The kitchen has long been considered the heart of the home – a place to spend time with family and friends, enjoying a meal and connecting through conversation. Now in its more modern guise within an open plan space, it’s also become a room in which we live and relax, as well as entertain.

Current kitchen design places more emphasis on this larger, more central space with plenty of consideration given to creating natural traffic flows to manage the coming and going, particular at busy times. Functionality plays a key role in the success of the kitchen in an open plan living space, but because the kitchen is now on show, equal thought is given to design aesthetics and how different functions can be combined.

The idea of the kitchen as a living space is becoming more and more popular and those who have lived with small kitchens in older homes are taking notice when planning their new home. Additions that can provide dual functions are well worth considering – island benches, casual meals areas, living room furniture and the like are now an integral part of modern kitchen design.

Because we still don’t like mess and clutter on show, our open-plan kitchens have expanded to include a butler’s pantry or scullery as the place in which meals can be prepared and a mess created out of sight of the main living/kitchen room. This enhances the kitchen and elevates it to an entertaining haven.

The popularity of outdoor cooking has changed from a simple barbeque outside to a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen complete with ovens, dishwashers and sinks to complement the barbeque grills. Australia’s climate is highly suited to this style of outdoor living so it’s not a surprise it’s such a popular inclusion when building a new home.

Natura Homes has the design expertise and building know-how to create your perfect kitchen, living and entertaining space. Talk so our expert team today and let us create your dream home – uniquely designed for your family and your lifestyle.