Do you covet the kitchens that you see on Barefoot Contessa or Trisha’s Southern Kitchen? Whether you’re an amateur chef or an occasional cook, gourmet kitchens make it easier for you to prep, cook, and enjoy your meals.

When designing your dream kitchen, there are several things to take into account.

What is a Gourmet Kitchen?

A gourmet kitchen is a step above a typical kitchen found in most homes. It is designed to make preparation of elaborate meals easier and more enjoyable and to create the ideal space for entertaining. Gourmet kitchens may vary from a starter to professional level, but all contain the following essential features:

  • Open Floor Plan
  • Spacious Island
  • Top-of-the-line Appliances
  • Good Lighting
  • Ample Storage Space

Things to Consider

The kitchen is one of the most important areas of your home. Before you start designing your dream kitchen, think about your household’s needs. Consider how you use your kitchen. Do you spend hours on end making pasta from scratch? Maybe you’re an avid baker who’s known for your chocolate cupcakes. Here are a few other things that you should consider in your gourmet kitchen:

  • Which appliances do you use frequently? Think beyond your everyday appliances. Do you often rely on a waffle maker, air fryer or slow cooker to make tasty meals?
  • How many chefs are typically in the kitchen? Do you and your spouse work in tandem while preparing food?
  • How much storage room do you need for appliances?
  • Do your guests mingle in the kitchen during parties?

This should all be taken into account when planning your kitchen. The last thing you want is to create a kitchen design that doesn’t fulfill your needs.

Here are our five essentials for gourmet kitchen designs:

1. Open Floor Plan

An open floor plan is a must-have for any gourmet kitchen. With an open kitchen layout, you can easily maneuver from your prep counter to the stove. Open floor plans also make entertaining a breeze. It allows you to engage with your guests while you put the final touches on dinner. Plus, it’s easy to serve meals when the kitchen and dining rooms are connected.

2. Spacious Island

Don’t forget to include a spacious island when designing your gourmet kitchen. Any chef or professional will tell you that you need more than the typical counter space for cooking your favorite meals. Large kitchen islands give you extra space for meal prep. Also, make sure to include a few power outlets on the side of your island so you can plug in food processors, blenders, and other small appliances.

Choose premium materials for your kitchen countertops and island – like natural granite or quartz. Both options come in a variety of colors to match your color scheme. These materials are not as porous as others, which makes them less likely to stain.

Kitchen islands are perfect for homeowners that enjoy entertaining. Guests can chat it up around the island during your wine and cheese parties or family gatherings. Kids can also work on their homework at the island while you whip up dinner.

what is a gourmet kitchen

3. The Right Appliances

No gourmet kitchen design is complete without top-of-the-line appliances. And stainless steel appliances make the kitchen look instantly more luxurious.

Every gourmet kitchen design should have a gas range. Although electric ranges heat up quicker, gas ranges allow you more control over the cooking temperature. Double ovens are also an excellent addition in any kitchen. They allow you to bake a red velvet cake in one oven while your panko-crusted chicken cooks to perfection in the other. Then, round out your cooking appliances with a warming drawer.

Last but not least, purchase a large refrigerator for your kitchen. French-door refrigerators give you ample room to store your produce, dairy products, and other perishable goods.

4. Lighting

Good lighting helps you work efficiently in the kitchen. The last thing you want to do is squint while reading recipes. Include sufficient lighting throughout the kitchen, including over your island and prep counters. We especially recommend pendant lights, as they’re a great way to brighten up the room.

5. Ample Storage Space

Every chef needs adequate storage space in the kitchen. Make sure your gourmet kitchen has enough room for your Dutch oven, cast iron skillets, pizza pans, and other cookware. Don’t forget to include drawers for all of your favorite tools like your cookie scoopers, vegetable peelers, and spatulas.

A walk-in pantry should also be included in your kitchen to provide enough room for your spices, baking ingredients, and that collection of fine olive oils. Designing a kitchen can be a daunting task. Don’t be afraid to seek help from a professional. If you are building a new home, many homebuilders have design centers that can help create your perfect gourmet kitchen design.

K. Hovnanian Homes has been building quality new homes across the U.S. for over 60 years. To find a K. Hovnanian community near you, visit khov.com

Last Updated on February 3, 2022