Tis the season for holiday cooking, baking, and eating. When it comes to all things food, all roads lead to the kitchen. In addition to the special holiday moments baking cookies or making a family recipe, kitchens are the everyday launching point and the place where we gather again upon returning home. In a 2015 Homes.com survey on respondent’s favorite room in the home, the most popular answer was kitchens.
While it may be easy to picture kitchens as the centerpiece of the home, this concept is still relatively modern. Only a few decades ago, kitchens were considered a utilitarian workspace hidden in the back of the home. As kitchen technology evolved after World War I, so did the concept of kitchens designed to be a multipurpose hub of social activity. Kitchens become more decorative and colorful, even through the Great Depression. In the 1940’s and 50’s, people begin to display plants and china outside of cabinets, and kitchens moved toward the front of the house. Time saving appliances became more important as women increasingly joined the workforce, and kitchen islands appear in the 70’s. In the 90’s, the concept of open kitchens built for entertaining becomes the go-to design. Elegant features like backsplashes and granite countertops flourish in the 2000’s and 2010’s.
With the average American spending about six hours a week in the kitchen, there’s a good reason why kitchens have evolved into unique rooms designed for convenience and entertaining. Here are eight kitchens that stylishly live up to the demand for a multipurpose space for connecting with family and friends.
6138 Falls Road Baltimore, Maryland 21209
This true chef’s kitchen is complete with a brick oven, top-of-the-line appliances, and a butler’s pantry providing ample storage. There’s seating for everyone in the breakfast nook complemented by a rustic chandelier, and kitchen counter seating for sous-chefs, pre-dinner guests, and everyone in-between.
1 Forest Bluff Court Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
Wrap-around seating, dual sinks, and a dry bar means this kitchen is ready for guests at a moment’s notice. Designed by Jay Jenkins, the kitchen flows seamlessly into the sky-lit sun room and spacious family room.
824 Katesford Road Cockeysville, Maryland 21030
The chef will never be away from the action in this kitchen that seamlessly flows between living, dining, and cooking spaces. The designer appliances are complemented by custom cabinetry and lighting, making this a beautiful area to catch up over breakfast or an evening glass of wine.
2415 Old Bosley Road Lutherville Timonium, Maryland 21093
There is plenty of space for the whole family to cook holiday recipes in this spacious kitchen. The double ovens, built-in wine rack, and wrap-around kitchen island will make this the perfect spot to entertain and spread out.
3020 Elliott Street Baltimore, Maryland 21224
Space, storage, and style harmoniously blend in this sleek Canton kitchen. Pop out a beverage from the wine cooler and relax- there’s a seat for everyone at this expansive island.
214 Hampton Park Circle Lutherville Timonium, Maryland 21093
Sleek and cool, this grey and green toned kitchen features a walnut island with a built-in sink, making cleanup a breeze.
12518 Happy Hollow Road Cockeysville, Maryland 21030
High ceilings, skylights, and wall-length windows make this kitchen bright and open. Look out onto a roaring fire in the living room while you cook, and get little ones involved with a convenient step stool incorporated into the island.
4 Clan Chattan Lane Towson, Maryland 21204
With the chef in mind, this kitchen features a beautifully detailed crown molding opening to the family room so you don’t have to miss your favorite scene from the holiday movie just because you need to check the oven.
4 Grenadier Court Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
It doesn’t get more open than this modern kitchen with clear sightlines to the dining and living areas. As you cook with family and friends, watch the snow fall down past forested trees through floor-to-ceiling windows. White cabinets stocked with storage allows pots and pans to hide out of sight once the fun is done.
Explore these extraordinary kitchens and more through our listings here.
Sources: Architectural digest, Smithsonian, Homes.com, Country Living