Consider the kitchen your multi-purpose space

When it comes to kitchen renovations, the trend toward creating a multi-purpose space — a place for the entire family to gather, share meals and entertain friends — continues to grow.

Jacqueline Glass, an interior decorator, believes that creating a balance between style and functionality is key when designing a well-planned kitchen.

Jacqueline recommends including a homework/computer centre for kids and a family seating area in the kitchen. A window seat containing cupboards and open shelves provides a cozy spot for reading, while allowing for extra storage, and an island that is fully functional for food preparation, often becomes the central hub of the kitchen. “A common request among my clients is a kitchen that serves the needs of the entire family,” says Jacqueline. “I often plan for kitchen islands that include a complete bar prep area. Extremely popular, bar preps offer the perfect environment for entertaining and provide additional work space for the kitchen.”

Jacqueline advises clients to include a sink and pull out faucet in their bar prep area for filling pots and washing fruits and vegetables.

Additional tips to help make your kitchen both purposeful and fashionable for your family.

- When designing a bar prep area, try to keep it outside the kitchen’s main work triangle. This will allow room for guests to assemble in the kitchen while the host prepares hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

- To have everything you need at your fingertips, your bar prep area should include storage space for wine and stemware racks, a wine cooler, table linens ad silverware.

- Make your kitchen user-friendly. Create more storage by moving appliances, like the refrigerator, from the corner of the room and replace it with a floor-toceiling pullout pantry.