<p>Some people think that a kitchen can only be a kitchen. Based on today&#8217;s modern needs where space can be an issue in many residences,</p>
<p>more and more kitchens are created in a way that allows these to function in ways other than their intended purpose.</p>
<p>More kitchen appliances and furniture are also multifunctional and are perfect for contemporary homes.</p>
<p>Since a kitchen is where food comes from, and food is what brings people together, updating your kitchen with considerations not only on look but also on function is a timely approach.</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><img class="aligncenter" title="Scavolini kitchen (before we started collecting *stuff*)" alt="kitchen" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2740/4457073044_db132da657.jpg" width="530" height="375" /></p>
<p>So, how do you create a more multifunctional kitchen? Here are some design tips.</p>
<h2>1. A kitchen shouldn&#8217;t be just about Food Preparation.</h2>
<p>Though the main task that needs to be performed in a kitchen is preparing food, when renovating, consider creating a space for serving food as well.</p>
<p>This is especially advantageous if you are pressed for space.</p>
<p>A kitchen counter, for instance, can be used for serving food, but you can also utilize the space when chopping, mixing, or arranging the dishes that are to be served.</p>
<h2>2. Take advantage of a Kitchen Island.</h2>
<p>Some people only use a kitchen island as an accessory. This is usually used as a divider so that there is a clear division between the dining area and cooking space.</p>
<p>But if you are living in an apartment or house with a small kitchen area, it is better if you also use a kitchen island in other ways.</p>
<p>If you are in a hurry, use the space to prepare food. With a few kitchen bar stools, it will also be easier for you to serve food on a kitchen island particularly if you and your family are in a hurry to go to work or school.</p>
<p>This will make preparation, eating and cleaning up much easier and quicker.</p>
<h2>3. A Well-designed Kitchen is also a Good Place for a variety of Leisure Activities.</h2>
<p>Are your kids always hanging out in the kitchen? Do you often find yourself reading a magazine or a book while dinner is cooking?</p>
<p>If so, then you can also incorporate leisure or intellectual activities while designing your kitchen. Plan a countertop with cabinets underneath for reading material storage.</p>
<p>Or have a few shelves where you can keep your books. These will also make your kitchen look more comfy, and the set up will allow you to keep an eye on your children as they do their homework there.</p>
<h2>4. Utilize Kitchen accessories or Finishes that are Multifunctional as well.</h2>
<p>For instance, you can have your pantry installed in a way that it looks like a part of the kitchen décor.</p>
<p>Also, make use of hybrid tools that don&#8217;t take up a lot of space, and make sure that these can be used for food preparation and storage too.</p>
<p>So, shop around for kitchen tools that serve a number of purposes.</p>
<h2>5. Opt for Portable Kitchen Appliances if Available.</h2>
<p>The beauty about portable appliances is that you can just store them in a cabinet after using so that your kitchen looks neater.</p>
<h5>Citations:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Rubber Slippers in Italy. &#8220;Scavolini kitchen (before we started collecting *stuff*)&#8221;. November 11, 2005. Online image. Flickr. May 20, 2013.</li>
</ul>
<h5>Featured images:</h5>
<p><span class="license">License: Creative Commons</span></p>
<p><span class="source">image source</span></p>
<p>The article is by Claire Neely, a freelancer who specializes in home improvement issues.</p>
<p>Many of her articles are about decorating the interior of homes, and some of these have been used by Susan Hopkins Interior Design.</p>

5 Tips For Creating A Multi-Functional Kitchen
