thought of a super kitchen in your home growing on you? If so, we love helping people create meaningful spaces that are a reflection of each individual lifestyle. We are going to say it again, a remodeled home done well enhances more than just the parts that are touched. It elevates the entire home and brings new life for years to come (not to mention increasing the value of your home). That’s just the key concept of great remodeling.
If you are looking for a quality contractor who will get the job done right, Call or contact us at Thomas Buckborough and Associates to start exploring what is possible with your home!