"The Kitchen is the New Living Room" - Ina Garten

Don't you feel like something in the human subconscious motivates us to linger in the kitchen? Even if there isn't a proper place to sit, many people would rather pull up a seat on the counter than make their way over to the living room. It just feels good; to smell the smells, feel the energy, maybe help out with dinner or dishes. It only makes sense that the current trend in home design involves flowing spaces where the kitchen is open to the living room. We are social beings. We want to include the host during cocktail hour as he or she ties up loose ends. We want to help our kids with homework while preparing lunches for the next day. We want to snack while reading a book, the newspaper, or a magazine. So why not bring elements of the living room into the kitchen? Encourage those instincts and create a space that goes out of its way to invite people to get comfortable and stay a while.

Project Team: Greg Kayko, Linda Eggerss, Janice Pattee; Source: NKBA Design Idea Center 2008

This looks so cozy! With the over-stuffed throw pillows and colorful cushions, this banquet feels more like a sofa. The framed family photos and large lamp-shade pendant are also nice touches reminiscent of the living room.

Design: Allison Caccoma; Photography: Jonny Valiant; Source: House Beautiful

This image reminds me on an elegant fireplace. I love the hearth design encasing the hood with the flanking built-in shelving. Just gorgeous! This kitchen looks like the perfect chefs study. Don't you want to just pull up a chair and curl up in front of a fireplace with one of those cook books? :)

Design: Robert Stilin; Photography: Julian Wass; Source: House Beautiful

These images are details from Ina Garten's barn kitchen. Placing a table lamp on your counter is a delightful way to add elements of a living room into your kitchen. The presence of a lamp, plus the warm light filtering through the shade, adds a lovely touch of charm.

And this big basket is so great! In a living room it might be used to store blankets or magazines; but in the kitchen, this deep and wide basket is practical and attractive for storing cookie sheets, cooling racks, and cutting boards.

Design: Susan Serra & Associates

Items like framed art and sculptural pieces, expected in the living room, become an intriguing surprise in the kitchen. These unique touches add personality and calm to a space that can sometimes get hectic as the cook is cranking out the next meal. I love how Susan Serra placed this art in such a place that the person who's actually getting some work done can enjoy it!

If you are interested in a kitchen or bathroom remodel or addition, please visit our website at thekitchenandbathpeople.com