Do you live in the state of Maryland? Are you and your partner embarking on the next stage of your life? Are you talking about moving in together, or even getting married? How will you arrange your home so that you are both happy? Are you looking to custom build a home that suits both of you? If you both enjoy cooking and entertaining, how do you design a kitchen that you are both happy with?

Kitchen design: a sticky issue

The design of your kitchen seems to be a sticking point in relationships these days. In the old days, the kitchen was considered solely the domain of the wife and mother. Nowadays both halves of the partnership can be equally passionate about cooking and entertaining. Where do you find the middle ground?

In order to solve the sticky issues between whose appliance choices are implemented, my recommendation is to look for custom home builders in Maryland and talk to them about building your new home for you. They will sit down with you and help you choose a kitchen design and appliances that suit both of you.

Appliances that suit a busy couple

Before you sit down with your builder, it is a good idea to have a look at what appliances are on the market and how you can make them work in your kitchen. Here are my top tips on how to plan the best kitchen to fit your joint requirements:

• Consider smart appliances linked to the Internet of Things (IoT)
  

Smart appliances are the way of the future. They are both energy efficient, cost-effective, and look awesome when installed in your kitchen. By linking all your appliances to your smartphone, you can switch your kettle on while on your way home from work. You can then make a hot drink as soon as you get home. What a boon - not having to wait for the kettle to boil before you can have a cup of coffee!

• Consider an open-plan kitchen

There are pros and cons to building a home with an open-plan kitchen. The biggest disadvantage is that your guests will be able to look into your kitchen and see how untidy the kitchen is and whether there are stacks of dishes you haven't yet washed. On the other hand, the biggest advantage to an open-plan kitchen is that you are not excluded from your guests when you are cooking. You can be part of the conversation without feeling out of touch and left out.

• Combine your dining space with your cooking space
  

It's far more energy-efficient and cost-effective to combine your dining room with your kitchen. In many families, the kitchen is very often the hub of activity. It's where the family meets to discuss matters and talk about the day's happenings.

Final words

There are many ways to design your kitchen to meet your family's unique requirements. I believe that the most important thing to do as a couple is to communicate with each other, be clear on what you would like, and then finally, talk to your building company. They will be able to give you expert advice.