How do like this photo for Keeping It Real?

 

We were having dinner after a day on the beach at our beach house that we used to own. The families had all left to travel back to their homes. Now, it was just me and Bob eating leftovers where we always did when we were there alone, at the coffee table, vegging out and watching TV.

 

 We were Keeping it Real folks for the way zillions eat their meals — whether home or away, right?

 

So in wrapping up the kitchen section of My Next Life Series, the main question is this:

 

How are we really using our kitchens today? 

 

Most Boomers and Beyond say they are not really into much cooking these days. Of course, there are exceptions like my Aunt Bev and my Aunt Carolyn and some of you for sure.

 

Most of us are doing it simpler and hopefully healthier, but whatever is happening in our kitchens, it is okay to admit to our “new normal” way of eating and cooking today.

 

But for heavens sake, let’s Keep It Real and design our kitchens for this “new normal!”

 

Wrapping up what I would do but also do differently today in my kitchen:

 

#1: Island is free of a sink or stove

 

(Kitchen by Liz Schupanitz Designs)

 

#2: Very few upper cabinets 

 

(Kitchen by Mitzi Beach Interiors)

 

#3: Fewer but smarter appliances

 

(Kitchen by The Sky is the Limit Design)

 

This kitchen by Ian Stallings is very close to My Next Kitchen with the exception of not stacking three wall units of appliances at this height for ergonomic and safety reasons. Overall, however, you get the major differences for most of us as trailing Boomers and Beyond who are not cooking the way they used to cook.

 

 

For those wanting to truly go the small or tiny home route, Jessica Helgerson Interior Design designed this very charming and functional kitchen for almost a non-cook.

 

 

Now we are really getting minimalistic with this kitchen by Architecture Workshop PC! But for many, this is all the kitchen they really need or will ever use.

 

 

It can be done for all types of cooks. The secret is to identify which type of cook or non-cook you are and plan your kitchen accordingly, like they did in this kitchen by Design Matters.

 

 

I love this kitchen by Jason Arnold Interiors! Oozing with charming elements and textures. I don’t have to keep saying that I would tweak these examples. My purpose is to open up minds to think out of that standard kitchen.

 

 

This kitchen by GE Monogram Kitchens is beyond being way cool! I hear you on lack of counter space but that could easily be remedied with a cart or table. Wowser!

 

 

Leaving you all with my top two must haves for my next life kitchen:

 

Number one without a Boomer doubt is a Wolf steam combo wall oven.

 

 

Why? It is so healthy to cook with steam and also it is so fast and delicious!!

 

Number two is the GE Monogram speed cooking oven.

 

 

Why?

 

Again, fast and with the convection feature, almost any cooking or baking can be accomplished.

 

The less is more will be more and more relevant in our kitchens as many of us not only downsize our homes, but the way we live and the way we cook.

 

Here’s to your very best Next Life Kitchen whether it is upgrading where you now are, or like Bob and I, this will be happening in another kitchen somewhere.

 

Please stay in touch and let us all know what is happening. We truly would love to know!

 

Living and loving life together,

 

P.S. Be BoomerSmart®. Join the movement and click here to sign up to receive my emails with tips and trends for living a vibrant and chic life after 50. Also, don’t forget to click to follow our new “boomersmarts” Instagram page — a resource for boomers who want to live fabulous lives in homes they love.