Natwerk Designs

Why are kitchens so small ?

I've seen a few large kitchens, but most of the kitchens I've seen are so small only one person can fit in them at one time . Many married couples / families like to make dinner together, and that's difficult in a small kitchen . I have been told that a kitchen is the most expensive room in a house, but once you have the refrigerater, the stove and the kitchen sink paid for, a large kitchen is exactly as cheap as a small kitchen . Why are kitchens so small ?

Public Comments

1. I don't know where you are living, because here in SoCal the trend is huge kitchens in most of the new housing developments. In fact, most of the houses being built have the kitchen as the largest room in the house, sporting islands, butlers, wine cellars and walk in pantries. If you are looking at older homes, like built in the 40's-70's kitchens are smaller because lifestyles were different then. Most of the time, families had stay at home moms who were largely responsible for doing most if not all, of the meal preparation. Galley kitchens were not uncommon because they didn't have to accomodate any one else in the kitchen, but mom. Now, we live differently and even use the kitchen as a prime entertaining area. That is why the open concept plans wherein kitchens open to other rooms, like the family room, media room, dining room or even the outside kitchen are so popular. It is also why the number one remodel of older homes is the kitchen.
2. Money. All the plumbing, electrical, gas.......plus the cost of cabinets and counters. Builders assume people aren't cooking much anymore, just reheating prepared items so who needs room for pots and pans, dishes, food stuff? I agree with you, they are too small! So are bathrooms!
3. Larger kitchens are great, but money talks. It's not just the stove and refrigerator. the bigger the kitchen, the more cabinets, both upper and lower, counter tops, Outlets, flooring. Many couples don't make dinner together. Maybe they would rather have a bigger entertainment area. Homes with larger kitchens are available. You just have to have your own priorities and the funds to back it up.
4. I bet alot of people are say omg money u konw its not just that if you bulid a house like my parents did you will have a huge kitchen if you buy a house that you konw wasn't bulit within the year 2005 the kitchen will be small IDK why though good point but I never saw a small kitchen :| well I did but I never lived in a house with a small kitchen