Indoor-Outdoor Kitchen with a dining space
The kitchen is a space of the home which I feel the most emphasis should be placed. In my household, the kitchen is the most important space, it is where my family and I really bonds and connects over things. I think in many homes, this space is clean cut, its aesthetic as if no one cooks in there, but just for show. My family and I have a pretty nice and updated space, but it’s cluttered with bottles of shoyu, oyster sauce, spices, a rice cooker, etc. And I think that the kitchen in mainstream has become the space to be aesthetic as if you can’t cook there. I know a trend is to hide your appliances, or people with large homes even have a prep room where the “grunt” work of the kitchen happens behind the “real” one. Its gentrified to become such an aesthetic space, but really why should we be hiding these things?
asian/immigrant style kitchen space
This photo I think demonstrates the opposite, THIS to me is what makes the an interior a home. A space to let things all “hang” out, where your appliances and pots, etc. don’t always match, it’s a space you can make your own where you don’t have to hide anything about who you are or what you do in your home. It is your home and your space, and I feel like this over done pinterest aesthetic is the opposite of a home.
What a refreshing perspective on the kitchen as the heart of the home! Your insight into the trend of concealing the practicalities of cooking behind a facade of perfection is both thought-provoking and relatable. Embracing the authenticity of a lived-in kitchen, where the traces of daily life are proudly on display, truly encapsulates the essence of what makes a house a home. Your photo exemplifies the warmth and character that come from letting things “hang out,” challenging the notion that a pristine aesthetic is synonymous with a welcoming space.
Your commentary on the kitchen as the heart of the home and the importance of authenticity in interior spaces resonates with themes found in Victorian domestic spaces, particularly those of the middle class. During the Victorian era, the home was often seen as a reflection of one’s social status and values. While the upper class might showcase elaborate decorations and luxurious furnishings, the middle class often emphasized practicality and functionality in their interiors.
Furthermore, Victorian middle-class interiors valued individuality and personalization. Families would often incorporate sentimental objects, family heirlooms, and homemade crafts into their living spaces, creating an environment that reflected their unique identity and experiences. This echoes your sentiment about the importance of letting things “hang out” and embracing the authenticity of a lived-in space.
Overall, your reflection on the kitchen as a space for connection and the celebration of individuality aligns with the values of Victorian middle-class interiors, where practicality, functionality, and personal expression were paramount.
Your perspective on the importance of the kitchen as a space for familial connection resonates deeply with Victorian ideals of the domestic interior. During the Victorian era, the home was viewed as a refuge from the outside world, and the kitchen served as the heart of that refuge. Much like your cluttered yet cherished kitchen, Victorian kitchens were often bustling with activity and filled with an eclectic mix of items, reflecting the lives and personalities of those who inhabited them. In contrast to modern trends of concealing appliances and achieving a polished aesthetic, the Victorian kitchen celebrated functionality and authenticity, valuing the lived-in feel that your kitchen exemplifies. Just as your kitchen is a space where you can truly be yourself, Victorian homes sought to create environments where individuals could embrace their true identities within the sanctuary of their own walls.
Your perspective that the kitchen is the most important space in the home resonates with me whole heartedly! As someone who loves to cook and bake even while entertaining I find I never have enough counter space–forget the storage of all the appliances. There is this trend as you pointed out to have a pristine kitchen look which I find unauthentic and inconvenient. Imagine having to take everything out and then put it away every time you cook or bake. My kitchen is clean and tidy but looks like it belongs to someone who loves to cook and bake.
Your post clearly ties to our discussion in lecture about the importance of interior homes reflecting the values of the middle class housewife during the Victorian era. While the upper class was concerned with opulent furniture and decor to reflect their status, the middle class turned to their contribution to society and values, their practical skills and authenticiYour
Your kitchen is a reflection of who you are and how you choose to live your life, what’s important to you. Your home is your sanctuary. This is how the Victorian housewives felt as well, the home was a refuge from the outside world and an expression of their values and personality.