Las Vegans make the kitchen hub of home life
Not too many decades ago, homes were built with kitchens somewhat out of sight. Kitchens were made for preparing food, not for socializing. That's why dining rooms were created, went the old notion.
Well, that architectural trend has mostly faded away. Today's residences are kitchen-forward, so to speak. Now, kitchen spaces are to be lived in and enjoyed every day by residents and guests alike. They are often open to great rooms as the central nexus of home life.
Today's kitchens also are to be admired for their gourmet cuisine-enabling merits — meaning ovens, stoves, refrigerators and more.
"The trends we are noticing at Pardee Homes are a desire for upgraded appliances and lots of storage space," said Diane Salas, design studio manager for Pardee Homes. "Pardee offers granite countertops as standard, which continue to be popular, and multiple cabinet styles and finishes. Buyers also want kitchens that are multifunctional with plenty of space for cooking and gathering of family and guests."
William Lyon Homes recently opened its Design Studio in Downtown Summerlin.
"It is for our buyers to be able to go in and personalize their homes," said Kim Chitwood, director of marketing.
Chitwood notes that William Lyon Homes had previously relied on an online system for its customers to select the amenities, such as sinks and faucets, for their new homes. It lacked a tactile, personalized dimension.
"You really don't get the feeling of what your selections are," she said, describing the difference between clicking a button on a website and opening a refrigerator and looking inside.
The kitchen area is noticeably at the heart of the studio.
"We take pride in our kitchens, because we know that is the gathering area. We make sure that our islands are inviting, that there are ample options for options like appliances," Chitwood said. "We're able to option anything from Thermador and Wolf to upgraded Bosch. It's really open to the buyer."
Chitwood also points out that cabinetry is an essential part of the kitchen customization process.
Cupboards are just as important as stovetops for homeowners, and properly installing them takes significant care and expertise.
"It really is art, the people behind the scenes taking appliance plans and figuring how they are going to lay out. It's amazing," she said.
Currently, William Lyonsâs high-end clients are outfitting their new homes in Lago Vista at Lake Las Vegas; The Premier Collection — Stirling Ridge at The Ridges in Summerlin; and Tuscan Cliffs in Southern Highlands. The company has 10 more developments in process or planned throughout the metro area.
Tuscan Cliffs was presented with a 2015 Silver Nugget Award for its sleek, modern-styled Plan Three kitchen.
After purchasing a new home with a dream kitchen worthy of a bistro, there's still more to pick out and purchase. Smaller appliances and cookware implements such as pots and pans are still needed to whip up epic meals.
Retailers like the new Sur la Table retail store in Downtown Summerlin are helping fill luxury home cabinets with devices with highly regarded brands.
"Vitamix has been very popular as summer heats up. Our fully automated coffee machines from Jura, Delonghi and Nespresso are selling quite well," said Alex Le, district manager. "Another Summerlin favorite is our lines of Scanpan cookware."
Additional retailers like Williams-Sonoma, Nordstrom and Dillard's fill local kitchens with everything from pasta machines to panini presses.
