Why The Kitchen Is The Most Important Room In a Nigerian Home

It really would be injustice if the kitchen is not rated number one, in the order of importance when it comes to rooms in a Nigerian home. 

I remember growing up and having that tingly feeling of excitement anytime my mum steps into the kitchen after taking a break from her writing her lesson notes. This was usually after her daily teaching job.

That excitement then was epic. I and my siblings savored the thoughts of dinner and salivated at the mere whiff of aroma coming from the kitchen’s direction, singing praise of my mum’s great culinary skills.

I am sure you probably have almost the same story to tell.

But incase you have a different opinion, here are a number of reasons why I think the kitchen is the most important room in a home:

1. The Nigerian Kitchen is the heart of the home

They say the way to a man’s heart is through the stomach. Invariably we all know that what that simply means is a good cook would find favour of whatever form in the sight of a man. Therefore, if food draws a woman close to a man’s heart, then the room where food is prepared should be the heart of the home.

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Whether small or large, even if it’s just a small room where a stove and few utensils are placed, the kitchen still remains the hub . I’m sure you agree?of that home. It is where the meals are created – it fuels the bodies, minds and souls of friends and families all over the world.

Some even say that while life may be created in the bedroom, it is certainly lived in a  Nigerian kitchen?. I’m sure you agree?

2. Kitchens are no longer solely for cooking

Yeah! of a truth the function of kitchens has changed over time. There was an era when kitchens were typically only for cooking, however these days it goes beyond that. Whenever I remember the days of old when my mum will slave over a stove to prepare delicious, soul nourishing and unequivocally sumptuous meals till my Dad bought her a gas cooker, I realize what life would have been like without a mother (Na Kwashiorkor for kill person).

The kitchen was my mum’s domain where the meals that turned boys to men and girls to ladies were made.

In most cases children were encouraged to join and learn the art of cooking, the joy of preparing a family or holiday meal together, thus creating true memories of a lifetime. Kitchens are not sedate and quiet rooms. They are rooms filled with energy, aroma and texture. They were created with a purpose, one purpose in mind. They were created to be utilitarian spaces.

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3. The importance of kitchen size today

Today the importance of a good sized, productive kitchen is cannot be underestimated. It is, according to many, the most important room of the house. In today’s real estate, a house’s resale depends greatly on its kitchen. Its location and functionality are key. Older kitchens must be made to look newer, more streamlined and more modern. For resale purposes, it is not unheard of for sellers to bring in new accessories, paint and appliances are brought in to help the sale.

4. Today’s kitchen is much more than a kitchen

Today’s kitchen is today’s family living space.

These large rooms house several areas within. There is the normal area – the designated cooking space – thoughtfully, carefully planned and laid out. Then there’s the dining area, usually large enough to hold a table that comfortably seats 6 or more, and finally, in many of these larger kitchens, is the sitting area, so that in effect, the whole family can hang out together while cooking, working or relaxing.

Many new homes embracing the more casual lifestyle are being built without a dining room or formal living area. For those who enjoy entertaining and do so often, even the homes with formal dining and living areas find that the crowd usually gathers in the kitchen.

Do you think the kitchen is the most important room in your home? Have your say…

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