When most people think of a fully functional kitchen, they envision a room with all of the major appliances necessary for cooking and food preparation. However, a truly functional kitchen is much more than that. In addition to having a stove, oven, refrigerator and dishwasher, a functional kitchen should also have plenty of counter space, storage space and be well-lit.
Counter space is important for preparing food and for staging ingredients while you cook. Storage space is crucial for keeping your pots, pans, dishes and other cooking utensils organized. And good lighting is essential for both safety and being able to see what you're doing while you cook.
Another element that can make or break a functional kitchen is the layout. A good layout allows for easy movement between the various areas of the kitchen so that you can efficiently prep, cook and clean up without feeling cramped or cluttered.
Ultimately, what makes a kitchen truly functional is how well it works for you and your specific needs. So if you love to cook, entertain frequently or simply need a place to eat breakfast each morning before work, make sure your kitchen meets those needs before anything else.