Have you ever stopped and wondered why family and friends all tend to congregate in the kitchen? What is it about kitchens that evoke a mysterious magnetic attraction?

The household kitchen was designed for preparing and cooking meals. However, over the past few decades, the kitchen has slowly morphed into the epicenter of the home.

In fact, in most homes the kitchen wears many hats -- it’s the center of the family team huddle, the place for bantering with friends, the computer room for paying the bills, an entertainment center, a children’s art museum and lets not forget its original purpose -- a place to enjoy good food with family and friends.

We stopped to think about why this might be -- here are five reasons that explain why your kitchen is the heart of your home...

Good for the mind, body and soul -- Food nurtures the mind, body and soul. Without it, we would not survive. The kitchen provides a venue to store and prepare the food and nutrients our bodies need. Today, one in three American kids and teens are overweight or obese, triple the rate in 1963. In fact, childhood obesity is the number one health concern among parents in the United States, topping drug abuse and smoking. You want the best for your family, and it’s comforting to know you can help them develop healthy eating habits early in life that will bring lifelong benefits.   Get more info about this home

Family Fun in the Kitchen -- Kitchens also provide a space for fun family activities. Cooking and baking with your family is a great bonding experience. It also gives everyone an opportunity to get a little messy, create new things and learn new recipes.  Get more info about this home

The Entire Family Uses It -- In a home, there are many private rooms that only certain family members tend to utilize on a regular basis. Maybe dad loves his office, and the kids their playroom. However, each member of the family utilizes the kitchen every day. In recent years, families have begun to adapt their kitchens to provide a more supportive environment in which to congregate. For example, family computers have started to make their way into kitchens so kids can work on their homework while dinner is being made and parents can check a few items off their to-do list while still being in the kitchen with their loved ones. Because of this shift in kitchen dynamics, it is important your kitchen space is designed to be welcoming and conducive for family members to congregate. Get more info about this home

It’s a Must-Have -- Every home has a kitchen. It’s required. No other room other then the bathroom serves such a distinct purpose. Having a functional and modern kitchen is truly a blessing. It helps turn meal preparation into a pleasurable activity amidst the busy hustle and bustle of life. Get more info about this home

It Sets the Tone -- People invest a lot into kitchen upgrades because it is the most important room when it comes to the resale value of the home. Kitchens set the tone for the entire house. They have the ability to not only provide a meal but a complete experience. An inspiring space can mean the difference between a mediocre day and a fantastic day. For those not looking to renovate the entire kitchen, small upgrades can go a long way. Changing the cabinets and/or countertops can significantly transform the mood in the kitchen. Get more info about this home

***  If you'd like to learn more about these great kitchens, or see the homes they "live" in, click on the pictures.

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Featured properties may not be listed by the office/agent presenting this brochure.  Information has not been verified, is not guaranteed and is subject to change.  The data relating to real estate for sale on this report comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of Northern Kentucky MLS.