With many of us occupied with hectic work schedules and busy home lives, multifunctional home design is a must – especially for homeowners who place a high premium on convenience.
That’s why we’re bringing you tips that will ensure your kitchen satisfies all of your wants and needs, so that you can combine fashion with function in one of the busiest rooms of the house.
1. Create a space to socialise with an open-plan layout
From spending quality time together as a family, to maximising your downstairs space, there are plenty of benefits of opting for an open-plan living space. Now a staple of contemporary home design, your open-plan kitchen/diner is sure to serve up style.
Whether it’s to help the kids with their homework while you cook, or for a sociable area suitable for dinner parties, knocking through to the adjoining room creates one contemporary communal space for the whole family to enjoy.
2. Find flooring that combines fashion with function
The kitchen is generally considered to be the hub of any home, which makes finding a functional flooring solution, able to withstand everyday wear and tear, essential. From spills and stains to heavy footfall, investing in a long-lasting and low-maintenance floor will save you time and money in the long term.
From rustic engineered wood floors, to polished porcelain floor tiles, it couldn’t be easier to find your property’s perfect match. And the easy-to-clean surfaces of these floors will make for a practical choice in this busy space, too.
3. Invest in appliances you know you’ll use
While many of us dream of having a kitchen that comes with the latest gadgets, when it comes to creating a purposeful kitchen, saving space is just as crucial as taking the hassle out of cooking.
Less is more, and considering which types of technology you’ll use in this space (and which ones will end up gathering dust on the countertop) means you can streamline your home, making the cleaning process as easy as possible.
So whether you’ll be whipping up barista-style coffee in the comfort of your own home or baking fresh loaves of bread each morning, take the time to think about which state-of-the-art kitchen appliances you’ll actually need and use.
4. Choose materials based on their longevity
Every homeowner appreciates the struggle of finding high-quality materials while managing a tight interior design budget.
But for a sophisticated and highly functional kitchen, investing in premium features will soon pay off. Considering a kitchen’s practical requirements means you can dial up its aesthetic appeal, while keeping the maintenance to a minimum.
5. Integrate kitchen appliances into the overall design
Everyday appliances and utensils can transform a house into a home that’s loved and lived in. But the level of impact they have on your kitchen’s overall design is up to you.
Hiding the less stylish aspects of day-to-day living, such as recycling bins and cooking utensils, couldn’t be easier when you introduce under-counter storage solutions to your kitchen.
With a broad range of pull-out and built-in designs to choose from, it couldn’t be easier to integrate these functional items into your home. And if your kitchen’s storage space is limited, actually creating a design feature using your cooking equipment can prove just as effective.
So, from getting the look with long-lasting materials, to incorporating the latest technology into your home, keeping function at the forefront of your mind when designing a kitchen will allow you to make maximum use of this sophisticated space for years to come. Take a look at our Home Inspiration section for more design ideas.
