Dream Kitchens that WORK

Designing the kitchen of your dreams can be an overwhelming task without the assistance of a professional. Jennifer Taylor, of Jennifer Taylor Studio, has helped hundreds of clients design kitchens tailored to exactly the way they use their home. From intimate breakfast nooks and gathering areas to large scale entertaining designs, she shares some trade secrets for making the most of your space.

	This compact loft kitchen was designed for a single person that did not need additional seating for entertaining. Dishwasher “drawers” are hidden by cabinetry fronts to the left of the sink; microwave, oven and refrigerator are built into the island so that the view from the living room is clean.

Jennifer’s top considerations for kitchen design and planning:

Consider how you live and how you use your kitchen. Those that cook a home-cooked meal each night will have much different needs from those that don’t cook at all but host catered events on a regular basis. A gourmet chef may dream of a Viking range and warming drawers. Those that entertain often may build their kitchen to suit their caterer’s needs, rather than their own. The end design may include a large island for staff preparation and buffet serving as well as commercial-sized appliances.

Think about adjacencies. If your space has an open floor plan, remember the site-line to your kitchen from other rooms. Advance planning can remove all appliances from view and give your kitchen a warm look and feel.

Evaluate and inventory your storage needs to keep your counter space clean and clear while streamlining your work efforts. There are a multitude of interior storage systems on the market to choose from that can organize everything in your kitchen, from pantry items to dishware.

		This traditional kitchen was designed for a family of four that entertains frequently. It has ample room to move and work and is an excellent example of how to maintain and extend the architectural elements from adjoining areas. Notice that everything above counter height has“furniture” feel – including the mahogany island countertop – perfect for party buffet serving
A fan of “hiding the service” side of the kitchen, Jennifer designed this space to provide storage on the dining side of the island so that the table may be set with ease. After the meal, dishes are cleared, passed over the extended island to be placed in the dishwasher hidden from view on the other side. Lower cabinetry consists of drawers that eliminate the need to bend to reach into deep cupboards. Countertop “cubbies” hide coffee maker (left of sink) and baking center (right of sink) and keep countertops clean.

To view information and work samples from Jennifer Taylor Studio, click here