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KITCHEN SERVICES - OPENING TO ADJACENT SPACES |
A huge trend in remodeling is to open the kitchen to adjacent space. This has become especially popular in Manhattan where space is at a premium. It makes great sense to remove the one or two walls separating the kitchen from the dining or living area. Here are five great reasons:
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Opening the Space
Space can be limited in Manhattan. By removing a separating wall, you will add more space to your apartment. That will make both the kitchen and the adjacent room look and feel more spacious.
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Bringing the Kitchen Out of Hiding
The average Manhattan kitchen is at least 40 years old - some are even older. Styles have changed - and so have the way we think about kitchens. The idea was to hide the kitchen away from the living and dining space. Back then, there was good reason - the kitchen was simply a functional room. Cabinets, countertops and appliances were not nearly as attractive as they are today and the idea of hiding the cooking related clutter was a pretty good one. Today, cabinets , countertops, and appliances are beautiful pieces of furniture and there is no reason to hide anything. In fact, showing off your new kitchen will probably improve the appearance of your entire living and dining space.
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Creating a Central Gathering Place
Today, the kitchen/dining area is the heart of your home. It has become a central gathering place . If you are a one or two-person household, you will probably find yourself eating, watching television, paying bills - or simply hanging out at your new kitchen island/peninsula. If you have children, it will become their favorite place to do homework , have a snack or sit with you while you prepare dinner.
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Entertaining
This is probably one of the most popular reasons for opening the kitchen. Whether you are having two guests over for dinner or hosting a party for 30 friends, your new island /pe ninsula will be at the center of all the action. Your friends will keep you company there while you prepare the food - or maybe they'll even pitch in and make the salad. If you're hosting a bigger party, the islan d/p eninsula is the ideal spot to serve drinks and set out the buffet.
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The Cost
Opening your kitchen will not dramatically increase your remodeling cost. The demolition is relatively inexpensive since the crew is already working in the kitchen anyway. There will be some additional expense for more cabinetry and a wider counter top, but considering that you have turned a blank wall into a dynamic gathering/entertaining space, the additional cost is relatively small. And, more importantly, by opening the space in a showroom like fashion you are likely to increase the value of your home. |
Considering remodeling your kitchen? Want to learn more? Get a free
kitchen remodeling consultation. |
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