The average size of residential kitchens in the United States has steadily increased over the years. This is why the kitchens in older homes are smaller and why the people who buy these homes prioritize kitchen expansions.
If you own a home that has seen some years, you’re probably wondering — do you need a bigger kitchen? Local kitchen contractor DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of West Collin County looks at kitchen sizes over the years and the factors to consider if you’re looking into expanding yours.
Kitchen Sizes Over the Years
On average, homes built before the 1900s were significantly smaller than they are today. The floor space was once occupied by large freestanding appliances such as wood-fired stoves. Electric appliances, gas-fired stoves, and efficient cabinet design were all in their infancy and weren’t popular until the post-World War II era when homes were bigger. Between the 1980s to the present, the average home size gradually increased to 2,600 square feet, with kitchens taking up between 200 to 400 square feet.
Apartments and condos typically have smaller-than-average kitchens – usually about 70 square feet. Homes with open floor plans typically have 175 to 200 square feet of kitchen space. New home designs typically have even larger kitchens at around 440 square feet. At the other end of the scale are homes about 4,800 square feet in size, with 720-square-foot kitchens.
Do You Need a Bigger Kitchen?
Increasing your kitchen’s footprint is an option worth considering with your kitchen remodeler. Make sure that you’re expanding your kitchen because you need it and not just for the sake of having a larger kitchen. The following are some factors that you need to consider before you commit to a kitchen expansion:
- People in your household. Unless you’re training to be a chef or are at least looking into improving your cooking skills, you probably don’t need a large kitchen. However, if your household has many children or is multi-generational, then you’ll need the extra space.
- Kitchen appliances. Appliances have large footprints and can quickly take up space. Instead of getting bigger appliances and a bigger kitchen to house them in, you’ll want to choose appliances you will use and take out the rest.
- Storage space. Everything in your kitchen — appliances, utensils, cookware and dinnerware should be stored or stationed somewhere. Before considering expanding your kitchen, talk to your remodeler about storage solutions, then decide if you need more space.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
Are you searching online for a “kitchen remodeling contractor near me“? DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of West Collin County offers a wide range of professional remodeling services, including kitchen, bath, and shower remodeling. To get started with a no-obligation consultation, call us at (469) 663-4900, or contact us online! We serve Plano, Allen, McKinney, Fairview, Frisco, Richardson, Murphy, Wylie, Prosper, Celina, and Carrollton.
