How the pandemic has impacted kitchen design

It has been over a year since the pandemic changed our world. We’ve all made many adjustments during the last 12 months, from mastering Zoom meetings to having masks that match your outfit (and by outfit I mean sweat pants). The increase in time spent at home has led to significant changes in what we want from the spaces in our homes, in particular the kitchen.

pandemic problem: too many cooks in the kitchen

If your kitchen is anything like mine, it’s been a busy place. When school was fully remote and our office was closed I found myself at home full time with two seemingly constantly hungry teenagers. Don’t get me wrong, I love that they are capable of cooking and feeding themselves. It’s just that they do it a lot, and generally at the exact same time.

Design solution

Ample prep space is key here. One person (hungry teenager) can prep their complicated black bean burrito next to the range, while another (hungry teenager) can prep yoghurt and granola at the island. A 6 burner range will give more space for multiple chefs and placing the microwave away from the range (not above it!) will also help create more elbow room.

pandemic problem: the kitchen office

As I type, I sit at my own kitchen island. So I know this one well. When trying to carve a little space to create a work area the kitchen is often the easiest spot, because of the counter space that an island or peninsula offers.

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design solution

There will always be concessions when working in the kitchen, but there are a couple of design ideas that could make a workable office space within your kitchen. A desk that folds up into a wall unit offers useful space that can be easily tidied away. Placing your desk area at the end of the counter run will help separate your space, even more so if there’s a counter cabinet to create a barrier. Alternatively adding a standing desk area within a large pantry is useful for shorter work tasks.

pandemic problem: so many dishes

Because anytime someone wants a glass of water… they need a new glass. The endless barrage of dirty dishes can be overwhelming, and sink filling.

design solution

Sadly even the most amazing kitchen design will not solve this problem. But we can make dishes less annoying. Dishwasher placement is a key component. Your dishwasher should be near your sink (duh) but it should also be in close proximity to where the clean dishes live. Consider putting silverware and plates and bowls in drawers diagonally opposite your dishwasher, the clean dishes can be put away without taking an extra step. Glasses and mugs could be placed in an upper cabinet or on open shelving above your dishwasher.

pandemic problem: you are not a short order cook

In homes with younger kids, the adult at home can become snack provider, drink server and short order cook. The requests come fast and furious and it’s hard to get anything done.

Design solution

Give back the responsibility of snack time. Designate a lower drawer with healthy snacks, include simple sandwich ingredients for slightly older kids. Another drawer can be for reusable water bottles and kid friendly dishes. Prep and wash fruit and veggies in small containers in the fridge, easy for small hands to reach. Also consider refrigerator drawers, one for the grown up and one for the kiddos. Creating a kids zone will allow the littler family members to take charge and give you a bit of a break.

As we move forward

Happily it appears that after this long and difficult year, we are moving towards a more normal sense of life. Vaccines are happening, schools are opening. Life as we knew it seems to be coming closer. But, some of the lessons we have learned during our year at home will stay with us.

The kitchen design elements that have been most helpful during this time are ones that we have been advocating for years (since before the pandemic was cool). Creating zones within your kitchen, ensuring different spaces for different tasks and design a kitchen that flows are key parts of the way our designers work.

If you’re ready to bring some of these design ideas into your space give us a call or schedule a visit at one of our showrooms.