Despite its central location today, historically the kitchen was positioned at the back of the home, or separated from the house entirely, as it was thought to be in poor taste to expose guests to the aromas of dinner being prepared. In the past, the sole function of a kitchen was to provide a place to prepare food. Since then, the kitchen has evolved into a place within which to work, socialise, relax and even grow plants, aptly becoming the heart of the home.

From the beloved island bench to the convenient study nook, kitchen design trends are focussing more on multipurpose functionality. Read on as Melbourne Kitchen + Bathroom Design explores how to achieve an all-encompassing kitchen design that is perfect for the whole family.

TIME TO EVOLVE

In a world driven by digital calendars, ever-growing ‘to do’ lists, as well as the fear of missing out (aka FOMO), time is most precious to us. With a newfound appreciation for organisation, personal and professional development, and time-management skills, homeowners are searching for clever ways to create a convenient living space that is equally suitable for work, family time and entertaining. Enter the multipurpose kitchen. “A multipurpose kitchen design encompasses the activity and purpose of living habits beyond the cooking, eating and gathering that is unique to kitchen life,” Forbes says. A family room, a home office and an entertaining space in one, the modern multipurpose kitchen is gaining popularity among designers and homeowners alike for its versatility, efficiency and convenience. The benefits of designing a multipurpose kitchen are plentiful, with its biggest drawcard being its unique space-saving abilities, which make it a cost-effective solution by eliminating the need for extending or increasing the size of your house.

Further, designing a multipurpose kitchen allows the whole family to use the space simultaneously, whatever activity they are engaged in.

OPEN-PLAN LIVING 

Depending on the size and layout of your home, an open-plan kitchen design may best accommodate your various daily activities. “Open-plan spaces by their nature are multipurpose,” Forbes says. “Work zones traditionally housed in their own rooms can be merged, improving efficiency of space and placement of utilities.”

Another prominent feature of open-plan designs is the absence of internal walls, which allow plenty of natural light to enter the home, making it feel more inviting. “[Installing] skylights, window splashbacks, and floor-to-ceiling windows are also wonderful ways to let natural light in and open up the space,” Forbes says. “When designing for multipurpose zones, [ancillary] lighting is a great for switching focus between functions, be it sensored LED strip lighting, or ambient pendant lights above the dining island extension. Task lighting is a must in any home, but the strength of task lighting in a multipurpose kitchen is its ability to create intimate environments.”

IN THE ZONE 

The key to creating the ultimate multifunctional kitchen is to think about all its possible uses, and how its design will meet your needs now and into the future. If you’re a little lost for inspiration, it can help to research some trending features that have been making their way into kitchens across the nation.

The Herb Hub 

Together with the indoor plant phenomenon, the grow-your-own movement has soared in popularity, and for good reason.

When designing your study nook, be mindful that there may not be a lot of distance between this workspace and the food preparation and cooking areas, so opting for practical, highly durable materials that are easy to keep clean is a must. Further, when it comes to decorating, keep in mind that this area will form part of an open space. While incorporating some unique accents and trendy décor will liven up the space, selecting finishes and decorative items that complement the overall aesthetic will ensure a cohesive finish. However, the most important thing to remember when styling your nook is to ensure it has ample storage solutions, so that the area is kept neat, tidy and ready to use whenever you need it.

The Island 

A must-have in any home, the island is deservedly at the centre of kitchens for its ability to gather everyone together, whether for a quick family meal, social drinks, or a soothing cup of tea. The best way to achieve a perfect island design is to start by visualising how you want you and your family to use it. It is equally important in the design stages to consider the height and width of the bench, as well as the seating arrangement, for an optimal result.

Once you’ve decided how you want to use your island, the next step is to select the storage solutions and additional features you’d like to incorporate into the design. Integrating appliances into the bench can significantly enhance the overall functionality of the space, while a compost and pull-out bin will also ensure your island is kept clean. If you want your island to be used primarily for food preparation, having a spare sink at one end will make clean up a breeze.

Tech-savvy households can benefit from pop-up power outlets, which can be easily concealed within the countertop when not in use. However, it’s essential that you chat to your electrician early on to make sure they can incorporate all the necessary components for your island’s electrical plan.

The Daybed 

There is nothing quite like enjoying a lovely view of your garden while relaxing indoors with your favourite book and beverage of choice. Fortunately, incorporating a wide daybed or cosy window seat into your kitchen’s design has never been easier.

Installing a daybed or window seat offers a number of advantages, especially for those wanting to focus on their general well-being. Taking the time to relax for a while and breakaway from the modern-day mindset of being ‘too busy’ can be the first step towards bringing a little more balance to your life. Positioning the daybed to overlook your garden will connect your kitchen interior with your outdoor area, acting as a bridge between both realms. Further, window seats are also very easy to install, especially in homes with expansive glass windows, so turn off your phone, take a seat, and soak up that sunlight.

For those short on space and on a tight budget, a simple window seat with built-in storage is the perfect option for promoting comfort and functionality. Not only will you have a comfortable resting spot in the kitchen, but you’ll also have space to stow away additional kitchenware that you may not frequently use. To achieve a seamless aesthetic, match your daybed to your existing joinery.