Years ago, kitchens were always in the back of the home behind closed doors. The thinking was that cooking is messy and should be out of sight. This emanated from very big, expensive homes at a time when there may have been servants. Even in modest homes later on, the kitchen was always hidden. Today, everybody wants "open concept" even in expensive homes where the kitchen has become the center of the home.
People have discovered that having people over for dinner can often involve cooking together as a group activity. It is part of the fun of entertaining. So now, kitchens are often designed with big islands with prep sinks and multiple ovens and dishwashers. There is a wide variety of kitchen counters from tile, to stone, granite, quartz etc.
There is no doubt that the kitchen has become the most important room in the house. In considering a renovation, investment in the kitchen has the biggest return on investment adding to the value of the home.
Adding a walk in pantry for storage is a must. Pull out drawers in the cabinetry to put dishes down low rather than up high has become very popular too. And of course, now wine refrigerators have become popular because everybody seems to be into wine.
If you are considering a renovation, best to work with a kitchen designer that can help with all the choices. Expect to spend between $50,000 and $100,000 plus to get what you want. It will be worth it because it will increase the value of your home.
