Warm and Inviting Kitchen

Better design improves storage and gives everyone in the family a place in this kitchen.

Filed under: Kitchens

A wooden structure built around a chimney serves as a pantry and a message center for this busy family.

How do you make a kitchen family-friendly and improve its looks at the same time?

The greatest challenge in this kitchen was designing the space around an existing chimney that could not be removed. A tall structure, made of rich woods and warm colors, was built to conceal the chimney and to also house appliances and to create plenty of storage.

On one side of the pantry/chimney column, a built-in message center serves to keep the family organized.

An area of the kitchen was also set aside to have a convenient space for the children to hang out while the adults are cooking. The kids’ space includes their own table and storage in the column for games and puzzles.

An added bonus in this kitchen is a designated spot for something that is used every day, but you don’t want to see all the time. A closet was created especially for the water cooler with a lower and upper door. When you need to change the bottle, you open both doors. When you need a glass of water, you just open the bottom door.

By building on your kitchen’s strengths, you’re sure to make everyone feel at home.