The eat-in kitchen is making a comeback in Los Angeles homes, bringing back the traditional style of having an informal dining area connected to the kitchen. Homeowners in LA are increasingly appreciating the community feel and convenience of having a space where family and friends can gather for casual meals and quality time together.
Benefits of an Eat-In Kitchen
An eat-in kitchen offers many benefits for Los Angeles homeowners:
Saves Space
In a city where space is at a premium, an eat-in kitchen is an efficient use of square footage. It eliminates the need for a separate dining room, freeing up space for other uses. This makes eat-in kitchens ideal for smaller homes, apartments and condos in metro LA.
Promotes Community
Unlike a formal dining room, an eat-in kitchen invites intimacy and interaction. The open layout encourages conversation and connection during and after meals. This makes it a perfect family-friendly and social space.
Adds Value
An eat-in kitchen is a sought-after feature for many homebuyers in LA. By adding an eat-in layout, homeowners can boost their property value and appeal to buyers. This added value comes with minimal renovation costs compared to adding a separate dining room.
Provides Flexibility
Unlike a formal dining area, an eat-in kitchen can easily double as extra work space or home office space when not being used for dining. The open layout offers flexibility to adapt to a family’s changing needs.
Convenience
An eat-in kitchen allows the cook to entertain while preparing food. It’s convenient for casually eating meals as soon as they are cooked, without all the formalities of a dining room.
Brings People Together
Studies show that families who share meals together in an open kitchen layout tend to communicate more. The informal community feel fosters interaction and closeness between family and friends.
Design Trends for Eat-In Kitchens
Several trends are shaping the design of new eat-in kitchens in Los Angeles homes:
Large Kitchen Islands
The centerpiece of many eat-in Los Angeles kitchens is an oversized island. Islands provide additional counter space for meal prep while doubling as a casual dining area with bar stools on one side.
Open Shelving
Open shelving replaces upper cabinets in many LA eat-in kitchens. Showcasing dishes, glassware and cookbooks gives the room a lighter, less closed-off aesthetic.
Mix of Table Heights
Including a mix of counter height, bar height and regular height dining areas provides seating flexibility in open kitchen designs. Varied heights accommodate different activities.
Breakfast Nooks
Many eat-in kitchens feature cozy breakfast nooks, outfitted with plush benches and picture windows. Nooks create an intimate dining experience within the large, open room.
Large Sinks
To accommodate cooking and clean-up for small gatherings, new eat-in kitchens have huge sinks, often with two faucets or double the basin space. This allows for teamwork during cleanup.
Built-In Dining
Banquette seating, booth-style dining areas and custom-built bench seating are popular furnishing choices. They allow many eat-in kitchen designs to maximize dining space.
Indoor/Outdoor Flow
In Los Angeles, the temperate climate allows many eat-in kitchens to open to outdoor patios, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor dining areas.
Stylish & Functional Eat-In Kitchen Design Ideas
Eat-in kitchens should blend form and function. Here are some on-trend ideas for designing a stylish, welcoming and highly functional eat-in cooking space:
Include Lots of Gathering Space
A minimum of 3 feet clearance around the dining area allows family and friends ample elbow room. Include a pathway at least 4 feet wide from sink to stove for safe navigation.
Strategic Lighting
Use dimmable pendant lights above the kitchen island and dining table to set the mood. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates work surfaces. Recessed lighting provides overall brightness for cleaning.
Multi-Use Islands
Choose an island size at least 36-42 inches wide to allow for dining, food prep and cookbook storage. Include built-in electrical outlets and appliance garage doors for hiding small appliances.
Material Mixing
Combine materials like stainless steel, butcher block, marble, granite, tile and wood strategically throughout the kitchen. This adds visual interest through contrasting textures.
Hide the Mess
Keep the room looking tidy with drawers, cabinets and pull-out shelving for hiding cooking equipment, so surfaces remain free when dining.
Warm Metal Finishes
Brushed brass, oil-rubbed bronze, black stainless steel and matte black hardware/fixtures add an elegant, modern touch over cool silver tones.
Primarily Neutral
Use neutral paint colors like warm grays and soft whites on major surfaces, walls and cabinets to keep the space feeling airy and open. Boost character with punches of bolder accent colors.
Window Splashback
Frame the sink area with a full-height window instead of tile backsplash. This takes advantage of beautiful LA views and natural sunlight in the space.
Eat-In Kitchen Layout Considerations
Thoughtful layout is crucial for an eat-in kitchen that functions well and facilitates conversation. Here are important factors to consider:
Continuous Countertops
Unbroken stretches of countertop make for smooth meal prep. Locate appliances strategically within the counter run to allow multiple people to work simultaneously.
Triangle Workflow
Ideal eat-in kitchens feature working “triangles” between the refrigerator, stove and sink. This triangular workflow minimizes steps between tasks.
Direct Paths
With open floor plans, provide direct access between kitchen and dining zones. Avoid awkward step-downs, narrow halls or doorways that inhibit flow.
Gathering Place
The dining area should feel open, uncluttered and connected to the action. Position the table near (but not right against) the cooking area.
Smart Storage
Maximize use of corners, vertical space and the island for storage needs. This prevents the room from feeling cluttered.
Hide Messes
Keep cooking messes behind closed doors with cabinets that have doors instead of open shelving. This maintains an inviting aesthetic for diners.
Transitional Flooring
Use the same flooring materials in both the kitchen and dining zones to visually connect the spaces. Hardwood or natural stone flows nicely.
Eat-In Kitchen Dining Area Ideas
The dining area is arguably the most important design aspect of a functional, inviting eat-in kitchen. Consider these dining space ideas:
Banquette Seating
Built-in benches flanked by picture windows create cozy dining nooks. Include plush cushions and throw pillows for comfort.
Two-Tone Chairs
Mismatched chairs with different upper and lower colors make for casual, eclectic dining around the kitchen table.
Rustic Wood Table
A thick reclaimed wood dining table on metal legs has an industrial, earthy aesthetic that contrasts sleek cabinetry.
Statement Lighting
Use a dramatic dining room chandelier or pendant light to anchor the table visually and provide direct illumination.
High-Low Mix
Combine standard dining chairs with barstools around a large square table for seating flexibility.
Small Scale
For truly casual dining, opt for bistro-style tables and chairs that take up minimal space. These can be easily moved or stowed.
Kid-Friendly
For family-centered kitchens, include a small kids table with pint-sized chairs for young children to dine or do crafts.
Window Dining
Set a table and chairs in front of a bay window to take advantage of outside views and natural light during meals.
Bar Cart
A rolling bar cart tucked beside the dining table provides easy access to beverages and serveware while entertaining.
Eat-In Kitchen Island Ideas
As the multi-functional centerpiece of the room, the kitchen island should be thoughtfully designed:
Seating Space
Incorporate at least 16 inches of overhang on one side of the island to comfortably accommodate bar stools for dining.
Durable Surface
Select a heat, stain and scratch-resistant countertop material like quartz. This allows the island to work triple duty for dining, cooking prep and storage.
Multi-Level Design
Include counter height on one side for dining and standard height on the other side for food prep.
Personalize It
Add character by choosing an island finish that contrasts the main kitchen cabinetry, like a rich wood butcher block.
Smart Storage
Maximize storage with built-in cabinets, shelves and pull-out drawers integrated into the island design.
Gather ‘Round
Opt for a rounded or oval island shape to allow diners to see and interact with each other easily.
Display Space
Open shelving along the side or bottom of the island provides space for cookbooks, serving pieces and decorative items.
Charging Station
Incorporate electrical outlets into an island design to create a convenient charging station for phones and other devices.
Seamless Flow
Align the height and overhang of the island with any adjoining countertops for a streamlined, spacious look.
Go Mobile
For smaller kitchens, choose a wheeled island that can be moved as needed between cooking and dining functions.
Stylish & Functional Eat-In Kitchens in LA Homes
These stunning eat-in kitchen designs from Los Angeles area homes demonstrate how to artfully blend style and utility:
This mid-century modern kitchen features a rounded banquette nook with retro orange cushion upholstery. The nook’s picture window provides garden views while dining.
This airy, all-white kitchen uses wood elements to warm up the minimalist space. An oversized island with barstool seating doubles as a casual dining spot.
Cool gray cabinetry and modern pendant lighting give this eat-in kitchen a Scandinavian vibe. The wooden dining bench softens the sleek space.
This glamorous kitchen features a marble-topped island for dining and dramatic gold lighting fixtures above the table and prep areas.
A large farmhouse sink, subway tile backsplash and oversized wooden island give this eat-in kitchen a cozy, rustic vibe. The island provides extra prep space.
Vibrant turquoise lower cabinets energize this boho eat-in kitchen. An eclectic mix of dining chairs and pendant lighting channels laid-back style.
No matter your personal style, there are so many options for crafting an eat-in kitchen that suits your lifestyle and brings community back to mealtimes. This traditional layout continues to feel fresh and relevant for Los Angeles families and entertainers who appreciate both beauty and function. With an efficient, open floorplan and gather-round dining space, the eat-in kitchen reclaims its place as the heart of the home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eat-In Kitchens
What are the key elements of an eat-in kitchen design?
Some key elements to include are an oversized island with seating, ample work triangles between appliances, an open dining area, lots of multifunctional storage space, and durable surfaces that can handle cooking and dining.
How much space do you need for an eat-in kitchen?
Aim for at least 200 square feet to accommodate working zones, storage and a dining table with 4-6 chairs. Islands can help maximize efficiency in smaller kitchens.
What’s the ideal layout for an eat-in kitchen?
The optimal layout places the stove, sink and fridge in a triangular workflow. The dining area near (but not crowded against) the cooking zone allows for easy serving and interaction.
What dining table size works best?
For 4 people, a 36-42 inch round or square table is ideal. For 6 people, look for a table at least 48 inches wide, or 60 inches for 8. Bench seating can fit more diners in less space.
What island size is best for eat-in kitchens?
For eat-in purposes, your kitchen island should be at least 36-42 inches wide and 16 inches deep. This leaves room for bar stool seating and plates/glasses on one side.
Are eat-in kitchens popular?
Yes, eat-in kitchens are gaining popularity, especially in urban areas. Open floor plans allow them to feel more airy than a closed off kitchen. The communal feel suits modern lifestyles.
How can you make a small eat-in kitchen functional?
Opt for an island with barstool seating, open shelving instead of upper cabinets, a banquette space instead of a full table, and multifunctional furniture like fold-down tables or benches with hidden storage.
What are must-haves for an eat-in kitchen?
Some must-haves include an island, comfortable dining seating, ample lighting, durable and easy-clean surfaces, and smart storage solutions like drawers, organizers and built-in shelving.
What appliances work best in an eat-in kitchen?
Look for quiet appliances like french door refrigerators and dishwashers with sound insulation. Steam washing machines eliminate noisy spinning cycles. Induction cooktops avoid noisy ventilation needs.
Should an eat-in kitchen have an open or closed layout?
Eat-in kitchens work best with a very open, airflow-focused layout. Remove upper cabinets and peninsula walls that make the cook feel too closed off from diners. Keep the space connected.
