There is something special about having a cozy kitchen. Even large kitchens can be cozy. When choosing the kitchen layout of our dreams for our new home in the mountains, there were definitely some elements I wanted to incorporate – somehow – in the design.

One day recently, while walking through Home Depot with my daughter, Sarah, I stopped in my tracks while walking through the kitchen cabinet area. There was a setup of Kraftmaid’s Rocky Mountain Sky cabinets with a white granite countertop. I fell in love.

For our new home, I want there to be elements of brick, maybe some stone, light wide plank hardwood floors, and rustic beams across the ceiling, maybe shiplap on the ceiling as well. I figure if we are going to all the trouble at our age to build a smaller home than the one we just sold, we are going to do it right.

When I think of a kitchen, I think of a gathering place with the smells of fresh bread and delicious home cooking, and all these aromas of good southern cooking filtering out the screen door inviting all the neighbors to wonder what was on the menu. I think of a place where I can go in the middle of the night in my slippers, make some hot cocoa and relax on a nearby sofa with a book.

I visualize little feet of grandchildren asking if I can fix them a late night sandwich when they visit.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I visualize what I hope will be Thanksgiving in our new home in a couple years. The family gathered around the kitchen island and the dining table, or the fireplace, with laughter and naps and football on the TV.

As for the dining area, I sold our old dining set and sorta have my heart set on something of an Early American style. I haven’t decided yet, but some of these photos I have found sure are inspiring.

Big Bear (my hubby Bob) definitely wants his GE Monogram 6 burner gas 48″ stove and double ovens, built in microwave, and built in extra large Electrolux side-by-side Refrigerator/Freezer. We never seem to have enough refrigerator and freezer space, so this fridge will definitely take care of our needs. I am so excited to have all our ideas and dreams come together.

Kitchens are a special place in a home. I have memories of my mother in the kitchen cooking, and my grandmother in her old kitchen at her farmhouse in Walkersville, Maryland, cooking and making all kinds of banging noises with pots and pans. Kitchens, Cooking, and Family … I know I am ready to make memories in our new home.

“Happiness is a small house, with a big kitchen.” – Alfred Hitchcock

What does your dream kitchen look like?