Your family’s dining preferences are an important consideration when planning a kitchen remodel. Should you design an eat-in kitchen or keep your dining room separate? Or should you try to get the best of both worlds? Local kitchen remodeler DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Reno takes a closer look at the benefits of each choice.

About the Eat-In Kitchen

An eat-in kitchen is designed to accommodate diners. Think of a typical 1950s-style diner complete with counter seating—that’s basically what it looks like. You can place stools near the island, turning that area into a breakfast bar. However, an eat-in kitchen can also have a large table and a few chairs arranged at the center of the room. This works well if you have adequate space in your kitchen.

The eat-in kitchen evokes a more casual setting, making it an excellent option if your family likes to gather together to enjoy food and good company. The layout also allows more social interaction because the cook can easily have a conversation with guests who are seated at the counter. More importantly, serving food can be done in a few steps, from the main workstation to the dining area. To enjoy the benefits of the eat-in kitchen, make sure you work with a reliable kitchen contractor like DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Reno. We can design a layout that ensures a seamless connection between the kitchen workstation and the dining area.

About the Separate Dining Area

While the eat-in kitchen gives off a relaxed vibe, a dining area separate from the kitchen offers a more formal dining experience. Traditional home layouts tend to have this kind of setup, but it can also be seen in modern and contemporary design aesthetics.

With a wall dividing the kitchen and the dining area, your family can enjoy meals peacefully without looking at the mess in the kitchen that needs to be cleaned up. Having a separate dining area is also beneficial if you regularly host many guests for Christmas or Thanksgiving.

Combining the Two Options

Another option to consider involves an open floor plan where the dining room and kitchen share a bigger communal space. The great thing about this layout is that both areas can be connected seamlessly by doing away with a partition wall. This provides an opportunity for simultaneous cooking and social interaction between members of the family or the hosts and guests.

Let Us Help You Make a Decision!

Can’t decide which type of setup is best for you and your home? The remodeling experts at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen are here to help! Give us a call at (775) 522-7888 or fill out our contact form to schedule a design center visit or a virtual consultation. We serve homeowners in Reno and nearby areas, including Spanish Springs and Verdi.