ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Forget about the living room. The kitchen is the social hub of a home. In fact, a recent study by Merillat cabinetry found that the kitchen is the most influential room when deciding to buy a home.
Today’s homeowners want their kitchens to reflect their personal tastes while accommodating their daily lives. And a kitchen that can do all this is in need of one thing — smart storage.
Storage is Key
Another key insight revealed from Merillat cabinetry’s research study is that 84 percent of consumers consider storage features to be the most important factor in their cabinetry decision process — in fact, this consideration is second only to price. And while consumers know they want more storage, they often don’t know what’s available to them.
According to Paul Radoy, manager of design services for Merillat, the best way to approach kitchen organization and storage is to first understand how you plan on using the room. "Everyone uses the kitchen to prepare food; however, many homeowners use their kitchen for entertaining, crafting, or just spending time with their families," he says. "Each of these activities lends themselves to various storage opportunities. And when a kitchen is designed for the way you live it’s sure to be more functional."
The Home Chef
Food preparation and cooking are the primary functions of a kitchen, but creating an environment for gourmet cooking is a special treat for homeowners who consider themselves "at home chefs."
To create this environment, it’s important to keep cooking items organized and within easy reach. Storage solutions could include a pull-out spice rack next to the stove, perfect for cooks who like to experiment. A cutting board kit can neatly store knives within a drawer and has a built in cutting board. This feature, combined with a pull-out trash underneath, can make food prep a breeze.
Extra wide or deep drawers are a great storage solution when installed under a cook top. A deep drawer organizer, which features solid hardwood pegs, is ideal for storing bulky items like pots, pans and mixing bowls.
Another option is to install a utensil hanging system on the backsplash, or a pull-down cook book holder underneath a wall cabinet. Finally, grouping all these organizational conveniences near the cook top can create the perfect space to create culinary delights.
The Entertainer
If you’ve ever had a party you know everyone ends up in the kitchen. This is why homeowners who like to entertain should consider whether or not their kitchen is functional for entertaining. Luckily there are several features that can help make the party successful.
One kitchen feature that helps make entertaining easier is an island. Not only can an island provide extra seating and serving space, it can include great storage. According to Radoy, "An island with a great focal point like a wine storage is classy and practical. And adding spice drawers to hold napkins or small utensils like corkscrews is another great idea."
Open shelving also adds a great design element for a kitchen used for entertaining. These shelves allow the homeowner to display beautiful dishware and glasses; and guests can help themselves to a plate for appetizers or a glass for wine.
The Mommy
Moms know that having young children can make the kitchen a challenging space, but there are features to make this room more kid friendly. Soft closing drawers and doors can protect against hurt hands, while keeping the contents from rattling.
Deep drawers to store children’s items like a backpack, schoolwork and crafts are a big plus. And a pantry or utility cabinet allows the homeowner to store many different items in one central location and at different levels making some things more accessible or inaccessible for children.
"Homeowners may also consider placing the microwave in a base level cabinet so everyone in the family can have easy access," suggested Radoy.
Another thing to keep in mind is that with kids come messes. Having an organized cleanup zone can minimize clutter and make any kitchen shine. Things like a tilt-out sink tray, which keeps soaps and sponges out of sight, an under sink tote and a pull-out waste basket help to keep things tidy.
"However you use this most popular room in the house, smart design and innovative storage can make life in the kitchen easier – and more fun." concluded Radoy.
For more information about Merillat’s many beautiful and intelligent product options visit Merillat.com.
For updated kitchen tips and trends, and recipes from Curtis Stone, join the Merillat Facebook page and visit the Round Table Blog, Twitter and YouTube.
About Merillat. A dash of function. A pinch of innovation. Merillat cabinetry offers smart storage solutions and functional design to help make prepping, cooking and entertaining in the kitchen easier. Just ask Merillat spokesperson, renowned chef Curtis Stone – someone who knows the importance of a well-designed kitchen. To learn more about the many beautiful and intelligent cabinetry options from Merillat, along with kitchen tips and recipes from Curtis, visit Merillat.com.
The Grove, developed by Caruso Affiliated, is one of Los Angeles’ most popular shopping, dining and entertainment destinations, attracting more than 18 million visitors each year from throughout the region and around the world. Its consistently high sales figures make The Grove one of the most successful retail centers in the country. Since opening in 2001, The Grove, located in the heart of city, has become a well-established icon in the L.A. vocabulary and is considered the city’s coolest “hot spot” with scores of celebrity sightings. Caruso Affiliated is nationally recognized for creating innovative open-air retail environments that serve as local gathering places such as The Grove that have set a new standard for the retail industry.
# # #
Agency Contact:
Robyn Nowak
HY Connect
(414) 225-9520
rnowak@hyc.com
Merillat Contact:
Susan Cross
Masco Cabinetry
(734) 205-4659
susan.cross@mascocabinetry.com