Cooking is hot, thanks to celebrity chefs and reality shows.  And the space where we do that cooking, our kitchen, is hot as well!  We’ve been hearing the buzz lately that the kitchen is the heart of the home.  According to RICKI (Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence) 67% of Americans socialize in their kitchens.  But what I really found interesting is that 86% of us are using this space for activities other than cooking.

Let’s take a look at the ways we use our kitchen:

• Eat meals and snacks
• Plan meals
• Take medications/vitamins
• Talk in person with family members and friends
• Talk on the phone
• Feed and care for pets
• Sort mail
• Read newspapers and magazines
• Entertain
• Do paperwork and pay bills
• Watch TV
• Care for plants
• Use computer
• Homework
• Laundry
• Play games
• Do crafts

Our changing lifestyles seem to be having an impact on the way we spend our time in the kitchen.  Since RICKI began conducting this survey in 2006, computer use in the kitchen has almost doubled!  Could it be that we’re multi-tasking?  Checking emails in between phone calls, doing dishes and food prep?  Or maybe we’re using our laptops to find the latest and greatest recipe for our family dinner.  I know that at one time or another I’ve participated in all of these activities in my kitchen, and definitely more than one at a time.  Talking on the phone while I’m loading the dishwasher and preparing for dinner.  Watering my plants while I’m feeding the dog.

How do you use your kitchen?  As a vibrant center of activity for your home, or as a strictly functional space used for meal preparation?  Do you feel that the way your kitchen looks is a reflection of you personally?  I would love to hear your comments.  Leave them below or email me from the contact page.