The size of a typical residential kitchen has increased over the years. In general, residential kitchens in the U.S. have gradually evolved into spaces that are not only for meal prepping but also for social functions. Many newly built homes feature kitchens that have large dining areas and open spaces for entertaining. Contemporary kitchens utilize an open-concept room design, combining the kitchen, dining, and living spaces into one.
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of St. Louis Park, a top kitchen remodeler discusses kitchen size and how big (or small) it should be.
The Average Kitchen Size
The size of your kitchen depends on the age of your home and what kind of remodeling was done. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) reports that the average kitchen sizes in the U.S. are about 161 square feet in single-story homes and 174 square feet in multi-story homes. For homes under 1,500 square feet, the average kitchen size is 103 square feet, while for homes over 4,000 square feet, 238 square feet.
The Ideal Kitchen Size
Small kitchens have plenty of benefits, including ease of maintenance, but generally have less room for food prep, storage, and appliances. Small kitchens are ideal for those who run a busy kitchen all day. Having a big kitchen, on the other hand, can make it tricky to fill the space. Instead of having a cozy, efficient kitchen space, this can leave the kitchen feeling cold and empty.
One piece of advice you would hear from your kitchen contractor is to step back and think about how you would use your kitchen space. Keep in mind that the best kitchen size doesn’t depend on what everybody else’s kitchen looks like, but rather on what you want out of your kitchen. Some people may prefer a small, compact kitchen, while others want a bigger space to work with.
Kitchen Size Considerations
When renovating your kitchen space, it’s best to ask yourself the following questions:
- How many people use the kitchen? If you live alone or with a partner, you may find it beneficial to invest in a smaller kitchen. If you have roommates or family with small children, you will need a bigger space to accommodate everyone. This is particularly important if you will be using the kitchen a lot to host large gatherings.
- How often do you cook? If you rarely cook, you could benefit from a smaller kitchen space. For example, if you’re too busy to sit and have breakfast, you may not need a breakfast bar but a simple countertop for your coffee machine. If you cook a lot, a bigger kitchen can give you sufficient space for cooking and storing ingredients.
- How much storage do you need? If you have plenty of appliances, dishware, or kitchen equipment, you might find it difficult to store them in a small kitchen space. Consider built-in kitchen elements to save space and maintain a seamless appearance, which makes kitchens look bigger than they are.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
Instead of searching online for a “home contractor near me,” turn to DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of St. Louis Park. With our top-quality kitchen remodeling services, we can help you design a kitchen that fits your needs and wants. Call us today at (952) 522-3008, or fill out our online contact form to book an appointment. We offer services in Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Robbinsdale, as well as Golden Valley, Roseville, Vadnais Heights, Whitebear Lakes, Stillwater, Afton, and Sunfish Lake.
