In early American homes, kitchens were hidden away, often small and utilitarian, designed solely for meal preparation. They were functional workspaces with little thought given to aesthetics. By the mid-20th century, however, the kitchen began to open up, both in layout and purpose. Homeowners began to add personalized details to their kitchens, like colored cabinets and decorative displays. A variety of new appliances became available, like dishwashers and then microwaves, and in the 1990s, kitchens were growing.
Open-plan designs brought the kitchen into the social sphere, making the space an ideal place for family and guests to gather. The introduction of professional-grade appliances and streamlined cabinetry further elevated the kitchen’s status. We recently redesigned our friend’s home, and made sure to include lots of great kitchen features because he loves to cook and entertain. In the image above you can see the River Lane project’s kitchen. The layout is open with lots of light, because you know we love light! We installed a double oven of course, professional grade
Luxury Kitchens Today
Today’s luxury kitchens are masterpieces of form and function. Luxury materials like marble, quartz, and custom wood finishes create an elegant and inviting atmosphere. State-of-the-art appliances — from double ovens to built-in espresso machines — make cooking for holiday gatherings (almost) effortless. Lighting, often overlooked in earlier designs, is now a focal point, with layered fixtures that provide task and ambient lighting for everything from meal prep to festive dinner parties. In this image, you can see the overhead recessed lighting as well as undershelf lighting and glass doors that allow lots of natural light.
Kitchens and the Holiday Season
During the holiday season, a well-designed kitchen becomes a host’s best ally. Features like expansive countertops, spacious islands, and hidden storage ensure everything has a place, keeping the space organized even during the busiest times. For those who love entertaining, a wine fridge, warming drawer, or built-in bar can make hosting even more enjoyable. Kitchens with open layouts like the one above in our Latimer project, or direct connections to outdoor spaces allow for seamless movement and interaction, ensuring everyone feels included in the celebrations.
Designing Kitchens for Modern Lifestyles
For Dean Larkin Design, kitchens today, like all of the other spaces we create, are as much about creating experiences as they are about functionality. Homeowners seek spaces that reflect their personal style while offering timeless design. Custom cabinetry, innovative layouts, and thoughtful details like pull-out spice racks or touchless faucets cater to individual needs. Remember this cool step/storage space we discovered at KBIS earlier this year? Smart technology, such as app-controlled ovens, lighting systems, and hidden pantries like the one we installed in our Macapa project, adds a layer of convenience, allowing for more stress-free holiday hosting.
Kitchen design’s evolution from a hidden workspace to a luxurious centerpiece mirrors our changing lifestyles and values. Today’s kitchens are as much about creating memories as they are about preparing meals. During the holiday season, this transformation becomes even more apparent, as these spaces come alive with the warmth and joy of family and friends gathered together.
