The layouts of modern fitted kitchens were originally designed to make life easier for housewives but times and lifestyles have changed, and appliances have become more efficient, and maybe our kitchen designs should change too.
 
Kitchens are becoming places where the whole family spends time and shares the chores. Open plan living is on the increase and kitchens are also places where we relax. Kitchen designs respond to this new way of living by becoming less uniform and more adaptable. Unfitted or part fitted kitchens are becoming spaces to enjoy spending time, with the warmth of an oven and the delicious smell of home cooked food.
 
Unique reclaimed items create character, especially if there is a story behind them, such as lovely pieces of architectural salvage, reclaimed wood, old accessories and furniture. Old wooden pine tables, butchers blocks or vintage draining boards are just as easy to simply scrub clean as their fitted counterparts. Church pews or an old sofa make comfy seating. Storage may may require a little more thought in design. But there is great delight in showing off china and pans on open shelving, dressers or pots on racks. There is creative fun too in repurposing old industrial metal cabinets, apothecary drawers and museum display cases into storage to give that eclectic look.
 
A major benefit of unfitted kitchen layouts is the flexibility of freestanding furniture and work stations which can have a traditional or modern look but with the added advantage of being easily able to change and adapt over time.
 
Energy can be saved too. Comfortable seating near a warm oven in kitchens can save heating costs. An old fashioned pantry can be created to keep food and drinks cooler which allows the use of an energy saving smaller fridge. Finish the look with low energy lighting in vintage enamelled metal shades hanging over the table or work surfaces.
 
For inspiration on unfitted kitchens see Salvowebpins on Pinterest or the Better Homes and Gardens link below. Find unique items on SalvoWEB and architectural salvage yards or craftspeople making bespoke furniture with reclaimed wood on the SalvoWEB directory. For further practical advice and kitchen sink ideas see the link below to Jens Reviews.