Property in cluster area is always number one choice as a living space. So many types offered by developers with variative prices. The crowdedness of Jakarta is one of the reasons why houses in cluster area sold so well, especially in suburb of Jakarta. Another reason is how consumptive Indonesian people are because, to have a house in young age is the symbol of self-success.
For me, as one of young people under 30, have a fixed house is one of my dream. But I never think to have a house in suburb Jakarta. Other than traffic matters, most of choices that developers offer is not compatible with me or my husband living flow.
Sadly, there’s something that irritates me with these types of house. Well, the house design looks okay, but the kitchen really bothering me a lot. The kitchen design is so patched up. Which is:
Too small
This the problem in almost of new houses I’ve ever found. The kitchen is very small and not comfortable to use. A teeny tiny counter for potable stove and a single sink are what usually there.
Forgotten
The kitchen is small, in the corner, and outside, sometimes without proper roof.
Not functional
Size and dimension are not in a correct way. The counter is often too short both in length and height. No counter for chopping and sometimes a place to put gas canister (12kg) is not fit in height. And the worst of all, no proper ventilation.
Kitchen is so used to become the dirtiest room in the house. Before, kitchen was placed in like ‘unseen’ places. It was placed in outside, basement, and far away from nice things. More importantly, don’t let guests see the kitchen, kind of thing.
If we compare it with living room, kitchen is like the unwanted child. The stinky, smoky, and dirty child versus nice, clean, and fragrant child. Yes, it’s because living room is like the representation of a house. It should be nice and clean, it’s where people gather. The other hand, because kitchen is so dirty, people sees it like, sorry, ‘the servant’ room.
But less appealing doesn’t mean kitchen is not important. Kitchen is like the heart of a house. Thanks to technology, kitchen these days in not only a place to cook a meal. This is why we need more appreciation to kitchen.
Essential
Kitchen, other than bathroom, is the only room that have fixed purposes. The entire family use it day to day as it’s the centre of activities that happen in the house. People start their day with morning coffee or make a breakfast in the kitchen and end the day with washing the dishes.
Evolving
Kitchen’s purposes now have increase. Not only a place to prepare and cook a meal, it’s a new gathering place, the second living room. People these days enjoy chatting and socialize in the kitchen, especially when this pandemic happen. People try to cook more often and try new recipes.
Influence
A good kitchen influence people’s lifestyle. A clean kitchen makes healthier meal, healthier meal makes healthier family. Having a beautiful kitchen increase happiness and warmth in the family.
Kitchen is the most important room in the house. It’s not just a place to cook, it’s a place that bond family together. A place that make a house, a home.
So, if you’re an architect, please design the kitchen with more heart, especially with starter home *ehm* houses in cluster area *ehm*. Well, I know why developers make that kind of kitchen is to save budget, but functional kitchen is the root of healthier family, means healthier people for society. It's okay if the kitchen is small, at least, sell the house with kitchen counter, not concrete counter that too small to use.
Well, thank you, bye~
