There’s one other essential work zone for the modern kitchen, a place to eat. Even if you have a separate dining room, you’ll want a spot in the kitchen where the family can enjoy casual meals, watch the chef without getting in his or her way, sit down for certain cooking task, and even do homework and other everyday projects. In fact, some families who are shot on space decide to do away with their dining rooms (which are rarely used except for special occasions anyway) in favor of spacious cat in kitchen and family rooms. Or they simply knock down the wall separating kitchen and dining room to link the two spaces. For your kitchen, the style of eating area you choose will have a major effect on how much square footage it requires.