The Live-in Kitchen
June 14, 2006 by Maricar
Filed under General Housekeeping and Homemaking
The living room, family room, dining room, even the bedroom have all moved into the kitchen, according to the results of a survey by Electrolux. Electrolux introduced the concept of the “Live-In Room” at the 2006 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. This is the show where TurboChef’s Speedcook Oven made its debut.
In that survey, nine out of 10 respondents said they are involved in some sort of activity in their kitchen besides cooking – from paying bills and doing homework to practicing musical instruments and working on the computer. In addition, more than two-thirds of adults said they use their kitchen, rather than their living or family rooms, to socialize and entertain guests, Electrolux said.
“People are telling us that all things that used to happen in other parts of the house – like eating in the dining room, entertaining in the living room and napping in the den – are moving into the kitchen,” observed Keith McLoughlin, CEO of Electrolux Major Appliances, Americas. “Tomorrow’s kitchen is moving beyond the bread and butter basics – the room we cook and eat in – to the high-functioning heart of the home. It’s the space where we entertain, relax, work and play.”
Kitchens are getting bigger and bigger, with spaces designated for the various tasks that it needs to accomodate. First it was a computer/bill-paying desk. Now, we’re seeing pianos? That may be a bit extreme. Why don’t we just build single room homes, if all the activities are going on in this one room anyway?
Seriously, though, I do like the idea of a “hub” in the house and the kitchen is the practical place for it. Or rather in the room ‘formerly known as the kitchen’. But where will it end? Will we see hot tubs in the kitchen next?
[Source: Kitchen & Bath Design News]
Tags: kitchens, home design
