Is the Two-Kitchen Trend Transformative or Double the Trouble? (2024)

It might sound cliché to say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, but it is the space where we do a lot of living. Over the past century, the home kitchen has evolved from a workspace into a gathering spot—a change that demands sufficient room and multifunctional design. We're taught family recipes, sit at the kitchen island telling stories and sipping drinks, and hang our favorite photos and our children’s art on the refrigerator—it's truly a special place. Recently, architects and home designers have been redefining the concept of the working kitchen with a second, more function-specific space: the back kitchen.

The back kitchen—which is basically a pantry meets kitchenette or wet bar—is trending with designers, celebrities, and homeowners who want to keep certain elements of food prep out the way. Back kitchens and second kitchens are even showing up on home renovation shows like Rock the Block and Love It or List It.

Is the Two-Kitchen Trend Transformative or Double the Trouble? (1)

The Pros of Adding a Second Kitchen

Today, second kitchens are known by many other names: prep kitchens, working kitchens, sculleries, butler’s pantries, or even dirty kitchens. They are not, however, a new concept. In fact, many Jewish families who keep Kosher opt for a second kitchen to adhere to dietary laws, separating meat and dairy products more easily.

There are other practical reasons to consider a second kitchen, too: If you have a big family or host a lot of dinner parties, a second kitchen will double your fridge, oven, and counter options for assembling, storing, and cooking multiple dishes at once. It also gives you the option of keeping every appliance, sheet pan, and bowl you need close at hand without getting in the way. But the majority of homeowners who add a second kitchen do so mainly to relegate food prep, storage, and dirty dishes to a hidden space so they can entertain guests in a spotless main kitchen.

The Cons of Adding a Second Kitchen

If you have the desire and resources to add a second kitchen, it's worth at least mapping it out. But before you break out the blueprints, it's important to understand the downsides: Having a second kitchen to hide your dirty dishes doesn’t eliminate the need to clean—unfortunately, it doubles it. That means double the floors to sweep, double the counters to wipe, and—if it’s fully outfitted—double the kitchen appliances you’ll need to purchase, maintain, and repair.

In regards to the design, if your kitchen is open concept, adding a closed-off or hidden space without breaking the effect can be difficult or might require a complete layout change. Plus, many homeowners end up taking away space from their main kitchen for the second one.

Finally, you should consider how a second kitchen will affect your socializing and quality time with your loved ones. The kitchen is known as “the most popular room in the house” because of all of the conversation and life that happens there—but if you're cooking in a separate room from your family or you're in the back kitchen while entertaining, you could miss out on some memory making.

Is the Two-Kitchen Trend Transformative or Double the Trouble? (2024)

FAQs

Is the Two-Kitchen Trend Transformative or Double the Trouble? ›

If you have the desire and resources to add a second kitchen, it's worth at least mapping it out. But before you break out the blueprints, it's important to understand the downsides: Having a second kitchen to hide your dirty dishes doesn't eliminate the need to clean—unfortunately, it doubles it.

What is the point of two kitchens? ›

A second smaller kitchen adjacent to the main kitchen also known as a prep kitchen or scullery is coming back into style in modern home design. Here are the reasons why you should consider including one in your home. The purpose of the second kitchen is for food preparation, cleaning, and storage.

Are two-tone kitchens nice? ›

Two-tone kitchen cabinets are an easy modern way to make your space feel more exciting. Painting the lower cabinets in a dark color like navy, forest green, charcoal gray, or black grounds the room, while using white or another light neutral for the upper cabinets can create a light and airy feel on top.

Why do mansions have two kitchens? ›

As a solution, many new or updated luxury homes are offering multiple kitchens so people can entertain in the front, while prep and clean-up are reserved for the unseen spaces.

What is a double kitchen? ›

A double island kitchen is a kitchen with two islands. The added counter space, storage and food prep area can help improve the functionality and flow of your kitchen design. But of course, two islands require more space.

Will two tone kitchens go out of style? ›

Two-toned cabinets are timeless and will not likely go out of style in the new year. It denotes any type of kitchen space with two different tints, and a combination takes several forms. Two-toned kitchen cabinets are more than just a passing trend. With the appropriate colors, two-tone cabinets can be timeless.

Why do people need 2 kitchens? ›

It also gives you the option of keeping every appliance, sheet pan, and bowl you need close at hand without getting in the way. But the majority of homeowners who add a second kitchen do so mainly to relegate food prep, storage, and dirty dishes to a hidden space so they can entertain guests in a spotless main kitchen.

Do two-tone cabinets make a kitchen look bigger? ›

Opting for two-toned kitchen cabinets nearly always makes a space look larger by adding visual dynamics that weren't present before. Going light with your uppers and dark with your lowers will naturally draw the eye upward, creating an airy feel and increasing the way the space's height is perceived.

What is the best color for two-tone kitchen cabinets? ›

26 Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinet Ideas That Make a Dazzling Duo
  • 1Charcoal Gray + Classic White. ...
  • 2Black + Bright White. ...
  • 3Navy Blue + White. ...
  • 4Dark + Light Gray. ...
  • 5Teal + White. ...
  • 6Blue-Gray + White. ...
  • 7White + Dark Wood. ...
  • 8Green + Gold.
May 11, 2024

What color kitchen has best resale value? ›

6. What cabinet color has the best resale value? Most real estate agents will tell sellers that neutral colors will appeal to the widest audience. While white is a very popular color for kitchen cabinets, other neutrals like gray, black, and beige are also good.

What is the back kitchen trend? ›

Functionality: The primary purpose of back kitchens or a scullery is to streamline the overall functionality of your kitchen. These areas often come furnished with extra sinks, extra refrigerators or drink fridges, microwaves, generous counter space, and storage options.

Why do some cultures have two kitchens? ›

Dry and wet kitchen

Oils used in Asian cookery are incredibly important and used liberally. This causes airborne grease and odours. That is why some households have two separate kitchens. Guests are invited to the dry kitchen, but the heavy cooking and frying takes place in the wet kitchen.

Does a second kitchen add value to a home? ›

However, as the family grows even the largest kitchen space can become small and cramped. You may be thinking about an upgrade such as adding a second kitchen to your house, but is that feasible? A second kitchen does have its pros. It offers a second entertainment space and can increase the value of your home.

Is a two tone kitchen a good idea? ›

They provide more visual interest and create an elegant yet relaxing look. Incorporating a two-tone design into your kitchen is a great way to enhance the space. Plus, there are several details and finishes to choose from that will take your design over the top.

Are two toned kitchens classic? ›

You can create a timeless kitchen design by using two different tones with custom cabinets. Adding two tones to your kitchen cabinets is not only an innovative approach, but can create dimension, add elegance, and be personalized to fit any cabinet system.

Are double kitchen islands in style? ›

Ever felt as though one island simply wasn't enough for your kitchen? Well, we guess you're in luck. We've all seen the trend for double vanities, but the newest look in town is to mix up your kitchen design by installing dual kitchen islands.

Why you might need a second kitchen? ›

Adding a second kitchen will provide you with a sink to wash off messy hands or paint brushes, storage space to keep all of your accessories tidy, and plenty of bench space to work at, meaning extra flexibility for your studio.

What to use a second kitchen for? ›

BENEFITS OF A BACK KITCHEN

Day-to-day, they supplement storage space for food, beverages, and household supplies and hide small appliances out of sight so the primary kitchen remains clutter-free. They're perfect for housing serving pieces, glassware, and other entertaining accouterments not used on a regular basis.

Why do Muslims have two kitchens? ›

The two-kitchen trend: How it all started

They've long existed in kosher Jewish residences, as dietary laws forbid the mixing of meat and dairy. Islamic halal cooking and severe allergies also necessitate separate areas for certain ingredients.

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