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Photo Credit Collov Home Design
grocery store becomes an extension of the home. Rather than the large walk-in pantry found in the suburban home, the pantry of an urban homeowner is indeed the grocery store shelf or the take-out restaurant you pass as you make your way home from a long day at the office.
What would you say are some features/trends these two kitchens have in common?
Countertop design
Both an urban and suburban kitchen have gone away from the granite to a quartz countertop. Trending are sealed (Azerocare by Antolini) marble countertops that are very forgiving of spills and stains. Both homeowners desire the luxury look without having to multiply their cost with an exotic stone countertop.
Having said that there is one BIG difference between urban and suburban countertops. Can you guess? An urban kitchen has very little on their counter whereas the suburban kitchen accessorizes their kitchen countertops. For example, I have clients who treat their color choice Kitchen-Aid mixer like a display piece. They want to have it out, even if they never use it! The suburban kitchen counters also hold cookbooks, candles, vases of fresh flowers which thankfully have replaced the old fashion fake plants. An urban kitchen has more the philosophy of function. If the item serves no function, it is put away.
Organizational systems
In recent years, kitchen organization tools have taken it to a whole new level. Look no further than Container Store and higher-end cabinetry lines will offer their own integrated offering of organization accessories. I’m guessing you probably had no idea you needed some of these systems but once you see them you want them! Both these homeowners are willing to pay some serious money for a custom designed organizational system for their kitchen. For the city kitchen, this is a very attractive selling feature as space is a premium. Each organized drawer serves a purpose, and no doubt is esthetically pleasing to the eye.
Open space
With the views of Lake Michigan out your window or the open floor concept of a suburban home, kitchen design has revolved around open space and unrestricted views. Open space concepts in kitchen design means less cabinets in particular upper cabinetry. Both kitchen owners will forgo cabinet space for open space and sightlines that allow for not missing out on family living.