The Formal Kitchen

In our market, formal dining rooms are being eliminated or replaced with "flex rooms". Most home buyers want the square footage they are purchasing to be allocated for everyday living - not to simply display furniture that is rarely used.  Where then, does one entertain?  I predict the appearance of large butler pantries or "side kitchens" where most of the prep work for food preparation will take place, leaving the kitchen to remain clean and ideal for casual entertaining.  I base my prediction on feedback from families that I have designed homes and kitchens for, and overall trends I am noticing. 

Our Home-a-rama project has such a floorplan:  A large kitchen with built-in seating with an informal dining area on the side, and a large side kitchen with appliances and work space.  The kitchen will have a Viking Tuscany range, refrigerator, wine refrigerator and storage, sink and microwave.  The side kitchen, however, is the real workhorse.  It has a steam oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, and sink.  It also has a baking prep area with a lowered countertop for rolling dough and measuring dry ingredients, center work table, built-in cutlery storage, appliance lifts, as well as pantry and food storage. 

The side kitchen is an ideal place for caterers or help to prepare and stage food, leaving the kitchen open and clean for entertaining.  The kitchen is somewhat more formal, however, it is used for everyday living and is an efficient use of space! 
Marcy Lewis, home and kitchen designer