Modern day remodeled kitchens are on average 255 square feet are referred to as supersized, exceeding the size of remodeled dining rooms (240 square feet) according to a recent Houzz survey. Today’s lifestyle is a key factor driving this trend that has made the kitchen the hub of the home.

Today it is common for more than one person to wear the chefs hat in the kitchen with children and friends participating as well. The kitchen is not just for cooking and baking anymore, it must also accommodate eating/dining, entertaining, socializing, home office duties/homework, watching TV and reading.

The success of this multi-purpose space begins with a great plan that optimizes your kitchen design with these priorities in mind that suite your particular lifestyle needs. To begin with, two or more cooks in the kitchen dictate wider aisles, easy storage and easy to clean and disinfect surfaces, easy to work, play and live in as well as families to gather in.

Function aside, those surveyed desired well-designed kitchens that were stylish and beautiful with easy integration with the rest of the home. A kitchen that reflects your personal style is important in making a statement or impression upon others.

The survey also found that natural light was preferred and a design that integrated with the outdoors. Energy efficient kitchen appliances, gourmet/pro-style cooking set-up and eco-friendly building materials also made the list optimized kitchen design.

By incorporating these kitchen design elements you are sure to achieve the kitchen of your dreams as well as add to the resale value of your home.