Thomas Baugh asked:




Italian kitchens are famous around the world for their high level of style that doesn’t compromise in the slightest on functionality. But what makes a truly Italian kitchen?

There are two distinct types of Italian kitchens – classic and contemporary. So once you’ve decide you want an Italian style kitchen you then have to make the choice as to whether you want it to be more traditional or ultra modern.

Classic Italian kitchens are warm, inviting spaces that take us right back to old Italy. They’re the kind if kitchens you can see large families all cooking together in. They normally have wooden cupboards and a table in the middle of the room which adds to the family orientated quality of the kitchen. These kitchens are better suited to families and people that enjoy the more rustic style.

A contemporary Italian kitchen is ultra sleek and modern. The surfaces and cupboard doors will be much smoother and have cleaner lines. These kitchens are considered to be ultra hip and are often found in young couple’s homes or fitted in expensive city apartments.

What all Italian kitchens have in common is that they all obey a very basic principle and that is that they’re spaces you want to be in. An Italian kitchen is a joy to work in because everything looks and functions so well. Of course, there are certain features and materials that are traditionally used but it is this principle that underlies them all.

So if you really want to be authentically Italian, pick which type of kitchen you want and be sure to stay true to the one golden rule.

Renee Peterson asked:




Peninsula kitchens are similar to island kitchens. Where islands are accessible on all sides, though, peninsulas are only accessible on three. They work well in L-shaped kitchens that have lots of floor space but limited wall and counter space and usually extend perpendicularly from the main counter running against the wall.

The peninsula itself is many things in one. It is a table top as well as a countertop, with compartments located underneath for additional storage. In larger kitchens, it helps to minimize the work triangle, giving the cook a nearby surface on which to expedite the washing, cooking, and prepping process. At the same time, the peninsula diverts household traffic away from the work triangle, directing family through the kitchen on one side. They also make ideal dividers between the kitchen appliances and the eating area.

This does not mean that peninsulas exclude family and friends from activities in the kitchen. On the contrary, peninsulas often serve as snack bars, where guests can sit comfortably and socialize with the cook while waiting for a sit-down meal. Peninsulas accommodate seating for one to six people depending on their size. Family members can sip coffee and read the newspaper there while breakfast is cooking or use the space for sitting and gathering between meals. In this manner, peninsulas help to make the kitchen a pleasant hub for active lifestyles.

Since peninsulas do not close up the space between the kitchen and dining room, they help maintain an open feel between the two living spaces. In smaller kitchens, they can take the place of the kitchen table, while in larger spaces, they provide an area for quick, informal meals.

If you are planning to add a peninsula, it can be scaled to size of the kitchen. It is not, however, recommended for very small kitchens that don’t have the floor space. They can be equipped in a variety of ways to include or exclude cupboards, drawers, sink and stove top spaces, tabletop space, and accompanying stools. Though their material and design can vary widely, peninsulas usually have the same height and style as the existing kitchen elements and units. Peninsulas can be easily customized to have an original shape. They can be fitted into any corner of the kitchen.

Alycia Shapiro asked:




There comes a time in almost every little girl’s life where she wants to be exactly like her mom. This means that every little household chore is a new adventure, ranging from folding laundry to making a family meal. While these may seem like boring daily chores to a mother, they are exciting lessons that every little girl wants to take part in so she can be just like her mom. Toy kitchens and other pretend play products can provide little girls with everything they need to live out their adventures, and teach them lifelong lessons while they are having fun.

Imaginative play is great for any age child, ranging from toddlers all the way up to young adults. It gives children the opportunity to practice what being an adult will be like, even if they are pretending to cook a meal or checkout at a grocery store. It gives children the chance to open their mind and imagine what the world is going to be like, while allowing them to practice communication and social skills as well. Pretend play can help to trigger emotional and mental development as well, which are both key during a child’s first few years of life.

Kitchens are a great way to spark a child’s imagination. They come in a lare variety of different styles, colors, and designs, which makes it easy to find something that can fit into the d