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Warm, inviting kitchen is hallmark of Hispanic homes

Focusing on the hot spot: a Latino home's kitchen

The kitchen has always been the hot spot - literally and figuratively - in Latino homes, and businesses are realizing the best way to earn their dollars is by focusing on this room.

According to the Georgia-based research firm Selig Center, the buying power of the Hispanic market is projected to grow at a rate of 8.2 percent from 1990 to 2009, compared to 4.9 percent for non-Hispanics. On top of that, the number of prosperous Hispanic households that earn $100,000 a year or more rose 137 percent from 1990 to 2000, according to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

"Because of our concept of familia, instead of being isolated, the kitchen and breakfast nook is an emphasis for Hispanics," says Scottsdale-based interior designer Ernesto Garcia of the Carlson Design Group.

Large, space-saving appliances are key, especially when the kitchen serves as a place to gather as well as to feed. An example is the popularity of the five-burner stove. General Electric introduced the fifth burner griddle on its freestanding gas range three years ago. According to the company’s merchandising general manager Michael McDermott, this feature was initially intended to cater to its Latino customers to heat tortillas or make quesadillas.

Since then, not only has it become popular with non-Hispanics who use it to make grilled cheese sandwiches and pancakes, but the company has looked to cater to the needs of other demographics as well. The Sabbath setting on a range comes in handy for Jewish consumers, as do the ranges that offer reversible wok grates for Asian clients.

The rich shades of green and red are long have been said to increase appetite and compliment food, hence those colors showing up in restaurants. Popular in the Hispanic culture, those tones fit in perfectly with kitchen designs, as do unique tiles on backsplashes.

"Handmade, authentic Mexican tiles are used decoration on walls, not just floors," said interior designer Norma Escandon Michaels, owner of NM Interiors.

"It brings that touch of the culture to the kitchen."