Why You Need To Pay Attention To This Kitchen

A modern farmhouse kitchen design that really works

Do you love the Modern Farmhouse look? This home, by Charles Vincent George Architects, combines the clean, modern lines of a contemporary home with the warm, authentic touches of an old-style farmhouse. If you're looking for some kitchen inspiration, check out the details of this space. Obviously a large amount of square footage seems to have been dedicated to this great-room space. It encompasses the kitchen, a pantry (that is also a hallway), a small home office, an informal dining area and a family room.

Tall ceilings, clean white cabinetry and tons of storage help create both a wide open and organized kitchen.

All photographs by Tony Soluri 

Create the work stations you really need in the kitchen

In order for a kitchen to be really functional, you must establish your work areas. It's a real luxury to have so much counter space in a kitchen. But look carefully at this modern farmhouse; each work area has been given a specific countertop space. There is the desk/work area, the butcher block baking and chopping station, the free countertop area above the microwave oven and next to the oven (for resting baking sheets and heavy bakeware).

The central island is really two islands: one for clean up and food prep and the other wood surface is for gathering and eating. These clearly defined areas make work go faster in the kitchen. And since this kitchen is most likely used for entertaining as well, the separate spaces mean that guests won't interfere with the actual cooking. 

This hallway provides access to the formal dining room behind a modern barn door. But what really works for this kitchen is the fact that the hallway is really a super organized pantry and work space. Natural light means that this narrow space actually feels bigger than it is, and makes working in this tight area much easier. While it has a sink and lots of countertop space, it's hidden from the main view which means that this space can be used for some of the messier tasks like baking.

Notice the long grey wall on the left; this is floor-to-ceiling storage, cleverly hidden. Drawers and cabinets fill this space, creating the perfect spot for extra dish ware, serving ware and food storage. 

Lots of open and closed shelving and storage means there is always room for cookbooks, treasures, vases and anything else this family may need to store. Situated about the two-person desk, this area provides ample organization for busy parents (or provides a homework area for children). Desks are usually the same height off the ground as a dining table, about 30". Countertops, by contrast, are 36" off the ground.

Sometimes, the lower, shorter surfaces in the kitchen become the dumping ground for groceries, backpacks and other just-walked-in-the-door items. You can alleviate this by having this lower area not right next to the main entrance to the kitchen, or by having other free countertop space available.