Open-concept kitchens offer an attractive look and plenty of space for food preparation and socializing, but with one major drawback -- messes are left out in the open. Canton, Ohio-based custom builder Schumacher Homes has come up with a design solution that ensures kitchens are entertainment-ready with minimal clean-up necessary. The “messy kitchen,” a hidden prep kitchen tucked behind the main kitchen space, is showcased in Schumacher Homes’ latest model, the West Point, now open in Akron, Ohio. Founder and president Paul Schumacher talked to BUILDER about this new custom home trend and its features.
How long have you been offering messy kitchens?
The messy kitchen is a new and growing trend in custom home building. We have been incorporating this feature in our designs for approximately six months as demand has increased.
What do you include in them?
Our latest model home, the West Point, features a messy kitchen that includes full kitchen cabinetry complete with a refrigerator, sink and dishwasher in addition to a full wall of built-in shelving. Our homes are completely customizable and are inspired by the people who live in them. If a homeowner would like to add a stove or remove the refrigerator in this space, we can make it happen.
Do they differ from butler’s pantries?
Most butler’s pantries are located near the dining room and are more formal in design and use. The messy kitchen is designed to be an extension of the kitchen, is more casual and is tucked away so it doesn’t have to stay spotless. It can live up to its name of sometimes being a little bit messy.
How have home buyers reacted?
Our customers love it. We’ve had requests to incorporate this design element into more and more of our homes.
What other innovative features did you include in the West Point model?
The West Point was designed with the latest architectural and design trends in mind. The angled garage adds curb appeal to the Craftsman exterior while the interior features an abundance of storage between the family foyer with huge drop zone, laundry with tons of cabinet and counterspace and his and her walk-in closets in the master suite. The spa-inspired master bath is a ‘must see’ as well with a cast iron freestanding bathtub and large zero threshold shower with glass doors. The two-story great room welcomes in natural light and a floor-to-ceiling linear fireplace adds a contemporary feel to the home.
