You say kitchen. We say live-in room. Is your kitchen just a kitchen, or has it begun to evolve?
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Kitchen |
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Live-In Room |
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Seating |
Straight-backed chairs or bar stools.
1 point |
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Comfortable upholstered pieces, such as a couch, club chairs or even a chaise lounge. Floor pillows for lounging.
5 points |
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| Layout |
Continuous countertops and walls of cabinets.
1 point |
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Space separated into several distinct yet overlapping zones: one created expressly for relaxation and entertainment, another for dining, working or crafting, and a third for meal preparation, cooking and clean up. 5 points
Counters of varying heights break up the space between the food prep area and living areas and reduce the appearance of counter clutter. Bonus 1 point! |
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Sinks |
One sink—under a window.
1 point |
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Multiple sinks—in the island, in the entertainment area, in the butler’s pantry.
5 points |
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Lighting |
Overhead lighting.
1 point |
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A mix of overhead and task lighting to meet every need. 5 points |
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Materials |
Tile, wood, or laminate floor. 1 point |
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A mix of materials, including different floor coverings, to delineate various zones.
5 points |
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Dishwasher |
One dishwasher. 1 point |
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Multiple dishwashers (such as one with special cycles for delicate china and stemware). 5 points |
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Appliances |
Appliance mishmash—different brands, different styles, even different colors.
0 points |
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Suite of appliances from one brand—so the look is sleek, stylish and uniform.
10 points |
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Entertainment |
Radio, TV. 1 point |
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Wireless speakers, surround sound audio systems, flat screen HDTVs that fold up under cabinets. 5 points |
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Desk |
Desk for paying bills.
2 points |
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Zone devoted to bill paying, crafting, homework, etc. 5 points |
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Custom work |
Standard finishes—this room is more about function than good looks.
1 point |
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Elaborate moldings, architectural details, specialty lighting, and custom-built floors and ceilings say this room is finally getting the attention it deserves. 5 points |
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Appliance placement |
Appliances that anchor the traditional work triangle.
1 point |
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Appliances that go beyond the work zone to be conveniently located. Who says a dishwasher drawer can’t find a place in the entertainment zone? 5 points |
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| Room’s purpose |
Room for cooking and eating. 1 point |
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The room for eating, cooking, entertaining, bill paying, napping, TV watching, web surfing, etc.—the room we live in. 5 points |
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