Despite its central location today, historically the kitchen was positioned at the back of the home, or separated from the house entirely, as it was thought to be in poor taste to expose guests to the aromas of dinner being prepared. In the past, the sole function of a kitchen was to provide a place to prepare food.

Since then, the kitchen has evolved into a place within which to work, socialise, relax and even grow plants, aptly becoming the heart of the home. From the beloved island bench to the convenient study nook, kitchen design trends are focussing more on multipurpose functionality. Read on as Western Australia Kitchen + Bathroom explores how to achieve an all-encompassing kitchen design that is perfect for the whole family.

TIME TO EVOLVE

In a world driven by digital calendars, ever-growing ‘to do’ lists, as well as the fear of missing out (aka FOMO), time is most precious to us. With a newfound appreciation for organisation, personal and professional development, and time-management skills, homeowners are searching for clever ways to create a convenient living space that is equally suitable for work, family time and entertaining. Enter the multipurpose kitchen.

A family room, a home office and an entertaining space in one, the modern multipurpose kitchen is gaining popularity among designers and homeowners alike for its versatility, efficiency and convenience. “Creating distinct zones within the same space will allow for multiple storage solutions and various working areas, such as a place for the kids to do homework, a space for eating, and a station for making coffee,” Martin Stead-Wynne says.

The benefits of designing a multipurpose kitchen are plentiful, with its biggest drawcard being its unique space-saving abilities, which make it a cost-effective solution by eliminating the need for extending or increasing the size of your house. “As home designs become smaller, homeowners are choosing to renovate their existing properties so that the kitchen acts as the main entertaining space, as well as a space for cooking,” Stead-Wynne says. Further, designing a multipurpose kitchen allows the whole family to use the space simultaneously, whatever activity they are engaged in.

The layout should be both practical and aesthetically pleasing, resulting in a space that will be enjoyed for many years to come.

When embarking on your project, you’ll first need to focus on establishing an intuitive flow throughout the area by choosing the right layout for the size and shape of your space. Perfect for incorporating multiple zones, the L-shaped layout comprises two walls of cabinetry that meet in the corner of a kitchen. The extra space created by installing appliances and cabinetry along the kitchen’s walls allows for a generous and convivial space suited to a high-traffic zone, while leaving ample room for socialising with family and friends. This layout also allows for the installation of an island, which has now become a much-celebrated staple within contemporary kitchens.

Alternatively, the I-shaped or galley-style kitchen is a great solution for smaller abodes, such as studio lofts and cosy apartments. Many
homeowners opt for this single-wall variation for its simplicity and affordability, creating an efficient yet stylish use of the available space. For an I-shaped kitchen, position the sink, rangehood, and food preparation area together in a single line. For convenience, ensure the preparation station is positioned halfway between the cooking and cleaning zone. This space-savvy layout will boost workflow efficiency, allowing you to spend more time in your kitchen by choice, not out of necessity.

Regardless of the layout you choose, remember to ensure your kitchen counters are strategically positioned, your appliances are stored in accordance with their purpose, and your seating zones are out of the way of traffic.

JOINING FORCES

Selecting the right joinery is essential for creating a functional multipurpose kitchen. Perfect for hiding away additional appliances and infrequently used items, concealed cabinetry will provide you with flexible storage space that is invaluable in a multi-use zone.

Whether you have chosen to incorporate a European laundry, a study nook, or a butler’s pantry, installing easily operable doors will ensure the area can be hidden from view in the blink of an eye. “By avoiding too much open shelving and installing closed cabinetry to hide objects, you create a much cleaner look and feel to the space,” Stead-Wynne says. “Clever internal hardware and storage solutions, particularly for tight spaces and corners, will allow you to utilise all of your available space.”

IN THE ZONE

The key to creating the ultimate multifunctional kitchen is to think about all its possible uses, and how its design will meet your needs now and into the future. However, if you’re a little lost for inspiration, it can help to research some trending features that have been making their way into kitchens across the nation.

A cleverly designed kitchen can incorporate a practical desk enclosed behind custom-fitted cabinetry or recessed into a wall or alcove. Even if you don’t work from home regularly, a devoted station for completing all those to-do lists, responding to emails, or planning the family’s social events can be useful in creating an organised home, and as they say, an organised home means an organised mind.

When designing your study nook, be mindful that there may not be a lot of distance between this workspace and the food preparation and cooking areas, so opting for practical, highly durable materials that are easy to keep clean is a must. Instead of selecting upholstered chairs, consider slip covers that can be removed during cooking, and are easily washed. Further, when it comes to decorating, keep in mind that this area will form part of an open space.

While incorporating some unique accents and trendy décor will liven up the space, selecting finishes and decorative items that complement the overall aesthetic will ensure a cohesive finish. However, the most important thing to remember when styling your nook is to ensure it has ample storage solutions, so that the area is kept neat, tidy and ready to use whenever you need it.

The Island

A must-have in any home, the island is deservedly at the centre of kitchens for its ability to gather everyone together, whether for a quick family meal, social drinks, or a soothing cup of tea. The best way to achieve a perfect island design is to start by visualising how you want you and your family to use it. It is equally important in the design stages to consider the height and width of the bench, as well as the seating arrangement, for an optimal result.

Once you’ve decided how you want to use your island, the next step is to select the storage solutions and additional features you’d like to incorporate into the design. Integrating appliances into the bench can significantly enhance the overall functionality of the space, while a compost and pull-out bin will also ensure your island is kept clean. If you want your island to be used primarily for food preparation, having a spare sink at one end will make clean up a breeze.