How To Create The Ultimate Multi-Tasking Kitchen
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Planning a new kitchen or thinking of doing a kitchen remodelling? Before you lock in your colour scheme and finishes (we know, it’s tempting!) you’ll want to make sure you’ve nailed your kitchen floorplan and maximised functionality… and there’s no better way to do that than by creating a kitchen that can multi-task!
To create a multi-tasking kitchen you use the same basic principles as you do to create any other multi-tasking room in your home - customise storage and solutions to create multiple zones in one space. This results in a kitchen that caters to a multitude of purposes and tasks by day and night. So whether it’s preparing a meal, entertaining, working from home, or casual family dinners - your kitchen stands up to the task without skipping a beat. So what inclusions do you need to create the ULTIMATE multi-tasking kitchen?
Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Kitchen
Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Kitchen
Built-In Bar
There’s nothing like being able to entertain at home with family and friends, and a built-in bar is definitely at the top of the inclusions list for our own kitchen designs. Discreetly placed behind doors like we’ve done here in our Contemporary Coastal Kitchen or put on a show with open shelving, a built-in bar provides the ultimate storage for glassware, chilled drinks and anything else you need for a dinner party or quiet alfresco refreshment on the weekend.
Dining Zone
If you’re tossing up the pros and cons of including an island bench in your new kitchen layout, take it from us - the pros definitely put an island bench in the non-negotiable box. And there’s no better way to multi-task in your kitchen than integrating a dedicated dining zone in your island bench. It provides the ultimate space for casual family dinners, pre-dinner drinks and a homework station with an endless supply of snacks at hand.
At the end of our Resort House Kitchen, we made sure to include enough room for a family to sit around for meals, with dark upholstered bar stools that are as practical as they are comfortable.
Zephyr and Stone • Resort House Kitchen
Zephyr and Stone • Coral House Kitchen
Work Zone
To create #masterchef moments in your new kitchen, a central work zone with a cooktop, good-size sink and dishwasher is essential. By keeping these key elements together, you’ll increase efficiency and reduce the need to walk a marathon while preparing food and cleaning up.
Include ample benchtop space and kitchen storage for high-use items here to optimise kitchen tasks and make loading and unloading of the dishwasher seamless. Your fridge should also sit within or adjacent to your work zone and within your kitchen working triangle, to maximise efficiency and functionality.
Appliance Cupboard
Hidden storage is essential in a multi-tasking kitchen, and integrating an appliance cupboard with bi-fold or pocket doors is the perfect way to add hidden storage and keep your kitchen benches clutter-free and tidy at all times… just like we’ve done here in our Scandinavian Kitchen.
An appliance cupboard adds so much functionality to your kitchen and can fit in the smallest of footprints to provide the perfect storage for small appliances like your toaster, kettle and blender for those early morning smoothies.
Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Kitchen
Zephyr and Stone • Retreat House Pantry
Walk-In Pantry
A walk-in pantry much like an appliance cupboard ensures small appliances can be kept out of sight and your kitchen bench tops are kept clutter-free. Better yet, if you’re in the enviable position and have the space for a walk-in pantry, this is the perfect place to customise and integrate a range of solutions to ensure all your storage needs are met… just like we’ve done in our Retreat House Pantry with a combination of open shelves, cupboard doors and plenty of bench top space!
Z+S Tip • If you are planning to include a sink in your walk-in-pantry, a bin is essential to maximise efficiency and functionality.
Study Zone
When we talk about multi-tasking kitchens we really mean it! The kitchen is the central hub of the home and designing it in a way that includes multiple zones is a clever way to stay connected with your family whilst maximising your floorplan. Whether you’re working from home, need a space for kids to do homework or have a handy spot to pay bills between dinner prep, a study zone is a must-have when creating the ultimate multi-tasking kitchen! Our Contemporary Coastal Kitchen was designed with an under-stair study nook just off the kitchen - complete with ample hidden storage for paperwork, books, a printer PLUS space for school bags - #multitasking at its best!
Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Study Nook
The Stables • Kitchen Corner Study Nook Design
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