​Molly Price

                                                                                               Frank Stitt knows a thing or two about kitchens. As the owner of                                                                                                          Highlands Bar and Grill, Bottega, and Chez Fon Fon, he’s seen his share of                                                                                            kitchen designs and knows what works and what doesn’t. Frank recently                                                                                                  spoke to AIA Birmingham at European Kitchen of Alabama about                                                                                                            functionality both at home and in commercial kitchens.

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                                                                                          “All the aesthetics come together when you create a place that feels really                                                                                              great. Architecture is so important,” Frank says, pointing out that it’s not                                                                                                only the food that makes a restaurant successful, but also the atmosphere.                                                                                              Aesthetically pleasing kitchens rely on design as well. In fact, Frank stresses                                                                                            the importance of making the kitchen a focal point in any home.

                                                                                       

                                                                                          “We all want to hang out in the kitchen. We all want be drawn into that                                                                                                      warmth,” Frank says. “For me, it was my mom’s kitchen that set the tone                                                                                                for what I do. Kitchens are the incredible, strong, spiritual center of our                                                                                                    home and our life, and I think that we’ve got to do whatever we can to                                                                                                      nurture and accentuate it."

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10 Tips for A Successful Kitchen

 

1.  Pivot Point . Keep essentia ls within reach. Kitchen layouts work best in a triangle design. Refrigerators, prep spaces, and sinks should be equidistant from each another, preferably less than 15 feet.

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2. Have a Seat. Every kitchen is different. Some may accommodate 4-6 guests; others can seat 8-10. A breakfast bar is a great option for maximizing seating without sacrificing square footage.

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3. Wash Up. Two sinks in separate locations are helpful. Designating a sink for prep and a sink for clean up helps keep messes to a minimum.

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4. Let Your Garden Grow. Herbs add flavor to any chef’s cuisine. Guarantee freshness by planting an at-home garden. Some of Frank’s favorites include rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley, and basil.

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5. Act Professional. An excellent ventilation system is key to any well-functioning kitchen. Installing a professional-grade hood is both a good investment and will keep your kitchen fresh and clean.

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6. Make it Count. It’s important to have prep space as well as serving space, especially if the design incorporates a breakfast bar or counter buffet. Limestone or granite countertops add quality to quantity.

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7. Give it Personality. Character and charm can come from folk art, retro lighting, or a rare flea market find. “My own kitchen is very simple,” Frank says. “I have an 18th century French butcher’s table, slides for knives, and big marble slabs.”

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8. Be Touchy Feely. Limestone sinks and wooden countertops invigorate the senses. Interesting textures and surfaces provide a stimulating environment for cooking and entertaining. Frank enjoys quality utensils that put you in contact with the food, such as sharp knives or a mortor and pestle.

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9. Let Your Light Shine. Natural lighting is a must. Utilize windows and open spaces to bring in lots of outside light. Overhead lighting is important as well. Look for fixtures that are both practical and pretty.

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10. Turn Up the Heat. Multiple ovens can be a huge time-saver when cooking for large groups. Frank says convection capability is essential, as well as a cooktop with at least six burners.